Righteousness and Service

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with our need to ponder our role on our life journey and the faith, hope, and charity we hope will be our legacy for the future.

A legacy for the future

The reading from the Book of Wisdom confirms the Destiny of the Righteous

* [3:1–12] The author affirms that, for the righteous, sufferings are not punishments but purification and opportunities to show fidelity, whereas for the wicked suffering is truly a punishment.

* [3:6] Offerings: the image is that of the burnt offering, in which the victim is completely consumed by fire.

* [3:7] Judgment: the Greek episkopē is God’s loving judgment of those who have been faithful to him; the same word is used in 14:11 for the punishment of the wicked at God’s judgment. Cf. also v. 13. (Wisdom, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 34 offers praise for Deliverance from Trouble

* [Psalm 34] A thanksgiving in acrostic form, each line beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In this Psalm one letter is missing and two are in reverse order. The psalmist, fresh from the experience of being rescued (Ps 34:5, 7), can teach the “poor,” those who are defenseless, to trust in God alone (Ps 34:4, 12). God will make them powerful (Ps 34:5–11) and give them protection (Ps 34:12–22). (Psalms, PSALM 34 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus exhorts the attitude of a servant.

* [17:7–10] These sayings of Jesus, peculiar to Luke, which continue his response to the apostles’ request to increase their faith (Lk 17:5–6), remind them that Christian disciples can make no claim on God’s graciousness; in fulfilling the exacting demands of discipleship, they are only doing their duty. (Luke, CHAPTER 17, n.d.)

Edward Morse comments that the disposition that puts the Lord’s needs first is not easy.  We like to be served more than to serve.  We like to be honored more than to honor.  We like to receive gratitude more than to be grateful.  The contrary disposition that Jesus is teaching us to follow can also be costly in a world where others find it foolish and easy to exploit.  Can we trust God to follow him in those times? 

Lord, like the apostles, we cry out to you, “please increase our faith.”  We are prone to forget and to lose hope, particularly in the midst of tough times and struggles.  Save us from envy.  And help us to encourage one another, remembering that “Grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect.”  Thanks be to God. (Morse, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “We are called to humble service,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.

"You do not say to your servant, 'Sit down,' but require more service from him and do not thank him. The Lord also does not allow only one work or labor for you, because so long as we live we must always work.

"Know that you are a servant overwhelmed by very much obedience. You must not set yourself first, because you are called a son of God. Grace must be acknowledged, but nature not overlooked. Do not boast of yourself if you have served well, as you should have done. The sun obeys, the moon complies (Joshua 10:12-13; Baruch 6:60), and the angels serve... Let us not require praise from ourselves nor prevent the judgment of God and anticipate the sentence of the Judge but reserve it for its own time and Judge." (excerpt from EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 17.7-10) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Wisdom 2:23–3:9 comments that we may struggle to believe in eternal life, for our loved ones or for ourselves. But this struggle is familiar to Jesus. His prayer in Gethsemane reveals his anguish as he faced the cross (Matthew 26:36-45). But trusting the Father, he offered himself up to death. After passing through this refiner’s fire, Jesus arose and shone forth, “as sparks through stubble” (Wisdom 3:7).

So bring him your heartaches, confusion, and pain. He will walk beside you and your loved ones through the valley of the shadow of death until the day when his victory will be your own, and “the faithful shall abide with him in love” (Wisdom 3:9).

“Lord, help me to trust you in this life so that I may rejoice with you in eternity.” (Meditation on Wisdom 2:23–3:9, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the theme of the passage from Wisdom to address the question of the Greeks about eternal life. The Greek influence in the Book of Wisdom is evident in the concept of the separation of the soul and body in eternal life. Friar Jude recalls the Baltimore Catechism as he reminds us of our participation in the Love of the Father and the Son as we take up the Cross of service.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, and the CAC Staff share about the mission of the Christian Contemplative Movement.

Our dream is that Contemplative Christianity will be a robust movement of spiritual transformation that millions of people can participate in meaningfully and thoroughly. Social science research suggests it takes 3.5% of a population to create a seismic shift in attitudes on any given subject. Therefore, as an organization founded by Franciscan Fr. Richard Rohr, rooted in Christian traditions of action and contemplation, and positioned on the edge of the inside of the world’s largest religion, we seek to contribute to a movement of contemplative renewal in service to a great spiritual turning. Our aim is to support the conditions necessary for the catalytic growth of a contemplative Christian path for at least 3.5% of people in our national and international landscape. (Rohr, 2021)

We seek the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit as we come to understand our role as servants of the Lord and the people who we encounter daily in the hope that mercy, patience, and compassion will accompany our action and reflect Christ.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 17. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 14, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/17?7 

Meditation on Wisdom 2:23–3:9. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 14, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/11/14/829984/ 

Morse, E. (2023, November 14). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 14, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/111423.html 

Psalms, PSALM 34 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 14, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/34?2 

Rohr, R. (2021, September 22). Christian Contemplative Movement. CAC Daily Meditations 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-special-note-from-fr-richard-the-christian-contemplative-movement-2023-11-14/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 14, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=nov14 

Wisdom, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 14, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/wisdom/3 

Learning Love

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate our attitude and actions that are in harmony with the call of the Spirit to learn about love.

A place of love

The reading from the Prophet Isaiah is an accusation and an appeal for change.

* [1:10–17] A powerful indictment of the religious hypocrisy of rulers and others who neglect just judgment and oppress the weaker members, yet believe they can please God with sacrifices and other external forms of worship. The long list of observances suggests the Lord’s tedium with such attempts. Sodom…Gomorrah: the names are picked up from v. 9, but now to emphasize their wickedness rather than the good fortune of escaping total destruction.1

 

Psalm 50 praises the acceptable sacrifice.

* [Psalm 50] A covenant lawsuit stating that the sacrifice God really wants is the sacrifice of praise accompanied by genuine obedience (cf. Mi 6:1–8). It begins with a theophany and the summoning of the court (Ps 50:1–6). Then in direct address God explains what is required of the faithful (Ps 50:7–15), rebukes the hypocritical worshiper (Ps 50:16–21), and concludes with a threat and a promise (Ps 50:22–23; cf. Is 1:19–20).2

 

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus denounces the practices of the Scribes and Pharisees.

* [23:8–12] These verses, warning against the use of various titles, are addressed to the disciples alone. While only the title ‘Rabbi’ has been said to be used in addressing the scribes and Pharisees (Mt 23:7), the implication is that Father and ‘Master’ also were. The prohibition of these titles to the disciples suggests that their use was present in Matthew’s church. The Matthean Jesus forbids not only the titles but the spirit of superiority and pride that is shown by their acceptance. Whoever exalts…will be exalted: cf. Lk 14:11.3

 

Mike Cherney is reminded of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who when he took office said that he did not want his picture on display in government buildings; instead, he wanted people to hang pictures of their children in their offices and look at them each time they make a decision. He recalls an insight from Richard Rohr: Jesus is never upset at sinners; he is only upset with people who do not think they are sinners (i.e., those who have not faced their [ego] and often project their evil elsewhere). His sense is that this is the basis of the hypocrisy and lack of empathy with those in need that are brought to the front in today’s readings.

Heavenly Father,

You gave us the example of the servant leader in Your Son.

It seems that the faults which disturb me most in others are the faults that I possess myself.

Rather than investing my efforts judging others for projections of my own shortcomings,

Allow me to grow in empathy and respond with service towards those in need.

As my wife and I move on to the next phase of our mission on this earth,

Help us to develop as Your daughter and Your son in this model of service.4

 

Don Schwager quotes “Who are the proud?” by Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Who are the proud? Those who do not perform penance and confess their sins in order to be healed through humility. Who are the proud? Those who attribute to themselves the few good qualities they seem to possess and endeavor to diminish the mercy of God. Who are the proud? Those who, while attributing to God the good they accomplish, insult others for not performing such works and raise themselves above them." (Commentary on Psalm 93, 15)5

 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 23:1-12 asks how Jesus teaches us today. Through the Holy Spirit, he uses a number of methods. Clearly, he speaks to us through the Scriptures. But he also uses “helpers” in the classroom of our lives. He might teach us through the witness of another Christian, in our relationships with family and friends, or through the events we experience every day. As we stay attuned to the Holy Spirit, we will be able to learn something from the people we encounter and discover new lessons in every circumstance of our lives.

Jesus, the master teacher, is speaking to you today. Through the Holy Spirit, he is finding creative ways to help you absorb his lessons and stay alert and receptive to his teaching. So try to remain open to him. He always has something new for you to learn! “Holy Spirit, help me to learn from Jesus every day.”6

 

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the call for justice for orphans and widows by Isaiah circa 720 BCE. The phylacteries and tassels of the Pharisees were intended to draw attention to their status. Friar Jude suggests Jesus emphasises the “rabbi “and “father” to refocus us to make God the centre of our lives.

 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces theologian Elizabeth Johnson who points out that when we examine the entirety of Jesus’ life, language, and mission, we get a picture of Wisdom at work in partnership and mutuality.

In his brief ministry Jesus appears as the prophet and child of Sophia sent to announce that God is the God of all-inclusive love who wills the wholeness and humanity of everyone, especially the poor and heavy-burdened. He is sent to gather all the outcast under the wings of their gracious Sophia-God and bring them to shalom. This envoy of Sophia walks her paths of justice and peace and invites others to do likewise. Like her he delights in being with people; joy, insight, and a sure way to God are found in his company. Again and again in imaginative parables, compassionate healings, startling exorcisms, and festive meals he spells out the reality of the gracious goodness and renewing power of Sophia-God drawing near. . . . Scandalous though it may appear, his inclusive table community widens the circle of the friends of God to include the most disvalued people, even tax collectors, sinners, prostitutes. In all, his compassionate, liberating words and deeds are the works of Sophia reestablishing the right order of creation: “Wisdom is justified by her deeds” (Matthew 11:19). . . .7

 

The wisdom we acquire as we attend to the Spirit on our journey with Jesus leads us to humble service of others.

 

References

1	(n.d.). Isaiah, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. Retrieved March 15, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/1
2	(n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 50 | USCCB. Retrieved March 15, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/50
3	(n.d.). Matthew, CHAPTER 23 | USCCB. Retrieved March 15, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/23
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - Online Ministries. Retrieved March 15, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/031522.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved March 15, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=mar15
6	(n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved March 15, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/03/15/330032/
7	(n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved March 15, 2022, from https://cac.org/the-envoy-of-sophia-2022-03-15/

 

Perception Change and Challenge

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to ponder how the change of attitude of peoples toward the Jews from Zechariah to Jesus may inform our experience of acceptance and rejection as we journey with Christ.

Acceptance and rejection

 

The reading from the Prophet Zechariah is a vision of many people drawn to Jerusalem.

“Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”1

 

Psalm 87 praises the joy of living in Zion.

* [Psalm 87] A song of Zion, like Ps 46; 48; 76; 132. * [87:2] The gates: the city itself, a common Hebrew idiom. * [87:5–6] The bond between the exile and the holy city was so strong as to override the exile’s citizenship of lesser cities.2

 

In the Gospel of Luke, a Samaritan village refuses to receive Jesus.

* [9:51–55] Just as the Galilean ministry began with a rejection of Jesus in his hometown, so too the travel narrative begins with the rejection of him by Samaritans. In this episode Jesus disassociates himself from the attitude expressed by his disciples that those who reject him are to be punished severely. The story alludes to 2 Kgs 1:10, 12 where the prophet Elijah takes the course of action Jesus rejects, and Jesus thereby rejects the identification of himself with Elijah.3 

Jeanne Schuler comments that often, we stick to our own kind and mistrust others. Then something big happens and the walls come down. Drenched in floods or fleeing burning forests, we are strangers no longer. The sight of refugees crammed into cargo ships clutching their children quiets our noisy hearts. Quarrels simmer down as we ask: what can we do? How can I help? Like blessings from above, what divides us fades for a while. To be one with others in trouble drives fear away. Why then do we isolate ourselves?

Faced with attack or insults, we often strike back.  The Samaritans closed their town to Jesus and the apostles wanted revenge.  “Call down fire from heaven.  Let them burn.  Let’s get even.  We’ll show them.”  And another cycle of destruction is unleashed. “Jesus rebuked them.”  To seek revenge is venom.  It does not secure justice or nurture peace.  What grips us in the moment can lead to years of violence.  God, show us the way forward.  Give us wisdom to escape the sinkhole of revenge. We share this planet with all creatures.  I can’t fix things on my own.  We are in this together.  God, heal old wounds.  Please send your spirit.  Gather us together in prayer and the work of salvation.  Show us where solidarity lies.4 

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus gave power and authority to his apostles,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"It would be false to affirm that our Savior did not know what was about to happen, because he knows all things. He knew, of course, that the Samaritans would not receive his messengers. There can be no doubt of this. Why then did he command them to go before him? It was his custom to benefit diligently the holy apostles in every possible way, and because of this, it was his practice sometimes to test them... What was the purpose of this occurrence? He was going up to Jerusalem, as the time of his passion was already drawing near. He was about to endure the scorn of the Jews. He was about to be destroyed by the scribes and Pharisees and to suffer those things that they inflicted upon him when they went to accomplish all of violence and wicked boldness. He did not want them to be offended when they saw him suffering. He also wanted them to be patient and not to complain greatly, although people would treat them rudely. He, so to speak, made the Samaritans' hatred a preparatory exercise in the matter. They had not received the messengers... For their benefit, he rebuked the disciples and gently restrained the sharpness of their wrath, not permitting them to grumble violently against those who sinned. He rather persuaded them to be patient and to cherish a mind that is unmovable by anything like this."(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 56)5 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Zechariah 8:20-23 asks how can we overflow with God’s presence like that? Well, first we have to be filled. So isn’t it wonderful that God wants nothing more than to fill us with his grace and compassion? The filling is God’s work; it’s on us to come to him and receive it. And that’s not as hard as it may seem.

Every time you turn to the Lord, he generously pours his grace into you. When you thank him and worship him, he fills you. When you call to him in your struggles, he fills you. When you go to him for wisdom, he fills you. When you pray for healing, confess your sin, and ask his forgiveness, he fills you. In other words, you can be filled with his grace at any time and in any place when you turn your heart toward him.6

 

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Zechariah declares that every Jew will have ten pagans eager to join them as they recognize God’s work of restoration in Jerusalem. The Transjordan route to Jerusalem was often chosen by Jews in Jesus' time to avoid Samaria. Friar Jude reminds us of Jesus' mission to reach out to all people including Samaritans and pagans.

 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, shares that a compassionate presence is one of the fruits of contemplation. In his book Eager to Love, he writes about the great compassion of St. Francis of Assisi (1182–1226) for others, which is inspired by the great compassion of Jesus. St. Francis and St. Clare (1194–1253) led their communities. They led, not from above, and not even from below, but mostly from within, by walking with their brothers and sisters, or “smelling like the sheep,” as Pope Francis puts it. Catholic author Judy Cannato, who worked to integrate the Gospels with the new cosmology, believed this Great Compassion was Jesus’ primary objective.

The realm of God that Jesus preached and died for was one that was known for its kindness and generosity, its compassion and healing. There was no one deemed outside the love of the Holy One whom Jesus called “Father.” No one was excluded from fellowship, not the rich or poor, male or female, slave or free. Jesus went beyond superficial divisions and called for a culture of compassion. Compassion changes everything. Compassion heals. Compassion mends the broken and restores what has been lost. Compassion draws together those who have been estranged or never even dreamed they were connected. Compassion pulls us out of ourselves and into the heart of another, placing us on holy ground where we instinctively take off our shoes and walk in reverence. Compassion springs out of vulnerability and triumphs in unity. [1]7 

We are prompted by the Spirit to counter the separation of people caused by long standing discrimination and indifference through our compassion and solidarity with others suffering trials in life.

 

References

1	(n.d.). Zechariah, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. Retrieved September 28, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/zechariah/8
2	(n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 87 | USCCB. Retrieved September 28, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/87
3	(n.d.). Luke, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB. Retrieved September 28, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/9
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - Online Ministries. Retrieved September 28, 2021, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/092821.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 28, 2021, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/
6	(2021, September 28). Meditation: Zechariah 8:20-23 - The Word Among Us. Retrieved September 28, 2021, from https://wau.org/meditations/2021/09/28/203903/
7	(n.d.). Richard Rohr's Daily Meditations - Center for Action and .... Retrieved September 28, 2021, from https://cac.org/smelling-like-the-sheep-2021-09-28/