Signs of Change

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to be open to the signs of the Presence of God on our journey that indicate our path to full life.

Invitation to Change

The reading from the Book of Exodus describes the Presence in The Cloud and the Glory.

Psalm 84 praises the Joy of Worship in the Temple.

* [Psalm 84] Israelites celebrated three pilgrimage feasts in Jerusalem annually. The Psalm expresses the sentiments of the pilgrims eager to enjoy the divine presence.

* [84:4] The desire of a restless bird for a secure home is an image of the desire of a pilgrim for the secure house of God, cf. Ps 42:2–3, where the image for the desire of the pilgrim is the thirst of the deer for water. (Psalms, PSALM 84, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew, presents the final judgement and teaching with treasures New and Old.

* [13:44–50] The first two of the last three parables of the discourse have the same point. The person who finds a buried treasure and the merchant who finds a pearl of great price sell all that they have to acquire these finds; similarly, the one who understands the supreme value of the kingdom gives up whatever he must to obtain it. The joy with which this is done is made explicit in the first parable, but it may be presumed in the second also. The concluding parable of the fishnet resembles the explanation of the parable of the weeds with its stress upon the final exclusion of evil persons from the kingdom.

* [13:44] In the unsettled conditions of Palestine in Jesus’ time, it was not unusual to guard valuables by burying them in the ground.

* [13:51] Matthew typically speaks of the understanding of the disciples.

* [13:52] Since Matthew tends to identify the disciples and the Twelve (see note on Mt 10:1), this saying about the Christian scribe cannot be taken as applicable to all who accept the message of Jesus. While the Twelve are in many ways representative of all who believe in him, they are also distinguished from them in certain respects. The church of Matthew has leaders among whom are a group designated as “scribes” (Mt 23:34). Like the scribes of Israel, they are teachers. It is the Twelve and these their later counterparts to whom this verse applies. The scribe…instructed in the kingdom of heaven knows both the teaching of Jesus (the new) and the law and prophets (the old) and provides in his own teaching both the new and the old as interpreted and fulfilled by the new. On the translation head of a household (for the same Greek word translated householder in Mt 13:27), see note on Mt 24:45–51. (Matthew, CHAPTER 13, n.d.)

Gladyce Janky comments that as the cloud rises from the Dwelling, the children of Israel resume their journey.  The movement of the cloud symbolizes it is time to pack what is necessary and leave behind anything unimportant for what comes next.  There is more life to experience and opportunities to grow closer to God. 

If we are attentive to the present moments of our life, we notice the clues that it is time to proceed.  Perhaps it is the Daily Readings, during a time of prayer, something a person we trust says, or something else.  We might feel that a cloud of doubt or hesitancy has lifted.  Perhaps we feel lighter, or there is greater clarity about what to leave behind and what we need to go forward.  How is God nudging me forward, and what do I need to leave behind? (Janky, 2023)

Don Schwager presents a meditation on “Trained for the Kingdom of Heaven.”He quotes “ A scribe who is trained for the kingdom of heaven,” by Cyril of Alexandria (375-444 AD).

"A scribe is one who, through continual reading of the Old and New Testaments, has laid up for himself a storehouse of knowledge. Thus Christ blesses those who have gathered in themselves the education both of the law and of the gospel, so as to 'bring forth from their treasure things both new and old.' And Christ compares such people with a scribe, just as in another place he says, 'I will send you wise men and scribes' (Matthew 23:34) (excerpt from Fragment 172) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38 comments that we all experience times when we yearn for explicit, step-by-step direction from the Lord. Yet we can trust that in all the ways he has provided for us, we will be able to discern the answer to all the choices and dilemmas we face.

Are you looking for more concrete direction about a particular issue in your life? Be like the Israelites and keep your eyes fixed on the Lord. Sometimes his answer is as obvious as the cloud covering the meeting tent. Sometimes his answer is not as clear, but that may be because God has confidence in your ability to make a good choice. Whatever the case, know that the Lord is pleased by your willingness to be led by him!

“Father, I want to follow you. Show me the way you want me to go.” (Meditation on Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler describes the contents of the Tent of Dwelling and how the Israelites are unable to trust God is not distant or unknowing. Matthew’s Gospel shares the final judgement that will have us judge ourselves in the face of God. Friar Jude reminds us to explore new and old ways of study and worship that will allow us to be open to surprise, awe, and wonder about our relationship with God.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, shares a prayerful meditation with the crucified Jesus as a way of healing our violence. He invites us to receive these words as Jesus’ invitation to us from the cross.

My beloved, I am your self. I am your beauty. I am your goodness, which you are destroying. I am what you do to what you should love. I am what you are afraid of: your deepest and best and most naked self—your soul. Your sin largely consists in what you do to harm goodness—your own and others’. You are afraid of the good; you are afraid of me. You kill what you should love; you hate what could transform you. I am Jesus crucified. I am yourself, and I am all of humanity. (Rohr, 2023)

Our experiences of prayer and worship create a closer relationship with the Divine and open our imagination to new and old connections in piety, study, and action.

References

Janky, G. (2023, August 3). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved August 3, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/080323.html 

Matthew, CHAPTER 13. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved August 3, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/13? 

Meditation on Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved August 3, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/08/03/748527/ 

Psalms, PSALM 84. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved August 3, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/84?3 

Rohr, R. (2023, August 3). Ending the Cycle of Violence — Center for Action and Contemplation. CAC Daily Meditations 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/ending-the-cycle-of-violence-2023-08-03/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture net. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved August 3, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=aug3 

Growth and Care

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to reflect on the experiences and events in our lives that were the seed of our growth in faith, hope, and charity.

Growth and Care

The reading from the Book of Exodus describes Moses' reaction to the Golden Calf created by the Israelites while he was receiving the Ten Commandments from God.

Psalm 106 is a Confession of Israel’s Sins.

The Gospel of Matthew presents the Parable of the Mustard Seed, of the Yeast and Jesus' use of Parables.

* [13:31–33] See Mk 4:30–32; Lk 13:18–21. The parables of the mustard seed and the yeast illustrate the same point: the amazing contrast between the small beginnings of the kingdom and its marvelous expansion. (Matthew, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Joan Blandin Howard comments that today, the feast of St. Ignatius Loyola, is significant for all Jesuits – brothers and priests who belong to the Society of Jesus. Founded by Ignatius, the order was recognized by Rome in 1540. As in today’s gospel reading, God planted a small seed in Ignatius’s heart. Almost 5 centuries later, that seed has blossomed into a “tree” of solace for many. Jesuits, men who live, work, play and pray with us “ordinary” folk. They too “ordinary” men who have dedicated their lives to God, being in service to people of all races, creeds and cultures is their order’s vocation. Men, women, old and young have been attracted to their charism of “Cura Personalis”, care for the whole person.  The Jesuits are committed to providing safe haven for all.

“I will open my mouth in parables”… Throughout the gospels we hear Jesus speaking to ordinary folk in parables.  Stories that attract the attention of his followers and on-lookers.  Jesus’s parables are about ordinary events in ordinary lives.  Listeners can identify with these stories which contain a lesson, teaching, and offer new insight into their personal lives and relationships with God. The parables have to with planting, harvesting, hospitality and meals. They have to do with conflict, death, illness, friendship and family. With all things ordinary and all types of relationships- person to person, person to nature, God to nature, God to mankind.  The Spirit dwelling within all things ordinary. (Howard, 2023)

Don Schwager presents a meditation on “What the Kingdom of Heaven Is Like.”

The Word Among Us Meditation on Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34 comments that as much as we might condemn the Israelites for their lack of faith, we probably do something similar. We, too, might feel our trust in God faltering when we encounter challenges or when we are waiting for him to finally answer our prayers. We, too, might turn to “idols” to fill the void instead of waiting patiently on our God.

Finally, we can ask the Spirit to lead us to repentance and sorrow for any ways we have already fallen into sin. Through the gift of repentance, we can experience the Spirit’s power to redeem us and heal us in ways we could never accomplish on our own.

Brothers and sisters, our God is a God of mercy. Just as he did for the Israelites, he can lead us along the path of forgiveness and redemption whenever we call to him.

“Come, Holy Spirit, and set me free from any idol I may be worshipping instead of you.” (Meditation on Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler discusses some of the possible motives of the Israelites worship of the Golden Calf. CS Lewis warned that living only one virtue risks that virtue becoming a vice. Friar Jude reminds us of the “butterfly effect” of Jesus teaching in parables.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, explains how contemplation heals us from the judgments and thoughts that so often lead to violence against ourselves and others. 

We are prone to beliefs and actions that support our own plan for growth and success even as we ignore the prompting of the Spirit in the Word of God to follow the Way of Jesus.

References

Howard, J. B. (2023, July 31). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved July 31, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/073123.html 

Matthew, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 31, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/13? 

Meditation on Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved July 31, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/07/31/746382/ 

Support and Opposition

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to discern the prompting of the Spirit that leads us to live in Jesus' Way and reject the historical and societal leaning to action that is contrary to the Will of God.

The Spirit in tension

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles tells of the Spirit leading Paul Into Europe and the conversion of Lydia.

* [16:10–17] This is the first of the so-called “we-sections” in Acts, where Luke writes as one of Paul’s companions. The other passages are Acts 20:5–15; 21:1–18; 27:1–28:16. Scholars debate whether Luke may not have used the first person plural simply as a literary device to lend color to the narrative. The realism of the narrative, however, lends weight to the argument that the “we” includes Luke or another companion of Paul whose data Luke used as a source. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 16, n.d.)

Psalm 149 offers praise for God’s Goodness to Israel.

* [Psalm 149] A hymn inviting the people of Israel to celebrate their God in song and festive dance (Ps 149:1–3, 5) because God has chosen them and given them victory (Ps 149:4). The exodus and conquest are the defining acts of Israel; the people must be ready to do again those acts in the future at the divine command (Ps 149:6–9). (Psalms, PSALM 149, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares the Work of the Spirit as our guide and support.

* [15:26] Whom I will send: in Jn 14:16, 26, the Paraclete is to be sent by the Father, at the request of Jesus. Here the Spirit comes from both Jesus and the Father in mission; there is no reference here to the eternal procession of the Spirit. (John, CHAPTER 15, n.d.)

Nancy Shirley comments that in some of the passages preceding this reading, Paul is directed in several different ways and guided to this particular town. Clearly, destiny (AKA God’s plan) is to connect Lydia and Paul. He finds her with a group of women worshipping – God’s plan unfolds as He opens her heart to Paul’s teachings. No coincidence that all came to together or that she immediately seeks Baptism for herself and her entire household.  Her status and wealth put her in a unique position to support the Church in Philippe – she embraces that opportunity with her whole heart and soul.

When I was working with Ignatian Spirituality Project and retreats for homeless women in recovery, I loved referring to the lessons from the women in the bible including Lydia.  The author (whose name is escaping me right now) spoke of how women supported each other at the foot of the cross and now support each other in the various crossroads of life.  We walk the rutted roads together – cry together, laugh together, pray together.  She said we bind ourselves together not as prisoners but rather as kindred climbers there to pull each other up, support, and encourage the ascent to better things. Lydia provides a role model for us all (men and women) to keep our hearts open.  So often that is my prayer – not for this or that material thing or even conclusions – rather prayers to keep my heart open.  Open to hear the message – will it be in a reading?  An interaction with a colleague or even a stranger?  A sunrise or a rainbow?  Or in responses from readers who send back such wonderful messages to my angst in reflections that my heart is renewed?  God speaks in so many ways – I have yet to hear a burning bush, yet the whispers of hope and guidance are all around me – I just need to open my eyes and heart. (Shirley, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The Comforter is with us in our troubles,” by Cyril of Jerusalem, 430-543 A.D.

"He is called the Comforter because he comforts and encourages us and helps our infirmities. We do not know what we should pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself makes intercession for us, with groanings that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26), that is, he makes intercession to God. Very often, someone has been outraged and dishonored unjustly for the sake of Christ. Martyrdom is at hand; tortures on every side, and fire, and sword, and savage beasts and the pit. But the Holy Spirit softly whispers to him, 'Wait on the Lord' (Psalm 27:14). What is now happening to you is a small matter; the reward will be great. Suffer a little while, and you will be with angels forever. 'The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that shall be revealed in us' (Romans 8:18). He portrays to the person the kingdom of heaven. He gives him a glimpse of the paradise of delight." (excerpt from CATECHETICAL LECTURES 16.20) (The Comforter Is With Us in Our Troubles, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 16:11-15 shares that It certainly seems that Lydia was the right person in the right place at the right time. But Paul and Lydia weren’t puppets with God pulling the strings. In fact, it would have been easy for either of them not to respond to God’s promptings. Paul, for instance, could have decided that his dream was just a dream and kept trying to go to Asia. Lydia could have just listened politely to Paul and brushed him off with a polite “I’ll think about it.” But that’s not what happened. They listened and tried to follow where God was leading.

God’s will may not always be clear to you. But that doesn’t mean that you should put off acting on where you think he wants you to go. When you take a step of faith, as Paul and Lydia did, God can accomplish great things through you! And if you’re not on the right path, he’ll find a way to redirect you. A job that doesn’t work out, for example, might lead you to find another position that is better for you. Roadblocks and uncertainty can be frustrating, but they can also be opportunities for you to become more reliant on the Lord. They can teach you to yield to the Spirit and face the unknown with greater confidence and trust that God’s plan for you is the best one. “Jesus, help me to put my faith in action by trusting in you.” (Meditation on Acts 16:11-15, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler discusses the action of the Spirit drawing Paul to Phillippi and his conversion of the wealthy household of Lydia. The home Church, as offered by Lydia, was a gathering of 10-20 believers in a space large enough to accommodate them. Friar Jude refers to the synagogue of Satan in Revelation as He describes the rejection of Jesus as the messenger of Yahweh.

Brian McLaren has long asked questions out loud that many have often asked only to themselves. In his new book Do I Stay Christian?, Brian outlines compelling reasons both to leave and stay within Christianity. Today we share his critique of Christianity’s complicity with violence. Such truth-telling can be difficult to read. We invite you to practice the contemplative stance of “holding the tension of opposites”.

Today, abuse of Christians by Christians tends to be more emotional and spiritual than physical. But shunning and disowning (forms of relational banishment), public shaming and character assassination, private humiliations, church trials of nonconformists, blacklisting, and other forms of Christian-on-Christian cruelty continue, and more and more traumatized people are coming forward with their stories. . . . To state the obvious: Jesus never tortured or killed or ruined the life of anyone, but the same cannot be said for the religion that claims to follow him. Knowing what I now know, if I were not already a Christian, I would hesitate in becoming one, at least until the religion in all its major forms offers a fearless, searching, public moral accounting for its past crimes . . . first, against Jews, and also against its own nonconformist members. (Christianity's Violence Problem — Center for Action and Contemplation, 2022)

The Church is in tension between support and opposition historically and in our time. We seek the guidance of the Spirit to navigate our journey as followers of Christ.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 16. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 23, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/16?11 

Christianity's Violence Problem — Center for Action and Contemplation. (2022, May 23). Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 23, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/christianitys-violence-problem-2022-05-23/ 

The Comforter is with us in our troubles. (n.d.). Cambridge Dictionary | English Dictionary, Translations & Thesaurus. Retrieved May 23, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=may23 

John, CHAPTER 15. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 23, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/15 

Meditation on Acts 16:11-15. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 23, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/05/23/387472/ 

Psalms, PSALM 149. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 23, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/149?1 

Shirley, N. (n.d.). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 23, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/052322.html