Sin and Shrewdness

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today offer contrast between sinful behaviour and our Baptismal anointing as priest, prophet, and leader using our gifts in a shrewd Way to encourage fullness of life.

Shrewd Action for Life

The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Philippians contrasts Wrong Conduct and Our Goal.

* [3:17–21] Paul and those who live a life centered in Christ, envisaging both his suffering and resurrection, provide a model that is the opposite of opponents who reject Christ’s cross (cf. 1 Cor 1:23).

* [3:17] Being imitators of me: not arrogance, but humble simplicity, since all his converts know that Paul is wholly dedicated to imitating Christ (1 Cor 11:1; cf. also Phil 4:9; 1 Thes 1:6; 2 Thes 3:7, 9; 1 Cor 4:6).

* [3:20] Citizenship: Christians constitute a colony of heaven, as Philippi was a colonia of Rome (Acts 16:12). The hope Paul expresses involves the final coming of Christ, not a status already attained, such as the opponents claim. (Philippians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 122 is a Song of Praise and Prayer for Jerusalem.

* [Psalm 122] A song of Zion, sung by pilgrims obeying the law to visit Jerusalem three times on a journey. The singer anticipates joining the procession into the city (Ps 122:1–3). Jerusalem is a place of encounter, where the people praise God (Ps 122:4) and hear the divine justice mediated by the king (Ps 122:5). The very buildings bespeak God’s power (cf. Ps 48:13–15). May the grace of this place transform the people’s lives (Ps 122:6–9)! (Psalms, PSALM 122 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus teaches the Parable of the Dishonest Manager.

* [16:1–8a] The parable of the dishonest steward has to be understood in the light of the Palestinian custom of agents acting on behalf of their masters and the usurious practices common to such agents. The dishonesty of the steward consisted in the squandering of his master’s property (Lk 16:1) and not in any subsequent graft. The master commends the dishonest steward who has forgone his own usurious commission on the business transaction by having the debtors write new notes that reflected only the real amount owed the master (i.e., minus the steward’s profit). The dishonest steward acts in this way in order to ingratiate himself with the debtors because he knows he is being dismissed from his position (Lk 16:3). The parable, then, teaches the prudent use of one’s material goods in light of an imminent crisis.

* [16:6] One hundred measures: literally, “one hundred baths.” A bath is a Hebrew unit of liquid measurement equivalent to eight or nine gallons.

* [16:7] One hundred kors: a kor is a Hebrew unit of dry measure for grain or wheat equivalent to ten or twelve bushels. (Luke, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

Vivian Amu comments that, whether relational or spiritual, our decisions extend beyond ourselves and reverberate through our communities and relationships. To be mindful of this, we require wisdom.

Wisdom is not just about being clever. Wisdom is born when we align our experiential insights with our principles and responsibilities. Wisdom is essential in navigating the complexities of relationships, responsibilities, norms, and society. Wisdom helps us balance our individual ambitions with our commitment to the greater good. Being prudent stewards of the hearts of others, the talents of others, natural resources, and financial resources encourages collective trust in any community. So maybe we could reflect on the following: Would others consider us good stewards? Are we able to make the most of any situation, even when we have made a mistake? Who are our models for good stewardship in our lives? Who are exemplars of the voice of wisdom around us? (Amu, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus recommends the foresight, prudence, and ingenuity of the steward,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Why did the Lord Jesus Christ present this parable to us? He surely did not approve of that cheat of a servant who cheated his master, stole from him and did not make it up from his own pocket. On top of that, he also did some extra pilfering. He caused his master further loss, in order to prepare a little nest of quiet and security for himself after he lost his job. Why did the Lord set this before us? It is not because that servant cheated but because he exercised foresight for the future. When even a cheat is praised for his ingenuity, Christians who make no such provision blush. I mean, this is what he added, 'Behold, the children of this age are more prudent than the children of light.' They perpetrate frauds in order to secure their future. In what life, after all, did that steward insure himself like that? What one was he going to quit when he bowed to his master's decision? He was insuring himself for a life that was going to end. Would you not insure yourself for eternal life?" (excerpt from 359A.10.) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Philippians 3:17–4:1 comments that St. Francis of Assisi sometimes referred to his body as “Brother Ass”? By calling it “Brother,” he made it clear that he saw his body as essentially good—it’s God’s gift, after all. But he included “Ass” because experience told him that his body could be as obstinate as a donkey. Like all of us, he knew that his body didn’t always cooperate with him, just as donkeys don’t always cooperate!

So when you feel your body tugging you the wrong way, follow Paul’s advice and “stand firm in the Lord” (Philippians 4:1). Remember the future that awaits you, and let the power of Jesus’ resurrection strengthen you and give you his peace.

“Jesus, help me to keep my gaze fixed on your promise to glorify me, body and soul!” (Meditation on Philippians 3:17–4:1, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler discusses how the Philippians passage identifies some members of the community for whom the belly has become their glory and their enjoyment of earthly things is excessive. We need to say “No” to things that take us away from our focus. Friar notes that our encouragement to be clever is directed to spiritual things that we also address by being gentle as doves.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, explores how opening ourselves to the flow of God’s unconditional love allows us to pass it on.

In one of his letters, Paul says, “The yes is always found in Christ,” the yes to reality (see 2 Corinthians 1:20). We are living in love if we can maintain a daily yes. That doesn’t mean we don’t recognize injustice and stand against it, but we don’t let our hearts become hardened and our minds become rigid in its judgments. Love is always a yes. Even though we might see little or big problems, we don’t let it stop the yes. I find in my old age that I’ve eventually had to forgive everything. Everything! Myself, my parents, the Catholic Church, the United States of America.  

Once we stop expecting, needing, or demanding that something or someone be perfect, we’re much happier. We’re doing ourselves and the world a favor. It’s not easy to do apart from the life and grace of God flowing through us. That’s why, for me, the notion of God as Trinity, the flow of relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is so important. Without that daily flow, we get trapped in the negatives. We all do. We all will, unless we tap into the love of God flowing through us. (Rohr, n.d.)

We experience wisdom about many things in ourselves and the people we encounter and we seek the guidance of the Spirit to apply that wisdom to our work in the field for Christ.

References

Amu, V. (2024, November 7). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 8, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/110824.html 

Luke, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 8, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/16?1 

Meditation on Philippians 3:17–4:1. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 8, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/11/08/1124421/ 

Philippians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 8, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/philippians/3?17 

Psalms, PSALM 122 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 8, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/122?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). God’s Love Includes Imperfection. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 8, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/gods-love-includes-imperfection/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Necessity of Prudent Foresight. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 8, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=nov8 

Reality and Repentance

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, the Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi, challenge us to openness to the prompting of the Spirit that invites us to a deeper relationship with Christ and the people and places we encounter on our journey.

Reflection on our Way

In the reading from the Book of Job, The Lord Answers Job

* [38:1] Now the Lord enters the debate and addresses two discourses (chaps. 38–39 and 40–41) to Job, speaking of divine wisdom and power. Such things are altogether beyond the capacity of Job. Out of the storm: frequently the background of the appearances of the Lord in the Old Testament; cf. Ps 18; 50; Na 1:3; Hb 3:2–15.

* [38:3] Gird up your loins: prepare for combat—figuratively, be ready to defend yourself in debate.

* [38:7] Sons of God: see note on 1:6.

* [38:21] Ironic, but not a harsh rebuke. (Job, CHAPTER 38 | USCCB, n.d.)

* [40:4–5] Job’s first reaction is humble, but also seemingly cautious. (Job, CHAPTER 40 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 139 praises the Inescapable God

* [Psalm 139] A hymnic meditation on God’s omnipresence and omniscience. The psalmist is keenly aware of God’s all-knowing gaze (Ps 139:1–6), of God’s presence in every part of the universe (Ps 139:7–12), and of God’s control over the psalmist’s very self (Ps 139:13–16). Summing up Ps 139:1–16, 17–18 express wonder. There is only one place hostile to God’s rule—wicked people. The psalmist prays to be removed from their company (Ps 139:19–24). (Psalms, PSALM 139 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus expresses woes to Unrepentant Cities.

* [10:13–16] The call to repentance that is a part of the proclamation of the kingdom brings with it a severe judgment for those who hear it and reject it.

* [10:15] The netherworld: the underworld, the place of the dead (Acts 2:27, 31) here contrasted with heaven; see also note on Mt 11:23. (Luke, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Larry Gillick, S.J. comments that Jesus sends them and us to speak about is not personal reconstruction so we can feel better about ourselves as we advance. Fr Gillick worries that writers and preachers and those who hear and read the Gospels are tempted to promote “personal behavior” adjustments and so read and listen to the Good News as instructive and indicting about our personal and daily activities. Well that can sound pretty good, Jesus came as a Behaviorist, change your actions and you’ll look a lot like Jesus. That can sound pretty good too.

As a young Jesuit I worked a long time on just such a plan and it depressed me, because it was all about my getting better in my own eyes, my own sense which I then projected onto Jesus. Now I had Jesus over there pointing out my faults and misbehaviors and I assumed He was as disappointed in me as I was about the same “poor me”. I called that, Ignatian Dis-spiritualization. It was and I did never improve by trying to improve. What changed? Jesus’ finger changed from pointing to inviting, “And that has made all the difference.”

I am almost at the end, hang on!  Jesus is sending these men whom we assume have not perfectly self-improved, to live and speak the words of comfort of the loving-creative God Who has sent this comfort into the world in the human flesh of Jesus, Who invites rather than indicts. In short, we change our behaviors from within! The Word is a seed that grows in time and inside and does not constantly self-examines to see if the growth is enough.

The great works of Francis and so many others flow outwards from our spirits, and those outwirdlies are more personal inviting than condemning words of logic and force. (Gillick, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “Christ speaks through the disciples,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"Christ gives those who love instruction the assurance that whatever is said concerning him by the holy apostles or evangelists is to be received necessarily without any doubt and to be crowned with the words of truth. He who hears them, hears Christ. For the blessed Paul also said, 'You desire proof that Christ is speaking in me' (2 Corinthians 13:3). Christ himself somewhere also said to the holy disciples, 'For it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaks in you' (Matthew 10:20). Christ speaks in them by the consubstantial Spirit. If it is true, and plainly it is, that they speak by Christ, how can they err? He affirms that he who does not hear them, does not hear Christ, and that he who rejects them rejects Christ, and with him the Father."(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 63) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 10:13-16 comments that Jesus wanted the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum to experience God’s goodness and mercy. He invited them to repent so that they could be relieved of their guilt and rediscover the beauty that lay within them. Every one of the miracles he performed in their midst was meant as a sign of the new life he was offering them. If only they would repent and receive that new life!

Your heavenly Father is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in kindness (Psalm 103:8). Jesus has come to save, not to condemn (John 3:17). Take these truths with you the next time you celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. And watch to see how your inner beauty shines forth!

“Thank you, Lord, for your love! Teach me the joy and freedom of repentance.” (Meditation on Luke 10:13-16, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the passage in the Book of Job where God comes to question Job after he has been challenged by his friends and invites surrender to the One who has arranged the universe. The villages near Capernaum allowed familiarity with Jesus to create an attitude of “What have you done for me lately?” Friar Jude reminds us that Luke aimed his teaching at Gentiles to extend the Promise beyond the limits of Israel.

Dan Horan reflects on how the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi resonates with his decision, after a substantial period of prayerful discernment, that he is no longer called to remain a friar minor. He shares this news publicly, with the support of his religious superiors, on an important and symbolically significant day for the Franciscan family.

Throughout this journey I have been renewed in my Catholic faith and love of the church. My departure from religious life and retirement from sacramental ministry is in no way a sign of a lack of faith or belief. Instead, it is an affirmation of the dynamic and often surprising direction of the Holy Spirit, whom the psalmist describes as the one sent to "renew the face of the earth" (Psalms 104:30). I feel renewed in my baptismal calling as part of the Body of Christ, willing to serve the church and world in new ways. My state of life, as the church often refers to it, may have changed, but my faith in God has not. (Horan, n.d.)

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, names the passing on of love as the great gift of Francis of Assisi. Contemplative minds and hearts such as those of Francis and Clare are alone prepared to hand on the Great Mystery from age to age and from person to person. The utilitarian and calculating mind distorts the message at its core. The contemplative, nondual mind inherently creates a great “communion of saints,” which is so obviously scattered, hidden, and amorphous that no one can say, “Here it is,” or “There it is,” but instead it is always “among you” (Luke 17:21)—invisible and uninteresting to most, but obvious and ecstatic to those who seek (see Matthew 22:14).

From the Trinity to Jesus, the energetic movement of receiving and giving Love begins. Then, from Jesus to many—Francis and Clare, Bonaventure and Scotus, Thérèse of Lisieux, Teilhard de Chardin, Mother Teresa, Thomas Merton, Dorothy Day, Pope Francis, and now we ourselves—we are all part of this one great parade, “partners in God’s triumphal procession,” as Paul calls it, “spreading the knowledge of God like a sweet smell everywhere” (2 Corinthians 2:14), much more a transmission of authentic life and love than of mere ideas or doctrines.  

It is remarkable to know that findings about mirror neurons almost prove that this energetic movement is the case, even physiologically and interpersonally. [1] It is not just pious poetry. If we have never received a gaze of love, we do not even have the neural ability to hand it on. We cannot really imagine love, much less pass it on, until we have accepted that someone—God, another person, or even an animal—could fully accept us as we are. (Rohr, n.d.)

We ponder the power of Love to reveal truth, beauty, and goodness and to shape our actions as disciples of Christ.

References

Gillick, L. (2024, October 4). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved October 4, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/100424.html 

Horan, D. (n.d.). Always a Franciscan in spirit, but no longer a friar. National Catholic Reporter | The Independent News Source. Retrieved October 4, 2024, from https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/guest-voices/always-franciscan-spirit-no-longer-friar 

Job, CHAPTER 38 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 4, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/job/38 

Job, CHAPTER 40 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 4, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/job/40 

Luke, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 4, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/10?13 

Meditation on Luke 10:13-16. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved October 4, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/10/04/1096816/ 

Psalms, PSALM 139 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 4, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/139?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Contemplation and Love. Richard Rohr. Retrieved October 4, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/contemplation-and-love/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). He Who Hears You Hears Me. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 4, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=oct4