Adversity and Acceptance

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with the adversity that sometimes accompanies our decisions in favour of truth, beauty, and love and against rejection of people who live differently from our experience.

Sharing Table Fellowship

The reading from the Second Book of Maccabees describes the Martyrdom of Eleazar.

* [6:18–7:42] The stories of Eleazar and of the mother and her seven sons, among the earliest models of “martyrology,” were understandably popular. Written to encourage God’s people in times of persecution, they add gruesome details to the record of tortures, and place long speeches in the mouths of the martyrs. (2 Maccabees, CHAPTER 6, n.d.)

Psalm 3 urges trust in God under Adversity.

* [Psalm 3] An individual lament complaining of enemies who deny that God will come to the rescue (Ps 3:2–3). Despite such taunts the psalmist hopes for God’s protection even in sleep (Ps 3:4–7). The Psalm prays for an end to the enemies’ power to speak maliciously (Ps 3:8) and closes peacefully with an expression of trust (Ps 3:9). (Psalms, PSALM 3, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus and Zacchaeus are brought together.

* [19:1–10] The story of the tax collector Zacchaeus is unique to this gospel. While a rich man (Lk 19:2), Zacchaeus provides a contrast to the rich man of Lk 18:18–23 who cannot detach himself from his material possessions to become a follower of Jesus. Zacchaeus, according to Luke, exemplifies the proper attitude toward wealth: he promises to give half of his possessions to the poor (Lk 19:8) and consequently is the recipient of salvation (Lk 19:9–10).

* [19:9] A descendant of Abraham: literally, “a son of Abraham.” The tax collector Zacchaeus, whose repentance is attested by his determination to amend his former ways, shows himself to be a true descendant of Abraham, the true heir to the promises of God in the Old Testament. Underlying Luke’s depiction of Zacchaeus as a descendant of Abraham, the father of the Jews (Lk 1:73; 16:22–31), is his recognition of the central place occupied by Israel in the plan of salvation.

* [19:10] This verse sums up for Luke his depiction of the role of Jesus as savior in this gospel. (Luke, CHAPTER 19, n.d.)

Cindy Murphy McMahon comments that those witnessing the scene had questions, of course, and grumblings against what Jesus was doing by going to Zacchaeus’ house.

Pope Francis’ recent Apostolic Exhortation based on the words of St. Therese Lisieux reinforces the Great Love we see in today’s readings, stating that love is the supreme gift of the Holy Spirit and “the mother and the root of all the virtues.” St. Therese said, “To love is to give everything. It is to give oneself.” May we respond to God’s Great Love and make it primary in our lives, as both Eleazar and Zacchaeus illustrate for us in today’s readings. (Murphy, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “To see Christ,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"Come and let us see what was the method of Zacchaeus's conversion. He desired to see Jesus and therefore climbed into a sycamore tree, and so a seed of salvation sprouted within him. Christ saw this with the eyes of deity. Looking up, he also saw Zacchaeus with the eyes of humanity, and since it was his purpose for all to be saved, he extends his gentleness to him. To encourage him, he says, 'Come down quickly.' Zacchaeus searched to see Christ, but the multitude prevented him, not so much that of the people but of his sins. He was short of stature, not merely in a bodily point of view but also spiritually. He could not see him unless he were raised up from the earth and climbed into the sycamore, by which Christ was about to pass. The story contains a puzzle. In no other way can a person see Christ and believe in him except by climbing up into the sycamore, by making foolish his earthly members of fornication, uncleanness, etc." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 127) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on 2 Maccabees 6:18-31 invites us to think of the people whose witness has affected us. Not just our parents or our pastor, but everyday parishioners or friends. Think of the stories of the saints and their enduring legacy for generations of believers. People notice our life just as much. They see our patience. They see our kindness and generosity. They see our faithfulness to our family and friends. They see how we handle disappointments, grief, and suffering. Every time we choose the way of Christ over the way of the world—even if it’s quiet or subtle or unstated—our life becomes a testimony to the love of God.

When it comes to spiritual matters, we humans have a way of underestimating the effect we can have. It’s easy to forget that the Holy Spirit is at work in us—and in the people around us. It’s easy to forget his ability to take our actions, fill them with his grace and power, and use them to reveal himself. Your decisions matter because you matter!

“Thank you, Lord, for using me as a vessel of your grace!” (Meditation on 2 Maccabees 6:18-31, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes that 2 Maccabees is a collection of episodes that, today, explores the decision of Eleazar to be a martyr as he refuses to deceive and eat forbidden meat. The hatred of the people for tax collectors of the Roman occupiers makes Zacchaeus's efforts to encounter Jesus a nervy thing to do. Friar Jude reminds us of the realized eschatology of encountering Jesus that is part of the Gospel text.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Pat McCabe (Weyakpa Najin Win, Woman Stands Shining) of the Diné nation who describes the medicine wheel as a symbol of the interconnectedness and responsibility of all beings.

Another way that I look at it is that every single living life form has been given a seat on this sacred hoop of life … and that includes us … the five-fingered ones. We also have a seat on that sacred hoop. Every single member has a methodology for upholding its part of the sacred hoop. Every single member must uphold their part of the sacred hoop, or the integrity of the hoop begins to fail. That’s what I believe we’re witnessing right now. (Rohr, 2023)

We seek the guidance of the Spirit to become aware and open to the different paths that lead to experience of Divine Love and spiritual growth.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 19. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 21, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/19?1 

Meditation on 2 Maccabees 6:18-31. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 21, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/11/21/834265/ 

Murphy, C. (2023, November 21). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 21, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/112123.html 

Psalms, PSALM 3. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 21, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/3?2 

Rohr, R. (2023, November 21). The Sacred Hoop — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 21, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-sacred-hoop/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Zacchaeus Received Jesus Joyfully. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 21, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=nov21 

2 Maccabees, CHAPTER 6. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 21, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2maccabees/6?18 

Peace in Adversity

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to examine our experience of adversity and our relationship to God in those times.

Peace on the Journey

The reading from the Second Book of Samuel relates how David flees from Jerusalem as Shimei curses David.

* [16:8] Blood shed…Saul: probably refers to the episode recounted in 21:1–141

 

Psalm 3 urges trust in God under adversity.

* [Psalm 3] An individual lament complaining of enemies who deny that God will come to the rescue (Ps 3:2–3). Despite such taunts the psalmist hopes for God’s protection even in sleep (Ps 3:4–7). The Psalm prays for an end to the enemies’ power to speak maliciously (Ps 3:8) and closes peacefully with an expression of trust (Ps 3:9).2

 

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus heals the Gerasene demoniac.

* [5:19] Go home: Jesus did not accept the man’s request to remain with him as a disciple (Mk 5:18), yet invited him to announce to his own people what the Lord had done for him, i.e., proclaim the gospel message to his pagan family; cf. Mk 1:14, 39; 3:14; 13:10.3

 

Eileen Wirth comments that the action in the Gospel account is so gripping that it’s hard to focus on the passage’s message: that Jesus can free us from our OWN demons. We all have them and they take many forms. No one is exempt from depression, anxiety, addiction or being unable to overcome our favorite vices. We may not be publicly possessed like the man in Mark’s gospel, but our demons can deny us “the peace that passes all understanding.”

Jesus isn’t going to drive my own difficulty forgiving and forgetting into any beast wandering my neighborhood, so I need to start by identifying my issue as a demon, admitting my need for help and praying for it. The Jesuit Examen seems like it would work especially well for this exercise but the important thing is to seek  the help we need, however we do it. Then we have to trust that Jesus will respond. If he could drive a legion of demons from a violently troubled man like the one in today’s gospel, he can help us combat our own legions of garden-variety neurotic behaviors, favorite vices, hurts and grudges.4

 

Don Schwager quotes “The God-Man beheld,” by Gregory of Nazianzus (330 - 390 AD).

"Yes, he is recognized by demons (Luke 4:33-34, Mark 1:23-24), drives out demons (Matthew 8:16, Mark 1:34), drowns deep a legion of spirits (Matthew 8:32; Mark 5:9,13; Luke 8:30,33) and sees the prince of demons falling like lightning (Luke 10:18). He is stoned, yet not hit (John 8:59; 10:31,39); he prays yet he hears prayer (Matthew 8:13; Mark 1:35). He weeps (John 11:35), yet he puts an end to weeping (Luke 7:13; 8:522; 23:28). He asks where Lazarus is (John 11:34) - he was man; yet he raises Lazarus (John 11:43-44) - he was God." (excerpt from ORATION 29, ON THE SON 20)5

 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 5:1-20 suggests Jesus may have delivered us from a demon, or harassment or the lies of the evil one? Healing in our body or in our heart? Transformation in our mindset or in our marriage? Has Jesus given us his peace in place of anxiety? Forgiveness of our sins? If so, then we are the perfect candidates for sharing that good news with others! We may not know quite what to say, but simply living out and sharing what Jesus has done in our life can give someone hope that he is still at work in the world today.

Jesus longs to give you greater freedom. Just as the people in today’s Gospel were amazed when the delivered man told them what Jesus had done for him, so too let the people around you know what Jesus has done for you. May they too be amazed and filled with hope! “Jesus, thank you for all that you have done for me and for making me a witness to your deliverance.”6

 

Friar Jude Winkler shares the backstory of the resentment of the tribe of Benjamin towards David. Jesus overcomes the traditional Jewish avoidance of graveyards to free the possessed pagan. Friar Jude notes Jesus' concern that the man had been separated from his family for too long.

 

A post on Franciscan Media comments that Saint John Bosco’s theory of education could well be used in today’s schools. He combined catechetical training and fatherly guidance, seeking to unite the spiritual life with one’s work, study and play.

John Bosco educated the whole person—body and soul united. He believed that Christ’s love and our faith in that love should pervade everything we do—work, study, play. For John Bosco, being a Christian was a full-time effort, not a once-a-week, Mass-on-Sunday experience. It is searching and finding God and Jesus in everything we do, letting their love lead us. Yet, because John realized the importance of job-training and the self-worth and pride that come with talent and ability, he trained his students in the trade crafts, too.7

 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, shares that right relationship is the central theme of most biblical stories. One way to read the entire Bible is to note the gradual unveiling of our faces, the gradual creating of “persons” capable of relationship with God and all others. We grow from infants totally receiving love, to teenage love, to infatuation, to adult communion. Biblical spirituality has the potential of creating persons who can both receive and give out of love, and love that is perfectly free. We all fear and avoid intimacy, it seems. It is too powerful and demands that we also “have faces,” that is, self-confidence, identity, dignity, and a certain courage to accept our own unique face. Then we have a greater challenge—once we have discovered our own face, we must be willing to give it away to another.

In the philosophical traditions in which Western Christians have been educated up to now, truth is formed and found by the private mind and its collections of agreed-upon ideas. Identity can be achieved autonomously, with a certain kind of self-sufficiency. Thus, we speak of the “self-made person” and familiar cultural truth. Jesus instead defines truth itself as relational rather than conceptual. He says “I am the truth” (John 14:6) and then immediately describes himself as one who is in absolute relationship with his “Father” (14:7, 9–10) and the Spirit who is in relationship to both (14:16–18). This rearranges the world of religion from arguments over ideas and concepts into a world of encounter, relationship, and presence to the face of the other. That changes everything.8

 

The struggles of our life have required us to “face up” to our gratitude to the love of others and the Spirit for the strength to continue on our journey.

 

References

1	(n.d.). 2 Samuel, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. Retrieved January 31, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2samuel/16
2	(n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 3 | USCCB. Retrieved January 31, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/3
3	(n.d.). Mark, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. Retrieved January 31, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/5
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - Online Ministries. Retrieved January 31, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/013122.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 31, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=jan31
6	(n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved January 31, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/01/31/303317/
7	(n.d.). Saint John Bosco | Franciscan Media. Retrieved January 31, 2022, from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-bosco
8	(n.d.). Daily Meditations Archive - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 31, 2022, from https://cac.org/a-deepening-intimacy-2022-01-31/

 

Action in Adversity

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with the experience of the Presence of God in our lives during times of adversity.

Adversity on the Journey

 

The reading from the Second Book of Maccabees describes the martyrdom of Eleazar.

* [6:18–7:42] The stories of Eleazar and of the mother and her seven sons, among the earliest models of “martyrology,” were understandably popular. Written to encourage God’s people in times of persecution, they add gruesome details to the record of tortures, and place long speeches in the mouths of the martyrs.1 

Psalm 3 invokes trust in God under Adversity.

* [Psalm 3] An individual lament complaining of enemies who deny that God will come to the rescue (Ps 3:2–3). Despite such taunts the psalmist hopes for God’s protection even in sleep (Ps 3:4–7). The Psalm prays for an end to the enemies’ power to speak maliciously (Ps 3:8) and closes peacefully with an expression of trust (Ps 3:9).2

 

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus and Zacchaeus meet.

* [19:1–10] The story of the tax collector Zacchaeus is unique to this gospel. While a rich man (Lk 19:2), Zacchaeus provides a contrast to the rich man of Lk 18:18–23 who cannot detach himself from his material possessions to become a follower of Jesus. Zacchaeus, according to Luke, exemplifies the proper attitude toward wealth: he promises to give half of his possessions to the poor (Lk 19:8) and consequently is the recipient of salvation (Lk 19:9–10).3 

Angela Maynard notes that the Gospel scenario is yet another one where Jesus chooses to spend time with those labeled sinners.

 I’m taken back to the image of Jesus the Good Shepherd.  He left the sheep to search for the one gone astray.  I find great comfort knowing of Jesus’ capacity for unconditional love. No doubt Zacchaeus’ life was changed by his experience that day.  When feeling small and lost, whether having a good day or a bad day, Jesus wants to be with us.  He is the one who can bring love, peace and calm to us.  It’s up to us to let him in.  “But you, my Lord, are a god of compassion and mercy; you are very patient and full of faithful love.” --Psalm 86:154 

Don Schwager quotes “To see Christ,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"Come and let us see what was the method of Zacchaeus's conversion. He desired to see Jesus and therefore climbed into a sycamore tree, and so a seed of salvation sprouted within him. Christ saw this with the eyes of deity. Looking up, he also saw Zacchaeus with the eyes of humanity, and since it was his purpose for all to be saved, he extends his gentleness to him. To encourage him, he says, 'Come down quickly.' Zacchaeus searched to see Christ, but the multitude prevented him, not so much that of the people but of his sins. He was short of stature, not merley in a bodily point of view but also spiritually. He could not see him unless he were raised up from the earth and climbed into the sycamore, by which Christ was about to pass. The story contains a puzzle. In no other way can a person see Christ and believe in him except by climbing up into the sycamore, by making foolish his earthly members of fornication, uncleanness, etc." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 127)5 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 19:1-10 comments that it’s worth thinking about our own “seeking” after Jesus like Zacchaeus.

As you imagine Jesus in his everyday life, you’ll probably discover unexpected things that draw you to him. You may want to start with a Gospel passage or a favorite image of Jesus that you’ve come across. Rest assured, it won’t just be your imagination at work. Whenever anyone seeks Jesus, the Holy Spirit cooperates with that person to reveal new aspects of his life and love. Remember, Jesus is your friend, and you were created to be united with him. “Jesus, show me who you are in the flesh and in the Spirit.”6 

Friar Jude Winkler uses the story of Eleazar to underline the importance of our example to others as we try to live as Jesus followers.  Jesus will not make the isolation of Zacchaeus worse by avoiding the “contagion” that the Pharisees feared from sinners. Friar Jude reminds us of the realized eschatology of Luke and John as we are saved as soon as we accept Jesus in our lives.

 

Franciscan Media reflects on the life and charity of Saint Margaret of Scotland.

There are two ways to be charitable: the “clean way” and the “messy way.” The “clean way” is to give money or clothing to organizations that serve the poor. The “messy way” is dirtying your own hands in personal service to the poor. Margaret’s outstanding virtue was her love of the poor. Although very generous with material gifts, Margaret also visited the sick and nursed them with her own hands. She and her husband served orphans and the poor on their knees during Advent and Lent. Like Christ, she was charitable the “messy way.”7 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, at the age of 78, reflects that working with the editorial team to share these meditations is one of his greatest joys.

Helping people discover the often hidden or even denied traditions of Christian contemplation was what led me to found the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC), and 34 years later there is still a real sense of urgency to this work — perhaps more so now than at any other time I can remember. What we need is a new way of being in the world together that embodies the reality that all life is sacred, precious, and connected; only the contemplative mind can bring forward this new consciousness which is needed to awaken a more loving, just, and sustainable world. This work is only possible because of the trust, partnership, and support of people like you.8 

We encounter adversity in our lives and witness it in the lives of others. We respond to the prompting of the Spirit to reduce the suffering and isolation of others.

 

References

 

1	(n.d.). 2 Maccabees, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. Retrieved November 16, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2maccabees/6
2	(n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 3 | USCCB. Retrieved November 16, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/3
3	(n.d.). Luke, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB. Retrieved November 16, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/19
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - Online Ministries. Retrieved November 16, 2021, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/111621.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 16, 2021, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2021&date=nov16
6	(n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 16, 2021, from https://wau.org/meditations/2021/11/16/247425/
7	(n.d.). Saint Margaret of Scotland | Franciscan Media. Retrieved November 16, 2021, from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-margaret-of-scotland
8	(n.d.). Daily Meditations Archive: 2021 - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 16, 2021, fromhttps://cac.org/a-note-from-fr-richard-an-opportunity-hidden-in-plain-sight-donation-appeal-2021-11-16/