The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite contemplation of the voices in our lives that impact our attitudes and actions towards others.
Discerning voices
The reading from the Second Letter to the Thessalonians warns the faithful about the Man of Lawlessness.
* [2:1–17] The Thessalonians have been shaken by a message purporting to come from Paul himself that the day of the Lord is already present. He warns against this deception in eschatology by citing a scenario of events that must first occur (2 Thes 2:3–12) before the end will come. The overall point Paul makes is the need to reject such lies as Satan sends; he also reaffirms the Thessalonians in their calling (2 Thes 2:13–14). They are to uphold what Paul himself has taught (2 Thes 2:15). There is a concluding prayer for their strengthening (2 Thes 2:16–17). 1
Psalm 96 is praise to God, Who comes in judgement.
* [Psalm 96] A hymn inviting all humanity to praise the glories of Israel’s God (Ps 96:1–3), who is the sole God (Ps 96:4–6). To the just ruler of all belongs worship (Ps 96:7–10); even inanimate creation is to offer praise (Ps 96:11–13). This Psalm has numerous verbal and thematic contacts with Is 40–55, as does Ps 98. Another version of the Psalm is 1 Chr 16:23–33.2
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus declares ‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!
* [23:23] The Mosaic law ordered tithing of the produce of the land (Lv 27:30; Dt 14:22–23), and the scribal tradition is said here to have extended this law to even the smallest herbs. The practice is criticized not in itself but because it shows the Pharisees’ preoccupation with matters of less importance while they neglect the weightier things of the law.3
Larry Hopp comments there are many voices clamoring to direct our response to everything impacting our lives and even how we think about all that is occurring.
HE is reminding us that our actions are what really count. Our actions are what unveils the true nature of our heart. Jesus is indeed watching how we respond to those around us with different views, those that react differently to the challenges that threaten to overtake us all. The Pharisees thought they were right and had all the right answers, yet Jesus points out how far off they really were. This lesson screams how critical humility is in our walk with Jesus. Are we listening to the cries of those around us? Are we seeking to understand the life story of others and are we showing empathy and love? Do they see Jesus and HIS love through our response to them? In these troubling times, we must never forget that only God has the answers, only HE has the complete perspective, we are simply called to let HIS amazing love flow through us.4
Don Schwager quotes “Neglecting Weighty Matters of Love and Justice,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).
"Not only among the Jews but among ourselves as well, we find people sinning in these ways. They are swallowing camels. People of this type frequently show off their religion even in the smallest of things. They are rightly called hypocrites for wanting to exploit their religiosity before men but being unwilling to undertake that very faith which God himself has justified. Therefore the imitators of the scribes and Pharisees must be dislodged and sent away from us, lest a woe touches us in the same way it touches them. The scribes could be described as those who valued nothing found in the Scriptures except its plain sense interpreted legalistically. Meanwhile they condemn those who look into the very depths of God himself. Mint and dill and cummin are only spices for food but are not themselves substantial food. What substantive food would mean in conversion would be that which is necessary for the justification of our souls - faith and love - unlike these legalisms, which are more like condiments and flavorings. It is as if a meal might be thought to consist more of condiments and flavorings than the food itself. The seriousness of judgment is neglected while great attention is given to minor matters. Spiritual exercises which in and of themselves are hardly justice are spoken of as justice and compassion and faith. It is lacking in justice to treat these small parts as the whole. When we do not offer to God the observance of all that is necessary for worship, we fail altogether." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 19-20)5
The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 23:23-26 notes that Jesus’ words are an ardent plea to tackle those deeper issues and rid our lives of anything that is causing “stains.” But how do we go about doing that? To know how to clean something well, you have to know what kind of “dirt” you’re trying to remove. So ask the Spirit to point out just one area of temptation or sin.
Cleaning can be messy, but don’t let that deter you. It’s worth the effort. If you begin to cleanse greed, jealousy, or pride from your heart, you’ll feel less driven to compare yourself to other people. If you can forgive a past hurt, you’ll feel less bound by anger, bitterness, or fear. Peace and joy will follow.6
Friar Jude Winkler comments on the direction in 2 Thessalonians to remain steadfast. This letter was likely written after Paul’s career. Friar Jude reminds us of Jesus' effective use of exaggeration to urge justice, mercy, and fidelity.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces author Valarie Kaur, a Sikh activist and civil rights lawyer, who writes about social change through the metaphor of childbirth—both acts of “revolutionary love.” In her words he finds a powerful description of contemplation and action, of how we endure the pain of Disorder until we find the courage and grace to enter Reorder. We listen and act, rest and respond, until our work is informed by deeper wisdom.
I believe that deep wisdom resides within each of us. Some call this voice by different sacred names—Spirit, God, Jesus, Allah, Om, Buddha-nature, Waheguru. Others think of this voice as the intuition one hears when in a calm state of mind. . . . Whatever name we choose, listening to our deepest wisdom requires disciplined practice. The loudest voices in the world right now are ones running on the energy of fear, criticism, and cruelty. The voices we spend the most time listening to, in the world and inside our own minds, shape the way we see, how we feel, and what we do. When I spend time listening to people who are speaking from their deepest wisdom, I can feel understanding, inspiration, and energy nourish the root of my own wisdom. But I must not lose myself at the feet of others. My most vigilant spiritual practice is finding the seconds of solitude to get quiet enough to hear the Wise Woman in me.7
We journey in an environment of many voices urging us to accept offers that claim to bring us a better life. Our contemplation of these enticements in patience and humility will open the door for the Spirit to assist in our remaining steadfast in the practices of Jesus that bring fullness of life.
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