Surrender and Conquest

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, share the hope of transformation of our lives in greater faith, hope and charity through our response to the prompting of the Spirit for our surrender to the Will of God.

Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore

The reading from the Prophet Zechariah shares the themes of the First Three Visions calling the people to Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion!

* [2:10] Land of the north: refers to Babylon (v. 11), in a geographic rather than a political sense, as the place from which exiles will return. The designation is “north” because imperial invaders historically entered Palestine from that direction (see Jer 3:18; 23:8).

* [2:15] Many nations…my people: a way of expressing God’s relationship to people in covenant language. The covenant between God and Israel (see Jer 31:33; 32:38) is here universalized to include all nations.

* [2:16] The holy land: the Lord’s earthly territory, a designation found only rarely in the Old Testament. (Zechariah, CHAPTER 2, n.d.)

The alternate reading from the Book of Revelation is the vision of the Woman and the Dragon.

* [12:3] Huge red dragon: the Devil or Satan (cf. Rev 12:9; 20:2), symbol of the forces of evil, a mythical monster known also as Leviathan (Ps 74:13–14) or Rahab (Jb 26:12–13; Ps 89:11). Seven diadems: these are symbolic of the fullness of the dragon’s sovereignty over the kingdoms of this world; cf. Christ with many diadems (Rev 19:12).

* [12:5] Rule,iron rod: fulfilled in Rev 19:15; cf. Ps 2:9. Was caught up to God: reference to Christ’s ascension.

* [12:6] God protects the persecuted church in the desert, the traditional Old Testament place of refuge for the afflicted, according to the typology of the Exodus; see note on Rev 11:2. (Revelation, CHAPTER 12, n.d.)

The response from the Book of Judith is the proclamation of Uzziah, ‘O daughter, you are blessed by the Most High God above all other women on earth

* [13:12–20] Elements from chaps. 8–9 are echoed here. The assembly of the people at Judith’s return parallels the meeting of the town officials summoned by Judith in 8:10. Uzziah blesses Judith in 8:5 and again in 13:18–20. (Judith, CHAPTER 13, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, the Birth of Jesus is foretold.

* [1:26–38] The announcement to Mary of the birth of Jesus is parallel to the announcement to Zechariah of the birth of John. In both the angel Gabriel appears to the parent who is troubled by the vision (Lk 1:11–12, 26–29) and then told by the angel not to fear (Lk 1:13, 30). After the announcement is made (Lk 1:14–17, 31–33) the parent objects (Lk 1:18, 34) and a sign is given to confirm the announcement (Lk 1:20, 36). The particular focus of the announcement of the birth of Jesus is on his identity as Son of David (Lk 1:32–33) and Son of God (Lk 1:32, 35). (Luke, CHAPTER 1, n.d.)

Larry Gillick S.J. reflects on the Gospel Reading from Matthew 21:23-27 that is not specific to the feast today. He notes that in December of 1531 five different appearances by Mary of Nazareth began to Juan Diego, a young man of Mexico. The stories of these miracles and the struggles of the official Church to accept them as real, form a fascinating retelling worth the reading. We might have questions about Mary’s appearance in Mexico and why not around here? Why did not Jesus just tell them that His authority is divine and comes from His Father? Why? Why? Why? This word is the third one little children learn with which to entertain and annoy parents and that word lies right below the surface of our spirits and minds, even in our older years.

When a little one hears a good answer, it creates a second and third use of the big three-letter power word. Advent? It is a time for longing and praying with our very personal and good questions and we wish that somebody, Mary, St. Juan Diego, somebody could help us let go of the Big W word which is exactly what Jesus is offering His questioners. Stand proudly with your questions and kneel humbly with your longing, emptiness and faith. Happy asking Advent! (Gillick, 2022)

Don Schwager quotes “Mary conceives the Creator of all things,” by an anonymous early author from the Greek church.

"Gabriel flew down from the vault of heaven and came to Nazareth; standing before the virgin Mary, he cried to her, 'Rejoice! You shall conceive a son more ancient than Adam, the Creator of all things and Savior of those who cry to you. Rejoice, pure virgin!' Gabriel brought from heaven good tidings to the Virgin, and he cried out to her, 'Rejoice! You shall conceive him whom the world cannot contain; he shall be contained within your womb. You shall bear him who shone forth from the Father before the morning star!' (Psalm 110:3).

"The co-eternal Word of the Father who has no beginning, not being parted from the things on high, has now descended here below, in his boundless love taking pity on fallen humankind. He has assumed the poverty of Adam, clothing himself in a form strange to him." (excerpt from STICHERA OF THE ANNUNCIATION) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation from Zechariah 2:14-17 resonates with the familiar story of our Lady of Guadalupe. The bishop was slow to believe Juan Diego’s message, so Mary performed a miracle. She directed Juan Diego to a spot where roses were growing (they weren’t in season), arranged those roses in his cloak, and sent him back to the bishop. When Juan Diego unfolded his cloak, the roses spilled out, leaving behind a beautiful image of Mary as a pregnant native woman radiant in glory. Convinced, the bishop built a shrine as Mary had requested. This shrine, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is said to be the most-visited Catholic shrine in the world. Mary’s words to Juan Diego showed her eagerness to reveal her son to the native inhabitants of the New World. She wanted them to know without a doubt the same thing that millions of people in other parts of the world already knew: that God was with them. The miracle of Juan Diego’s cloak, and the presence of the shrine that still houses that cloak, are an ever-present testimony to that fact.

God is with you no matter where you go. He has made you into his dwelling place, and he wants nothing more than to show you his love and mercy each and every day. So let him prove his faithfulness to you today.

“Lord, thank you for the gift of Our Lady of Guadalupe! Thank you for never abandoning me!” (Meditation From Zechariah 2:14-17, n.d.)

A YouTube video features Bishop Robert Barron narrating the Catholicism series segment on Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the awe and wonder in the passage from the Book of Zechariah declaring the Presence of God. The alternate reading from the Book of Revelation presents two levels of struggle between the devil and Mary and the Church. Friar Jude details the blessed status of Mary as revealed in Luke’s Gospel through the message of the angle Gabriel.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, shares how faith, hope, and love allow our participation in the benevolent nature of the universe. In the practical order, we find our Original Goodness, the image of God that we are, when we can discover and own the faith, hope, and love deeply planted within us:

A trust in inner coherence itself. “It all means something!” (Faith)

A trust that this coherence is positive and going somewhere good. (Hope)

A trust that this coherence includes me and even defines me. (Love)

Being created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26–27) gives everyone an equal and inherent dignity. However, in every age and culture, we have seen regressions toward racism, sexism, homophobia, militarism, ableism, and classism. This pattern tells me that unless we see dignity as being given universally, objectively, and from the beginning by God, we humans will constantly think it is up to us to decide. But our tragic history demonstrates that one group cannot be trusted to portion out worthiness and dignity to another. Our criteria tend to be self-referential and thus highly prejudiced, and the powerless and disadvantaged always lose out.

For the planet and for all living beings to move forward, we can rely on nothing less than an inherent original goodness and a universally shared dignity. Only then can we build, because the foundation is strong, and is itself good. Surely this is what Jesus meant when he told us to “dig and dig deep, and build your house on rock” (Luke 6:48). When we start with a positive vision, a resounding yes, we are more likely to proceed with generosity and hope, and we have a much greater chance of ending with an even bigger yes, which we would call “resurrection.” (Rohr, 2022)

We contemplate the goodness that flows from our acts of trust and loving action and express our gratitude for being able to participate in bringing fullness to life.

References

Gillick, L. (2022, December 12). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved December 12, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/121222.html 

Judith, CHAPTER 13. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved December 12, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/judith/13?18 

Luke, CHAPTER 1. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved December 12, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1 

Meditation from Zechariah 2:14-17. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved December 12, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/12/12/553212/ 

Revelation, CHAPTER 12. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved December 12, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/revelation/12 

Rohr, R. (2022, December 12). Foundational Trust — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved December 12, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/foundational-trust-2022-12-12/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved December 12, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=dec12a 

Zechariah, CHAPTER 2. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved December 12, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/zechariah/2?14 

Placed for Good

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to humbly reflect on our personal and corporate salvation history to contemplate the role for good in which God has placed us.

Our history with God

 

The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans declares that Israel’s rejection is not final and along with the salvation of the Gentiles, all Israel will be saved.

* [11:25–29] In God’s design, Israel’s unbelief is being used to grant the light of faith to the Gentiles. Meanwhile, Israel remains dear to God (cf. Rom 9:13), still the object of special providence, the mystery of which will one day be revealed.1 

Psalm 94 praises God as the avenger of the righteous.

* [Psalm 94] A lament of an individual who is threatened by wicked people. The danger affects the whole community. Calling upon God as judge (Ps 94:1–2), the Psalm complains about oppression of the holy community by people within (Ps 94:3–7). Bold declarations of faith follow: denunciation of evildoers (Ps 94:8–11) and assurance to the just (Ps 94:12–15). The Psalm continues with further lament (Ps 94:16–19) and ends with strong confidence in God’s response (Ps 94:20–23).2

 

After Jesus heals the man with dropsy in the Gospel of Luke, He teaches humility while enjoying the hospitality of others.

* [14:7–14] The banquet scene found only in Luke provides the opportunity for these teachings of Jesus on humility and presents a setting to display Luke’s interest in Jesus’ attitude toward the rich and the poor (see notes on Lk 4:18; 6:20–26; 12:13–34).3

 

Andy Alexander, S.J. comments that the Gospel today is quite counter cultural and quite against the stream of self-promotion that can dominate the movements around us. Who in this world - beside Jesus - is saying "take the lowest place"? And, why would Jesus say that?

Paul in his letter to the Philippians [Phillipians 2:1-11] spells it out for us, when he urges them to imitate Jesus… The way of life that becomes part of living like Jesus will have many forms among us. It will always be humble and have a measure of thinking of others' needs first - taking the lowest place. It will always be about choices that move in the direction of healing and reconciliation, compassion and togetherness, empathy and service.4 

  Don Schwager quotes “Jesus calls us to be humble, modest, and praiseworthy,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"'When,' he says, 'a man more honorable than you comes, he that invited you and him will say, 'Give this man place.' Oh, what great shame is there in having to do this! It is like a theft, so to speak, and the restitution of the stolen goods. He must restore what he has seized because he had no right to take it. The modest and praiseworthy person, who without fear of blame might have claimed the dignity of sitting among the foremost, does not seek it. He yields to others what might be called his own, that he may not even seem to be overcome by empty pride. Such a one shall receive honor as his due. He says, 'He shall hear him who invited him say, "Come up here."... If any one among you wants to be set above others, let him win it by the decree of heaven and be crowned by those honors that God bestows. Let him surpass the many by having the testimony of glorious virtues. The rule of virtue is a lowly mind that does not love boasting. It is humility. The blessed Paul also counted this worthy of all esteem. He writes to those who eagerly desire saintly pursuits, 'Love humility.'" (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 101.5)5

 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 14:1, 7-11 comments that Jesus didn’t seek out prestigious invitations. Yes, he ate with religious leaders, as he did in today’s reading. But he also happily dined with the outcasts of his day: tax collectors and “sinners.” He ate with Zacchaeus, a notorious tax collector, even when the crowd protested (Luke 19:5-7). He accepted anyone who came to him. In the house of Simon the Pharisee, he welcomed a sinful woman whose tears fell on his feet. Not only did he forgive her, but he also praised her faith and used her example to teach his wealthy host (7:36-50).

We too can be secure in our position as beloved children of God. That confidence can enable us to seek out the lowest place instead of grasping for recognition and honor. It might mean entering a room full of people ready to connect with the one who seems most alone or most out of place. Or it might mean letting someone else have the spotlight for a job well done instead of seeking the credit ourselves. It could mean having the humility to listen attentively to someone, knowing that we can learn from each one of God’s children. “Jesus, thank you for showing me how to take the lowest place.”6 

Friar Jude Winkler notes the qualities of God that even though Jesus was rejected as Messiah, Yahweh in the qualities of "chesed and emet", is faithful to His promises to Israel. We are not the be all and end all so humility is suited to our place. Friar Jude reminds us that our talents are given for the service of others.

 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that because of the way most Christians have understood the doctrine of original sin, the physical body has borne the brunt of our guilt and shame. Its needs, desires, and frailties were often labeled “sinful,” and therefore were repressed instead of affirmed and channeled in healthy and life-giving ways. In honor of the Original Goodness of our bodies, he invites us to spend time with this blessing by Jan Richardson, a writer, poet, artist, and ordained minister in the United Methodist Church.

BLESSING THE BODY

This blessing takes

one look at you

and all it can say is

holy.

Holy hands.

Holy face.

Holy feet.

Holy everything

in between.

Holy even in pain.

Holy even when weary.

In brokenness, holy.

In shame, holy still.

Holy in delight.

Holy in distress.

Holy when being born.

Holy when we lay it down

at the hour of our death.

So, friend,

open your eyes

(holy eyes).

For one moment

see what this blessing sees,

this blessing that knows

how you have been formed

and knit together

in wonder and

in love.

Welcome this blessing

that folds its hands

in prayer

when it meets you;

receive this blessing

that wants to kneel

in reverence

before you—

you who are

temple,

sanctuary,

home for God

in this world.7

 

We seek the humility of service and we experience the graciousness of God who calls us to our place.

 

References

 

1	(n.d.). Romans, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. Retrieved October 30, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/11
2	(n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 94 | USCCB. Retrieved October 30, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/94
3	(n.d.). Luke, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB. Retrieved October 30, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/14
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - Online Ministries. Retrieved October 30, 2021, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/103021.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 30, 2021, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2021&date=oct30
6	(n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved October 30, 2021, from https://wau.org/meditations/2021/10/30/233935/
7	(n.d.). Daily Meditations Archive: 2021 - Richard Rohr. Retrieved October 30, 2021, from https://cac.org/category/daily-meditations/2021/