Blessing and the Holy Spirit

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to ponder our religious heritage and refresh our attention to the guidance of the Spirit on our journey.

Faith and the Spirit

The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews celebrates the Faith of the Ancients.

* [11:1–40] This chapter draws upon the people and events of the Old Testament to paint an inspiring portrait of religious faith, firm and unyielding in the face of any obstacles that confront it. These pages rank among the most eloquent and lofty to be found in the Bible. They expand the theme announced in Heb 6:12, to which the author now returns (Heb 10:39). The material of this chapter is developed chronologically. Heb 11:3–7 draw upon the first nine chapters of Genesis (Gn 1–9); Heb 11:8–22, upon the period of the patriarchs; Heb 11:23–31, upon the time of Moses; Heb 11:32–38, upon the history of the judges, the prophets, and the Maccabean martyrs. The author gives the most extensive description of faith provided in the New Testament, though his interest does not lie in a technical, theological definition. In view of the needs of his audience he describes what authentic faith does, not what it is in itself. Through faith God guarantees the blessings to be hoped for from him, providing evidence in the gift of faith that what he promises will eventually come to pass (Heb 11:1). Because they accepted in faith God’s guarantee of the future, the biblical personages discussed in Heb 11:3–38 were themselves commended by God (Heb 11:2). Christians have even greater reason to remain firm in faith since they, unlike the Old Testament men and women of faith, have perceived the beginning of God’s fulfillment of his messianic promises (Heb 11:39–40). (Hebrews, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 31 offers Prayer and Praise for Deliverance from Enemies.

* [Psalm 31] A lament (Ps 31:2–19) with a strong emphasis on trust (Ps 31:4, 6, 15–16), ending with an anticipatory thanksgiving (Ps 31:20–24). As is usual in laments, the affliction is couched in general terms. The psalmist feels overwhelmed by evil people but trusts in the “God of truth” (Ps 31:6). (Psalms, PSALM 31 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus Heals the Gerasene Demoniac.

* [5:1] The territory of the Gerasenes: the reference is to pagan territory; cf. Is 65:1. Another reading is “Gadarenes”; see note on Mt 8:28.

* [5:2–6] The man was an outcast from society, dominated by unclean spirits (Mk 5:8, 13), living among the tombs. The prostration before Jesus (Mk 5:6) indicates Jesus’ power over evil spirits.

* [5:7] What have you to do with me?: cf. Mk 1:24 and see note on Jn 2:4.

* [5:9] Legion is my name: the demons were numerous and the condition of the possessed man was extremely serious; cf. Mt 12:45.

* [5:11] Herd of swine: see note on Mt 8:30.

* [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. (Mark, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Tamora Whitney recalls the Prayer for the Blessing of Throats, a Feb 3 tradition, and the encouragement in Hebrews for life in difficult times.

"Through the intercession of Saint Blase, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit. "

In the first reading from Hebrews we are told of the prophets of old who were faithful and overcame challenges in their faith. It did not always end well for them, some were tortured and martyred. So their reward came in the next world, not this one. They can be seen as an inspiration for us who are uncertain and frightened about the times we live in. We can take comfort that others were also uncertain and were frightened but remained faithful; others came before us who had to overcome impossible obstacles and who were persecuted. Because of their sacrifice we have a role model and inspiration. (Whitney, 2025)

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) (of Nazianzus & Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Psalm 31:20-24 comments that the psalmist begins by crying out to God for help and ends by proclaiming his faith that God will answer his prayer. He praises God for the “wondrous mercy he has shown me” and for hearing “the sound of my pleading” (Psalm 31:22, 23). Because of God’s past faithfulness, he trusts that God will come to his aid again. And so he exults, “How great is the goodness, O Lord, which you have in store for those who fear you” (31:20).

So don’t bear your burdens alone: unburden yourself to Jesus. Let him remind you that your Father has good things in store for you. Lift up your eyes to your risen Lord who awaits you. Even death is not the end of the story. God’s goodness will pursue you all the days of your life (Psalm 23:6)!

“Lord, I trust in you!” (Meditation on Psalm 31:20-24, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the Letter to the Hebrews today proclaims more people of faith in our heritage who trusted God and experienced wondrous gifts. The Hebrew Testament offers prefigurations of Jesus actions in faith. Friar Jude reminds us of the resonance of “Legion” with the Roman occupation and the damage done to pagan livelihoods when the demons drive the swine into the sea.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, offers a history of Israel’s prophets and the unique role they played.

The same dynamics operate today, with those in power or trying to gain power more interested in protecting their own interests and positions than in seeking justice. We must be eternally conscious of this fact: For the untransformed self, religion is the most dangerous temptation of all. Our egos, when they are validated by religion, are given full permission to enslave, segregate, demean, defraud, and inflate—because all bases are covered with pre-ascribed virtue and a supposed hatred of evil. This is what the prophets expose in their wholesale assault on temple worship, priestly classes, self-serving commandments, and intergenerational wealth. “Be very careful here!” they keep shouting. The prophets know that religion is the best and that religion also risks being the worst. We love to choose sides and declare ourselves sinless and pure and orthodox (“right”), with little evidence that it is true. This is always a surprise to everyone except the prophets. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek inspiration from the Holy Spirit to live out our Baptismal anointing as a prophet to proclaim the blessings of our relationship with Christ.

References

Hebrews, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/11?32 

Mark, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/5?1=#49005001 

Meditation on Psalm 31:20-24. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/02/03/1194360/ 

of Nazianzus, G., & Schwager, D. (n.d.). Tell Them How Much the Lord Has Done for You. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=feb3 

Psalms, PSALM 31 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/31?20 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Role of the Prophets. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-role-of-the-prophets/ 

Whitney, T. (2025, February 3). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/020325.html 

Choices for life

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us that we encounter choices in life that may invite us to accept an unexpected role or a change that point to struggle as part of our growth in living a deeper love or sense of justice.

Path for Life

In the passage from the Book of Genesis, Abram and Lot choose parting paths.

* [13:2–18] In this story of Abraham and Lot going their separate ways, Abraham resolves a family dispute by an act that shows both trust in God and generosity toward his nephew. The story suggests Lot rather than Abraham is the natural choice to be the ancestor of a great family; he is young and he takes the most fertile land (outside the land of Canaan). In contrast to Lot, who lifts his eyes to choose for himself (vv. 10–11), Abraham waits for God to tell him to lift his eyes and see the land he will receive (v. 14). Chaps. 18–19 continue the story of Abraham and Lot. Abraham’s visionary possession of the land foreshadows that of Moses (Dt 3:27; 34:4).1 

The Psalm records a liturgical scrutiny at the entrance to the Temple court.

* [Psalm 15] The Psalm records a liturgical scrutiny at the entrance to the Temple court (cf. Ps 24:3–6; Is 33:14b–16). The Israelite wishing to be admitted had to ask the Temple official what conduct was appropriate to God’s precincts. Note the emphasis on virtues relating to one’s neighbor.2 

A collection of wisdom sayings from the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel from Matthew alert us to placing pearls before swine, following the Golden Rule and avoiding perdition by choosing the Narrow Gate.

* [7:13–14] The metaphor of the “two ways” was common in pagan philosophy and in the Old Testament. In Christian literature it is found also in the Didache (1–6) and the Epistle of Barnabas (18–20).3 

Eileen Wirth comments that the Catechism of the Catholic Church defines justice as working for equity among people. The full definition makes it clear that our faith obliges us to work for justice – it’s not optional.

This is especially true for those of us who won what I call “the birth lottery.”It’s interesting to reflect on the difference between justice and charity which is wonderful but optional. Charity is fun because it’s being lady bountiful. It’s buying something that I don’t need to help my granddaughter’s summer project or doing something cool for my old Creighton department or my beloved Omaha Public Library. On the other hand, justice demands serious action against social evil – pick your cause although I keep coming back to refugees and migrants.
When we perform acts of justice, we’re not being noble. As the psalmist reminds us today, we’re just trying to become worthy to “live in the presence of the Lord.”4 

Don Schwager quotes “Unreadiness to receive Godly teaching,” by Saint Augustine of Hippo, 430-543 A.D.

"Now in this precept we are forbidden to give a holy thing to dogs or to cast pearls before swine. We must diligently seek to determine the gravity of these words: holy, pearls, dogs and swine. A holy thing is whatever it would be impious to profane or tear apart. Even a fruitless attempt to do so makes one already guilty of such impiety, though the holy thing may by its very nature remain inviolable and indestructible. Pearls signify all spiritual things that are worthy of being highly prized. Because these things lie hidden in secret, it is as though they were being drawn up from the deep. Because they are found in the wrappings of allegories, it is as though they were contained within shells that have been opened.(1) It is clear therefore that one and the same thing can be called both a holy thing and a pearl. It can be called a holy thing because it ought not to be destroyed and a pearl because it ought not to be despised. One tries to destroy what one does not wish to leave intact. One despises what is deemed worthless, as if beneath him. Hence, whatever is despised is said to be trampled under foot... Thus we may rightly understand that these words (dogs and swine) are now used to designate respectively those who assail the truth and those who resist it." (excerpt from SERMON ON THE MOUNT 2.20.68–69)
(1) The interpretive task is to crack through the shell of the language to its inner spiritual meaning.5 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 7:6, 12-14 asks if we really should stay on this “narrow” and “constricted” road (Matthew 7:14).

But this is the road that leads to life—both now and forever! Yes, it can be difficult at times. Yes, it is costly. And no, it doesn’t guarantee a problem-free life. But Jesus knows this, and still he asks you to keep moving forward. He promises to be your Savior and guide when you face obstacles or temptations along the way. He has given you his Church and the sacraments to strengthen you if you should stumble along the path. And he has given you traveling companions who can help you and encourage you when life gets difficult.6 

One of the “facts of life” that I have observed is sometimes we need to struggle to fully appreciate some events and opportunities we encounter in life. Attempts to reduce the struggle or soften the difficult decision threaten to rob the experience of the full value it offers to us. Sometimes this need to struggle visits us in our education, our relationships with family, our work place, on the athletic field. How do we assess the preparedness of children or those we are given responsibility for to accept the “pearl” we may be offering? It is necessary to probe for interest and commitment in a non-judgmental way and discern, as best we can, if the person in front of us is best fed, at this time, by “milk” or “meat”. Offering “meat” to those only able to consume “milk” threatens to devalue the difficult path and the ultimate hope that the time for digesting “meat” will come again.

Friar Jude Winkler identifies the action of Abram against custom to give Lot the first choice. Appropriate response to holy things may not be possible for all people all the time. Friar Jude reminds that avoiding the road to perdition may involve saying no to things that lead us astray.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, shares contemplation is simply openness to God’s loving presence in “what is” right in front of you... This presence to Presence can be cultivated in many ways that don’t require sitting on a mat for twenty minutes.

If we expect the same disciplined practice of twenty minutes of silence twice a day of everyone—for example, busy parents of young children—I think we’re setting ourselves up for delusion. When you keep allowing love to flow toward you and toward others, that is a contemplative life. It is not as easy as it seems. Many lay people are far more mature in the spiritual life than those of us who have all the accoutrements of celibacy, quiet, and protected solitude.7 

In the present moment, we contemplate choices to grow in holiness and live more fully.

References

1	(n.d.). Genesis, chapter 13 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 25, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/genesis/13
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 15 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 25, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/15
3	(n.d.). Matthew, chapter 7 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 25, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/matthew/7
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries - Creighton University. Retrieved June 25, 2019, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 25, 2019, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
6	(n.d.). 12th Week in Ordinary Time - Mass Readings and Catholic Daily .... Retrieved June 25, 2019, from https://wau.org/meditations/2019/06/25/
7	(n.d.). Many Paths to Contemplation — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved June 25, 2019, from https://cac.org/many-paths-to-contemplation-2019-06-25/