Statutes and Ordinances

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to deepen our choice of the Good Path by living the ancient Laws with an expanded sense of compassion, mercy, and Love.

The Law of Love

In the reading from the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses commands obedience to the Law.

Psalm 147 offers Praise for God’s Care for Jerusalem.

* [Psalm 147] The hymn is divided into three sections by the calls to praise in Ps 147:1, 7, 12. The first section praises the powerful creator who restores exiled Judah (Ps 147:1–6); the second section, the creator who provides food to animals and human beings; the third and climactic section exhorts the holy city to recognize it has been re-created and made the place of disclosure for God’s word, a word as life-giving as water. (Psalms, PSALM 147 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Sermon on the Mount, from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches about the Law and the Prophets.

* [5:17–20] This statement of Jesus’ position concerning the Mosaic law is composed of traditional material from Matthew’s sermon documentation (see note on Mt 5:1–7:29), other Q material (cf. Mt 18; Lk 16:17), and the evangelist’s own editorial touches. To fulfill the law appears at first to mean a literal enforcement of the law in the least detail: until heaven and earth pass away nothing of the law will pass (Mt 5:18). Yet the “passing away” of heaven and earth is not necessarily the end of the world understood, as in much apocalyptic literature, as the dissolution of the existing universe. The “turning of the ages” comes with the apocalyptic event of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and those to whom this gospel is addressed are living in the new and final age, prophesied by Isaiah as the time of “new heavens and a new earth” (Is 65:17; 66:22). Meanwhile, during Jesus’ ministry when the kingdom is already breaking in, his mission remains within the framework of the law, though with significant anticipation of the age to come, as the following antitheses (Mt 5:21–48) show.

* [5:19] Probably these commandments means those of the Mosaic law. But this is an interim ethic “until heaven and earth pass away.” (Matthew, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rashmi Fernando, S.J. comments that through the lens of St. Ignatius of Loyola's spiritual teachings, we understand Jesus' invitation is to discern the deeper spirit behind the law, cultivate a prayerful disposition, and engage in contemplative action that reflects God's love and justice, transcending mere legalistic observance.

We are called to engage in a process of discernment, attentively listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and discerning God's will in our lives. As we navigate life's complexities, let us heed the wisdom of Fr. Pedro Arrupe, SJ, who encapsulates the transformative power of love in the following verse:

“Nothing is more practical than
finding God, than
falling in Love
in a quite absolute, final way.
What you are in love with,
what seizes your imagination, will affect everything.
It will decide
what will get you out of bed in the morning,
what you do with your evenings,
how you spend your weekends,
what you read, whom you know,
what breaks your heart,
and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.
Fall in Love, stay in love,
and it will decide everything” (Loyola Press, 2024). (Fernando, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Making daily progress towards God,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"As Christians, our task is to make daily progress toward God. Our pilgrimage on earth is a school in which God is the only teacher, and it demands good students, not ones who play truant. In this school we learn something every day. We learn something from the commandments, something from examples, and something from Sacraments. These things are remedies for our wounds and materials for our studies." (excerpt from Sermon 16A,1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 5:17-19 imagines an awards ceremony. But this is not your typical awards show; this one is in heaven, and it’s led by God, the ultimate Master of ceremonies.

Today, think about that awards ceremony in heaven. Then invite the Lord to speak to you about how you can be the “greatest” in his eyes. Is he nudging you to be content with what you have? Is he asking you to take a day of rest? Or perhaps he’s calling you to maintain an attitude of kindness toward people you find difficult to be around. Obey him today, and imagine his great pleasure as he gives you the kingdom of heaven award!

“Lord, I know that you see me even when no one else does. Help me to live for your eternal reward and not for any other fleeting prizes.” (Meditation on Matthew 5:17-19, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the Two Paths in Deuteronomy that lead to life by observing the laws and precepts of God and to death for the opposite choice. Jesus' mission fulfills the Law by expanding the prohibition on killing to action that protects the reputation, health, and well being of others. Friar Jude reminds us that demographics of the converts of the first century resulted in a greater acceptance of the attitude of Paul to the Law than the direction in Matthew.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces ecological theologian Thomas Berry (1914–2009) who reflects on our much-needed connection with nature. We need to move from a spirituality of alienation from the natural world to a spirituality of intimacy with it, … to a spirituality of the divine as revealed in the visible world about us, from a spirituality concerned with justice simply to humans to a justice that includes the larger Earth community….

We cannot save ourselves without saving the world in which we live.… We will live or die as this world lives or dies. We can say this both physically and spiritually. We will be spiritually nourished by this world or we will be starved for spiritual nourishment. No other revelatory experience can do for the human what the experience of the natural world does. [3] (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the Holy Spirit to guide us to deepen our connection with the Divine beyond observance of ancient Laws to a spirituality based on deepening love for all people and the Creation we have been gifted on our journey.

References

Deuteronomy, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved March 6, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/deuteronomy/4?1 

Fernando, R. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Wikipedia. Retrieved March 6, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/030624.html 

Matthew, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved March 6, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/5?17 

Meditation on Matthew 5:17-19. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved March 6, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/03/06/907671/ 

Psalms, PSALM 147 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved March 6, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/147?12 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Earth Spirituality. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved March 6, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/earth-spirituality/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Whoever Relaxes One of the Commandments. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved March 6, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=mar6 

Grow in Love and Mercy

 

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate what might be impeding our love and faith as we relate with those we encounter on our journey.

Love and judgement

 

The reading from the Book of Revelation is the Message to the Church in Ephesus about losing love.

 

* [2:1] Ephesus: this great ancient city had a population of ca. 250,000; it was the capital of the Roman province of Asia and the commercial, cultural, and religious center of Asia. The other six churches were located in the same province, situated roughly in a circle; they were selected for geographical reasons rather than for the size of their Christian communities. Walks in the midst of the seven gold lampstands: this signifies that Christ is always present in the church; see note on Rev 1:4.1

Psalm 1 begins the Psalter by outlining the choice of the Two Ways.

 * [Psalm 1] A preface to the whole Book of Psalms, contrasting with striking similes the destiny of the good and the wicked. The Psalm views life as activity, as choosing either the good or the bad. Each “way” brings its inevitable consequences. The wise through their good actions will experience rootedness and life, and the wicked, rootlessness and death.2

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus heals a blind beggar saved by his faith.

 

* [18:38] Son of David: the blind beggar identifies Jesus with a title that is related to Jesus’ role as Messiah (see note on Lk 2:11). Through this Son of David, salvation comes to the blind man. Note the connection between salvation and house of David mentioned earlier in Zechariah’s canticle (Lk 1:69). See also note on Mt 9:27.3

Kimberly Grassmeyer prepared this reflection during the few days on either side of the 2020 US Presidential election.

 

So when I read the Gospel lesson (Luke 18:35-43) about a blind man calling out to Jesus, I visualized a disenfranchised person calling truth to power.  This man was ‘shushed’ by those walking with Jesus, but he continued to call out.  While his effort could be viewed as a selfish request for better personal circumstances (something many struggle with when we vote!), I instinctively saw it differently. Perhaps due to the divisiveness we’re experiencing here in the States, I suppose I just needed to believe his better angels were at work.  I saw a man calling out to be seen, pleading to be heard, tired of being ignored at the fringes of society.  He allowed his still small voice to roar God’s message.  Jesus saw.  Jesus listened.  And just as our prayers are heard and addressed, in God’s way, Jesus restored the blind man’s sight. The critical element here? When Jesus granted the man’s request, that man joined Jesus, “giving Glory to God.” He immediately used his gift to advance the teachings and blessings of Christ to others, so much so that the others likewise “gave praise to God.”4

Don Schwager quotes “The blind man knows that Jesus is the Son of David and the Messiah,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

 "The blind man must have understood that the sight of the blind cannot be restored by human means but requires, on the contrary, a divine power and an authority such as God only possesses. With God nothing whatsoever is impossible. The blind man came near to him as to the omnipotent God. How then does he call him the Son of David? What can one answer to this? The following is perhaps the explanation. Since he was born and raised in Judaism, of course, the predictions contained in the law and the holy prophets concerning Christ had not escaped his knowledge. He heard them chant that passage in the book of the Psalms, 'The Lord has sworn in truth to David, and will not annul it, saying: "of the fruit of your loins I will set a king upon your throne"' (Psalm 132:11). "The blind man also knew that the blessed prophet Isaiah said, 'There will spring up a shoot from the root of Jesse, and from his root a flower will grow up' (Isaiah 11:1). Isaiah also said, 'Behold, a virgin will conceive and bring forth a son, and they will call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us' (Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 7:14). He already believed that the Word, being God, of his own will had submitted to be born in the flesh of the holy Virgin. He now comes near to him as to God and says, 'Have mercy on me, Son of David.' Christ testifies that this was his state of mind in offering his petition. He said to him, 'Your faith has saved you.'"(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 126)5

The Word Among Us Meditation on Revelation 1:1-4; 2:1-5 comments that Revelation wasn’t so puzzling to John’s first readers. Most of them were familiar with imagery like the moon turning to blood and stars falling from the sky. Earlier writers like Isaiah and Joel had used word pictures like these to talk about God’s action in bringing down power-hungry empires and upending a status quo in which the rich continued to exploit the poor.

 

As we turn again to the Book of Revelation at the end of the Church year, let’s catch the spirit of those early followers. Let’s look up to see the Lamb enthroned, eager to transform us and our world in the light of his glory. He is coming soon! Let’s be sure our preparations for his return are motivated by that “love [we] had at first” (Revelation 2:4), the love that Jesus had for us before we even began to respond to him. “Come, Lord Jesus! Make me ready and eager to welcome you, both in my day today and when you return to bring me to your heavenly home.”6

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Revelation was written to tell us what to do to give witness to our faith. The title for Jesus of Son of David is used in Luke as Jesus approaches Jerusalem on His journey. Friar Jude cites a rabbinic saying to support our praying to God with more chutzpah.

 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that the virtue for living in the in-between times Jesus calls “faith.” He is talking about the grace and the freedom to live God’s dream for the world now—while not rejecting the world as it is. That’s a mighty tension that is not easily resolved.

 

There are always two worlds. The world as it is usually operates on power, ego, and success. The world as it could be operates out of love. One is founded on dominative power, and the other is a continual call to right relationship and reciprocal power. The secret of this Kingdom life is discovering how we can live in both worlds simultaneously.7

May our reflection today on being judgmental and lacking boldness in our testimony nudge us to attend to the Spirit of love and faith.

 

References

1	(n.d.). Revelation, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/revelation/2
2	(n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 1 | USCCB. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/1
3	(n.d.). Luke, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/18
4	(n.d.). Daily Reflections - Online Ministries .... Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/111620.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture .... Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2020&date=nov16
6	(2020, November 16). Mass Readings and Catholic Daily Meditations for November .... Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://wau.org/meditations/2020/11/16/177159/
7	(n.d.). The Kingdom Is like a Mustard Seed — Center for Action and .... Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://cac.org/the-kingdom-is-like-a-mustard-seed-2020-11-16/

 

Wicked ways or Healing

 

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to rise to the dignity of signs of the Presence of Christ in our environment as we live with compassion for others.

The Two Ways

 

The Letter to the Ephesians calls followers of Jesus to renounce pagan ways.

 

 [5:1] Imitators of God: in forgiving (Eph 4:32) and in loving (as exhibited in how Christ loved us).1

Psalm 1 outlines the Two Ways from which we choose to live.

 * [Psalm 1] A preface to the whole Book of Psalms, contrasting with striking similes the destiny of the good and the wicked. The Psalm views life as activity, as choosing either the good or the bad. Each “way” brings its inevitable consequences. The wise through their good actions will experience rootedness and life, and the wicked, rootlessness and death.2

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus heals a crippled woman.

 

* [13:10–17] The cure of the crippled woman on the sabbath and the controversy that results furnishes a parallel to an incident that will be reported by Luke in 14:1–6, the cure of the man with dropsy on the sabbath. A characteristic of Luke’s style is the juxtaposition of an incident that reveals Jesus’ concern for a man with an incident that reveals his concern for a woman; cf., e.g., Lk 7:11–17 and Lk 8:49–56.3

Mary Lee Brock wonders how many times she has behaved in a judgmental and condemning fashion exhibited by the synagogue leader.  It is easy to agree to the clear instructions to live life as a good and honorable person, but it can be very difficult to put these values into action when we feel scared, challenged, threatened or depleted.

 

I ask God for the grace to turn away from the temptation of greed, idolatry and gossip.  I pray for the gift of compassion, especially for those for whom I do not easily respond to with compassion.  Knowing that God wants me to use my gifts in service to others, I ask God to help me know how I can best companion others. With God’s grace I now have new letters to live by:  WWID:  What Will I Do?4

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus overcomes death and destruction,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

 "The incarnation of the Word and his assumption of human nature took place for the overthrow of death, destruction and the envy harbored against us by the wicked Serpent, who was the first cause of evil. This plainly is proved to us by facts themselves. He set free the daughter of Abraham from her protracted sickness, calling out and saying, 'Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.' A speech most worthy of God, and full of supernatural power! With the royal inclination of his will, he drives away the disease. He also lays his hands upon her. It says that she immediately was made straight. It is now also possible to see that his holy flesh bore in it the power and activity of God. It was his own flesh, and not that of some other Son beside him, distinct and separate from him, as some most impiously imagine."(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 96)5

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 13:10-17 comments that Jesus knew that God’s law was never intended to bind us up. It was meant to provide boundaries that allow our freedom to flourish.

 Like the Ephesians, it can be easy to forget this truth and fail to live like a child of God. This is why Paul’s exhortation is always valuable: remember what Jesus has already done in your life. This is not just a matter of willpower, of gritting teeth and pulling up bootstraps. It’s about seeing the face of Jesus turning toward you in whatever “infirmity” you’re facing—and believing him when he says to you, “You are set free.” “Holy Spirit, help me to live in the freedom of a child of God.”6

Friar Jude Winkler examines how our choice to live as called for in Ephesians makes us visible signs of the Love of God. Conversion is connected to our acceptance of the dignity to which we are called. Friar Jude reminds us that the Sabbath is a day to help others.

 

Cynthia Bourgeault comments that contrary to what most of the saints and mystics seem to imply, the stage of “union with God” is not a permanent state or a spiritual rank acquired. It has a beginning and an end. In “The Last Laugh” , by Thomas Keating, we are witnessing the end of a journey, as the final veil of separate selfhood—“self” consciousness itself—is drawn back to reveal at last the riddle of the true self.

 

Nowhere is my destination.

And no one is my identity.

My daily bread is powerlessness.

Temptations can be overwhelming.

Gone is every hope of help.

An abyss opens up within me.

I am falling, falling,

Plunging into non-existence.

Is this annihilation?

Or, is it the path to the Silent LoveThat we are?. . .7

We journey as people, sometimes crippled by our poor choices, who are invited to the dignity of imitators of God.

 

References

1	(n.d.). Ephesians, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. Retrieved October 26, 2020, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/5
2	(n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 1 | USCCB. Retrieved October 26, 2020, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/1
3	(n.d.). Luke, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. Retrieved October 26, 2020, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/13
4	(n.d.). Daily Reflections - Online Ministries .... Retrieved October 26, 2020, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/102620.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture .... Retrieved October 26, 2020, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2020&date=oct26
6	(2020, October 26). 30th Week in Ordinary Time - The Word Among Us. Retrieved October 26, 2020, from https://wau.org/meditations/2020/10/26/176733/
7	(2020, October 26). A Silent Love — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 26, 2020, from https://cac.org/a-silent-love-2020-10-26/