Grace and Gratitude

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today alert us to the circumstances in our lives through which the Spirit makes us aware of the Presence of God.

Grace and Grand kids

The reading from the Book of Exodus describes Moses' experience at the Burning Bush.

* [3:11] Who am I: this question is always addressed by an inferior to a superior (to the ruler in 1 Sm 18:18; to God in 2 Sm 7:18 and its parallel, 1 Chr 17:16; 1 Chr 29:14; 2 Chr 2:5). In response to some special opportunity or invitation, the question expresses in a style typical of the ancient Near East the speaker’s humility or gratitude or need of further assistance, but never unwillingness or an outright refusal to respond. Instead the question sets the stage for further support from the superior should that be needed (as here).

* [3:12] Sign: a visible display of the power of God. The ancient notion of a sign from God does not coincide with the modern understanding of “miracle,” which suggests some disruption in the laws governing nature. While most any phenomenon can become a vehicle for displaying the purposes and providence of God, here the sign intended to confirm Moses’ commission by God seems to be the burning bush itself. Since normally the giving of such a sign would follow the commission rather than precede it (see Jgs 6:11–24), some see Israel’s service of God at Sinai after the exodus from Egypt as the confirmatory sign, albeit retroactively. It is more likely, however, that its mention here is intended to establish the present episode with Moses alone as a prefigurement of God’s fiery theophany to all Israel on Mount Sinai. Serve God: Hebrew ‘-b-d, “serve,” includes among its meanings both the notion of “serving or working for another” and the notion of “worship.” The implication here is that the Israelites’ service/worship of God is incompatible with their service to Pharaoh. (Exodus, CHAPTER 3, n.d.)

Psalm 103 offers thanksgiving for God’s Goodness.

* [Psalm 103] The speaker in this hymn begins by praising God for personal benefits (Ps 103:1–5), then moves on to God’s mercy toward all the people (Ps 103:6–18). Even sin cannot destroy that mercy (Ps 103:11–13), for the eternal God is well aware of the people’s human fragility (Ps 103:14–18). The psalmist invites the heavenly beings to join in praise (Ps 103:19–22). (Psalms, PSALM 103, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus thanks His Father.

* [11:25–27] This Q saying, identical with Lk 10:21–22 except for minor variations, introduces a joyous note into this section, so dominated by the theme of unbelief. While the wise and the learned, the scribes and Pharisees, have rejected Jesus’ preaching and the significance of his mighty deeds, the childlike have accepted them. Acceptance depends upon the Father’s revelation, but this is granted to those who are open to receive it and refused to the arrogant. Jesus can speak of all mysteries because he is the Son and there is perfect reciprocity of knowledge between him and the Father; what has been handed over to him is revealed only to those whom he wishes. (Matthew, CHAPTER 11, n.d.)

Eileen Wirth shares the message she takes from today’s reading from Exodus in which God both commissions Moses to free Israel from pharaoh and promises to be with him as he does it.  Would he do anything less for us? This passage seems particularly pertinent to retirees because we get to make choices now which were impossible when we were raising kids, coping with our jobs or both. 

I’m also noticing that God assigns me to help people I’ve known for years like a dear friend with dementia. I stumbled into taking her on weekly “little adventures” to exciting places like Trader Joe’s and city parks. While it’s painful to watch the decline of a brilliant person, I can’t think of a more rewarding way to spend a morning.

As I drive away, I often think of Mother Teresa saying that loneliness is the greatest poverty. Something as simple as taking a friend out of her house for coffee feels like a great way of fighting this form of poverty. And I know God is with us.

So, listen for your assignments and be grateful because however humble your task, God is with you. (Wirth, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “Revealed to babes,” by Epiphanius the Latin (late 5th century).

"And he revealed these things to children. To which children? Not those who are children in age but to those who are children in respect to sin and wickedness. To them Jesus revealed how to seek the blessings of paradise and the things to come in the kingdom of heaven, because thus it was well pleasing before God that 'they should come from the east and the west and that they should lie down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; but that the sons of this worldly kingdom should be cast into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:11-12).'" (excerpt from INTERPRETATION OF THE GOSPELS 26) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12 comments that the Scriptures are full of unlikely heroes. Jacob engaged in fraud and trickery to get what he wanted; David was as impulsive as he was zealous; Rahab was a prostitute and belonged to an enemy tribe; and Moses, whose story we begin today, was a murderer who struggled with a speech impediment. Each of these people seemed unfit to serve the Lord, yet each one ended up playing a profound role in salvation history. While we may view these people as heroes of the faith, we should never forget where and who they were when the Lord first called them. They are proof that, again and again, God chooses people who seem the most unlikely and least equipped rather than the candidates we might be more inclined to select instead. And praise God that this is true! It means there is hope for each of us!

God has a beautiful plan for your life. He invites you to share his goodness with the world. He will use your strengths, and even your weaknesses, to lead people closer to him. You don’t need to ask, “But who am I?” Instead, let the Spirit remind you: God has chosen you—and he always pours out grace on those he chooses! That means you can respond just as our Blessed Mother did: “May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

“Yes, Lord, I believe that you can work in and through me today.” (Meditation on Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler discusses the two opposite reactions of people to theophany like that of Moses. Moses, a weak man with a speech impediment, is chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of persecution in Egypt. Friar Jude reminds us that faith is about trusting as is characteristic of the childlike.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Episcopal bishop and member of the Cherokee nation Carol J. Gallagher who reflects on how her Indigenous ancestry and the profound suffering of her people enrich her understanding of heaven and hell.

To me, then, heaven and hell are concepts that are part of all creation. Heaven and hell exist within and beyond the confines of our world of space and time. We can participate in heaven by living in harmony and respect with all of creation or in hell by bringing greed, selfishness, and disease upon the whole earth.…  

We are endowed by the Creator with power to live our lives for the well-being of all. Heaven and hell are about living (or not) in right relationship with all of creation, of honoring or dishonoring all, and knowing the love of God by sharing it with all of our relatives: human, plants, trees, four-legged, winged, water, and earth all woven together. (Rohr, 2023)

We are grateful for the moments of revelation when the Spirit of God connects with our inner child to reveal Grace and gratitude in the events of our day.

References

Exodus, CHAPTER 3. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/exodus/3?1 

Matthew, CHAPTER 11. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/11?25 

Meditation on Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/07/19/736843/ 

Psalms, PSALM 103. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/103?1 

Rohr, R. (2023, July 19). Heaven and Hell Are Here and Now — Center for Action and Contemplation. CAC Daily Meditations 2023. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/heaven-and-hell-are-here-and-now-2023-07-19/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Heavenly Things Revealed to Infants. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=jul19 

Wirth, E. (2023, July 19). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/071923.html 

Prayer for Help

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate the role of prayer in developing our relationship with God.

Place for Prayer

 

The reading from the First Letter of Timothy offers instructions concerning prayer and conduct.

* [2:1–7] This marked insistence that the liturgical prayer of the community concern itself with the needs of all, whether Christian or not, and especially of those in authority, may imply that a disposition existed at Ephesus to refuse prayer for pagans. In actuality, such prayer aids the community to achieve peaceful relationships with non-Christians (1 Tm 2:2) and contributes to salvation, since it derives its value from the presence within the community of Christ, who is the one and only savior of all (1 Tm 2:3–6). The vital apostolic mission to the Gentiles (1 Tm 2:7) reflects Christ’s purpose of universal salvation. 1 Tm 2:5 contains what may well have been a very primitive creed. Some interpreters have called it a Christian version of the Jewish shema: “Hear, O Israel, the LORD is our God, the LORD alone…” (Dt 6:4–5). The assertion in 1 Tm 2:7, “I am speaking the truth, I am not lying,” reminds one of similar affirmations in Rom 9:1; 2 Cor 11:31; and Gal 1:20.1 

Psalm 28 is a prayer for help and thanksgiving.

* [Psalm 28] A lament asking that the psalmist, who has taken refuge in the Temple (Ps 28:2), not be punished with the wicked, who are headed inevitably toward destruction (Ps 28:1, 3–5). The statement of praise is exceptionally lengthy and vigorous (Ps 28:6–7). The Psalm ends with a prayer (Ps 28:8–9).2 

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus heals a centurion’s servant.

* [7:1–10] This story about the faith of the centurion, a Gentile who cherishes the Jewish nation (Lk 7:5), prepares for the story in Acts of the conversion by Peter of the Roman centurion Cornelius who is similarly described as one who is generous to the Jewish nation (Acts 10:2). See also Acts 10:34–35 in the speech of Peter: “God shows no partiality…whoever fears him and acts righteously is acceptable to him.” See also notes on Mt 8:5–13 and Jn 4:43–54.3 

Tamora Whitney (from 2019) comments that the soldier knows that when he is given an order, he carries it out. He knows that when he gives an order to his servants his will is carried out. He knows that if Jesus says something, it will happen. Because of course, Jesus’ healing word is even stronger than the orders of this soldier.  He has faith in the system, and even more faith in the Lord.

Jesus appreciates the man’s faith.  He says, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.”  He should have found such faith in Israel.  That is where the people would profess to have the most faith, but the strongest faith found was in a man of violence-- a soldier-- a centurion – an outsider. He understands Jesus’ authority and his power. Pray all leaders use their authority and their power well. It is a man of war who professes the strongest faith in the Lord, and who has the most devotion to His authority.4 

Don Schwager quotes “The power of Divinity and the grace of humility,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.

"How great is the sign of divine humility, that the Lord of heaven by no means disdained to visit the centurion's servant! Faith is revealed in deeds, but humanity is more active in compassion. Surely he did not act this way because he could not cure in his absence, but in order to give you a form of humility for imitation he taught the need to defer to the small and the great alike. In another place he says to the ruler, 'Go, your son lives' (John 4:50), that you may know both the power of Divinity and the grace of humility. In that case he refused to go to the ruler's son, lest he seem to have had regard for riches. In this case he went himself lest he seem to have despised the humble rank of the centurion's servant. All of us, slave and free, are one in Christ (Galatians 3:28, Colossians 3:11)." (excerpt from EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 5.84)5 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 7:1-10 comments that we tend to think of humility as something positive but not particularly fun, like eating a bland salad just because it’s good for us. But the centurion’s life shows us how humility can make our relationships rich, full, and pleasing to the Lord.

Instead of focusing inward, on his own importance, the centurion focused outward. He reached out to help the people around him, even those of a different social status and background. And as a result, he won the respect of people who should have called him their enemy. His humble approach toward Jesus was also so genuine that Jesus was “amazed” at his faith and healed his servant on the spot (Luke 7:9). It’s a lesson that when we incorporate humility into our love for God and neighbor, we too will reap blessings. “Jesus, help me to love with humility. May I never judge other people as less important than myself.”6 

Friar Jude Winkler considers the attitude toward officials of the author of the pastoral letter to Timothy. The Book of Revelation and Jesus' recommendation on what was owing to Caesar offer other approaches to civic authority. Friar Jude reminds us how the faith of the centurion is in harmony with the ministry of Luke to the Gentiles.

 

The Franciscan Media web page about Saint John Chrysostom comments that his zeal led him to decisive action. Bishops who bribed their way into office were deposed. Many of his sermons called for concrete steps to share wealth with the poor. The rich did not appreciate hearing from John that private property existed because of Adam’s fall from grace any more than married men liked to hear that they were bound to marital fidelity just as much as their wives were. When it came to justice and charity, John acknowledged no double standards.

John Chrysostom’s preaching, by word and example, exemplifies the role of the prophet to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable. For his honesty and courage, he paid the price of a turbulent ministry as bishop, personal vilification, and exile.7 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that the Christian image of a torturous hell and God as a petty tyrant has not helped us to know, trust, or love God—or anything else. If we understand God as Trinity—the fountain fullness of overflowing love, and relationship itself—there is no theological possibility of any hatred or vengeance in God.

Divinity, which is revealed as Love Itself, will always eventually win. God does not lose (see John 6:37-39). We are all saved by mercy. This is an orthodox opinion! In his book Introduction to Christianity, Pope Benedict XVI explains his understanding of the curious phrase in the middle of the Apostles’ Creed: “[Jesus] descended into hell.” Benedict says that since Christ went into hell, that means hell “is hell no longer . . . because love dwells in it.” [1] Jesus Christ and hell cannot coexist; once Jesus got there, the whole game of punishment was over, as it were. A basic principle of nonviolence is that we cannot achieve good by doing bad.8 

The humility that comes from our relationship with God opens our life to authentic experiences of mercy, compassion, and healing.

 

References

1 (n.d.). 1 Timothy, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. Retrieved September 13, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1timothy/2  2 (n.d.). Psalm 28 - USCCB. Retrieved September 13, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/28  3 (n.d.). Luke, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. Retrieved September 13, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/7  4 (n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - Online Ministries. Retrieved September 13, 2021, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/091321.html  5 (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 13, 2021, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2021&date=sep13  6 (2021, September 13). Mass Readings and Catholic Daily Meditations for September 13 .... Retrieved September 13, 2021, from https://wau.org/meditations/2021/09/13/197883/  7 (n.d.). Saint John Chrysostom | Franciscan Media. Retrieved September 13, 2021, from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-chrysostom  8 (n.d.). Daily Meditations Archive: 2021 - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved September 13, 2021, from https://cac.org/choosing-heaven-now-2021-09-13/