Tradition to control our privilege

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today connect to contemplation about our need to control.

Saint Paul Miki and Companions: “My religion teaches me to pardon my enemies and all who have offended me.” https://t.co/jDj5QI6p5R

— Elizabeth Scalia (@TheAnchoress) February 6, 2018

In the First Book of Kings Solomon recognizes the inability to contain and control the Presence of God.

Jesus confronts, in the Gospel from Mark, the hypocrisy of the religious leaders who seek to control the smallest details of the lives of people often in opposition to the Law of Moses.

* [7:5] Tradition of the elders: the body of detailed, unwritten, human laws regarded by the scribes and Pharisees to have the same binding force as that of the Mosaic law; cf. Gal 1:14.

The Enter the Bible website comments on the understanding of Solomon as he dedicates the Temple.

The theme of hearing in or from "heaven" (vv. 32, 34, 36, 39, 43, 45, 49) lifts up the important idea that Solomon never asks God to hear from the "temple," supposedly God's "house." God cannot be contained in a "house." The divine transcendence is maintained without compromising the proximity needed in the prayer. God's "forgiveness" also repeats a number of times (vv. 30, 34, 36, 39, 50). But this forgiveness is always predicated upon one's prayer, confession, or repentance, stressing that the temple is a place of prayer at least as much as it is a place of sacrifice.

Mike Cherney offers a prayer in response to his feeling of a disconnect in his workplace between how the tradition is practiced and the basis of the tradition.

Heavenly Father,I pray today for the strength to see and act on what is important.Grant me forgiveness for the times when I have lost focus.
Assist me in distinguishing between how the tradition is practiced and the basis of the tradition.
Help me to avoid frustration with the rules and limitations that I encounter.
Do not allow the potential routine of life to interfere with how I respond to You.
The days may be long, and the tasks may be many.
When fatigue may blur my focus, I ask for Your guidance in how I live out my personal mission.

Don Schwager explores Jesus comments on the hypocrisy and ignorance of the Law of the Pharisees in the Gospel today.

Jesus accused them specifically of two things. First of hypocrisy. Like actors, who put on a show, they appear to obey God's word in their external practices while they inwardly harbor evil desires and intentions. Secondly, he accused them of abandoning God's word by substituting their own arguments and ingenious interpretations for what God requires. They listened to clever arguments rather than to God's word. Jesus refers them to the prophecy of Isaiah (29:31) where the prophet accuses the people of his day for honoring God with their lips while their hearts went astray because of their disobedience to God's laws.

Friar Jude Winkler compares the realization of Solomon of God humbling himself to the Christian experience of Jesus Presence in Sacraments. The Law of Love is our basis for separating human tradition from Divine Law.  

A Post by Franciscan Media takes us to the scene of the violent martyrdom of Saint Paul Miki and Companions in Nagasaki centuries before the extreme violence of atomic warfare killed so many there.

Nagasaki, Japan, is familiar to Americans as the city on which the second atomic bomb was dropped, immediately killing over 37,000 people. Three and a half centuries before, 26 martyrs of Japan were crucified on a hill, now known as the Holy Mountain, overlooking Nagasaki. Among them were priests, brothers, and laymen, Franciscans, Jesuits, and members of the Secular Franciscan Order; there were catechists, doctors, simple artisans, and servants, old men and innocent children—all united in a common faith and love for Jesus and his Church

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, in his reflection on Jesus Sermon on the Mount, asks: How can we be peacemakers?

In Jesus’ teaching and in his life, we see modeled nonviolent, peaceful action. He encourages us to likewise “turn the other cheek” and not return vengeance with vengeance. There is no way to peace other than through peacemaking itself. But many think we can achieve peace through violence. We say, “We will stop killing by killing.” Sadly, that is the way we think, and it is in opposition to all great religious teachers. Our need for immediate control leads us to disconnect the clear unity between means and ends.

The universal Divine Presence invites us to seek peace by the intercession of the Holy Spirit thereby connecting with the source of peace within. Richard Rohr reminds us that seeking peace means standing up in nonviolent resistance to systems of injustice. It involves learning the skills of nonviolent communication and conflict resolution.

References


(n.d.). 1 Kings 8:1-66 Solomon Dedicates the Temple - Enter the Bible. Retrieved February 6, 2018, from https://www.enterthebible.org/Controls/feature/tool_etb_resource_display/resourcebox.aspx?selected_rid=675&original_id=31

(n.d.). 1 Kings, chapter 8 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved February 6, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/bible/1kings/8:22

(n.d.). Mark, chapter 7 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved February 6, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/mark/7

(n.d.). Online Ministries at Creighton University. Retrieved February 6, 2018, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/

(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 6, 2018, from http://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/

(n.d.). Saint Paul Miki and Companions – Franciscan Media. Retrieved February 6, 2018, from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-paul-miki-and-companions/

(2017, December 30). 2018 Daily Meditations - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 6, 2018, from https://cac.org/2018-daily-meditations/

Temples, tassels and Tradition

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to change our attitude to the Presence of God in our daily lives.

St Agatha #Catania #Italy destroyed by Mt Etna, rebuilt. More at https://t.co/rd4AHG3aGU #geology #travel #italy pic.twitter.com/phKrbsEjK9

— RocDocTravel (@RocDocTravel) May 1, 2016

The First Book of Kings describes the dedication of the Temple of Solomon and the transfer of the Ark of the Covenant to the Holy of Holies.

* [8:6–9] The transfer of the ark of the covenant into the newly constructed Temple building, God’s act of possession (8:10–13), and Solomon’s dedicatory prayer and sacrifices constituted the Temple’s solemn dedication and made of it the place of God’s presence in the midst of Israel for which David had hoped (2 Sm 6:12–15; 7:1–3). Later God expresses approval of the Temple with an oracle (1 Kgs 9:3–9).

The authority and power of God in Jesus is recognized by the people who seek healing through contact with Him in the Gospel of Mark.

Jay Carney comments that the question that hovers over both of today’s readings is: Where does God dwell?

If only things were so neat! But Israel’s history is nothing if not messy. Solomon’s beautiful temple lasts 400 years but is ultimately destroyed by the Babylonians; its successor made it over 600 years but could not survive the Romans. Yet God is bigger than Israel’s checkered political history. God is bigger than our houses, our dark clouds, our holy of holies, and our abundant sacrifices. God meets us by Lake Gennesaret, where the sick and their friends literally “scurry about” to receive a healing touch. God meets us in the midst of persecution, as we learn from today’s patroness, the virgin martyr St. Agatha. God meets us in the glorified humanity of the crucified and risen Jesus Christ, entering fully into and transforming our own humanity. God dwells wherever we seek him in self-giving love

The Franciscan Media description of the tradition around today’s patroness, the virgin martyr St. Agatha asks: Have we lost an essential human quality of wonder and poetry, and even our belief that we come to God by helping each other, both in action and prayer?

The scientific modern mind winces at the thought of a volcano’s might being contained by God because of the prayers of a Sicilian girl. Still less welcome, probably, is the notion of that saint being the patroness of such varied professions as those of foundry workers, nurses, miners and Alpine guides. Yet, in our historical precision, have we lost an essential human quality of wonder and poetry, and even our belief that we come to God by helping each other, both in action and prayer?

Don Schwager asks if we recognize the Lord's presence with us and the power of his word for our life?

Faith is an entirely free gift which God makes to us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Believing and trusting in God to act in our lives is only possible by the grace and help of the Holy Spirit who moves the heart and converts it to God. The Holy Spirit opens the eyes of the mind and helps us to understand, accept, and believe God's word. How do we grow in faith? By listening to God's word with trust and submission. Faith also grows through testing and perseverance. The Lord wants to teach us how to pray in faith for his will for our lives and for the things he wishes to give us to enable us to follow him faithfully and serve him generously.

Friar Jude Winkler connects the cloud of the Presence in the Temple of Solomon to the overshadowing of the Virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit at the Incarnation and her role as the new Ark of the Covenant. He invites us to see the Presence of Jesus in the Tabernacle and beyond.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, presents Cynthia Bourgeault’s description of the connection between the “heart” and the ability to see God as taught in the Wisdom tradition.

The ancient Wisdom traditions all saw (I do not mean they theorized; they directly perceived) that the physical world we take for our empirical, time-and-space-bound reality is encompassed in another: a coherent and powerful world of divine purpose always surrounding and interpenetrating it. This other, more subtle world is invisible to the senses, and to the mind it appears to be pure speculation. But if the heart is awake and clear, it can directly receive, radiate, and reflect this unmanifest divine Reality.

Our ability to connect with the Divine Presence is a gift of the Holy Spirit that informs our heart of our existence in a powerful universe of Divine Purpose.

References


(n.d.). 1 Kings, chapter 8 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved February 5, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/bible/1kings/8:1

(n.d.). Mark, chapter 6 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved February 5, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/bible/mark/6:53

(n.d.). Online Ministries at Creighton University. Retrieved February 5, 2018, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/

(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 5, 2018, from http://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/

(2017, December 30). 2018 Daily Meditations - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 5, 2018, from https://cac.org/2018-daily-meditations/

Struggle and mercy

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge our evolving faith with questions of drudgery in life and financial support for our efforts.

Pope Francis has been rocking Vatican City, and he wants us all to feel the good will with THE NAME OF GOD IS MERCY: https://t.co/gw92N1rJ1g pic.twitter.com/qjSTaVqzoH

— Instaread Religion (@instaread_reli) February 4, 2018

The Book of Job describes a low point in the life story of this good man of God.

* [7:1] Drudgery: taken by some to refer to military service; cf. also 14:14.

Paul expresses his intention to work like a slave to bring the Good News to the community of the Corinthians.

* [9:15–18] Paul now assigns a more personal motive to his nonuse of his right to support. His preaching is not a service spontaneously undertaken on his part but a stewardship imposed by a sort of divine compulsion. Yet to merit any reward he must bring some spontaneous quality to his service, and this he does by freely renouncing his right to support. The material here is quite similar to that contained in Paul’s “defense” at 2 Cor 11:5–12; 12:11–18.

In the Gospel from Mark, Jesus mission to bring an encounter with God to the people includes healing for a sick woman.

* [1:21–45] The account of a single day’s ministry of Jesus on a sabbath in and outside the synagogue of Capernaum (Mk 1:21–31) combines teaching and miracles of exorcism and healing. Mention is not made of the content of the teaching but of the effect of astonishment and alarm on the people. Jesus’ teaching with authority, making an absolute claim on the hearer, was in the best tradition of the ancient prophets, not of the scribes. The narrative continues with events that evening (Mk 1:32–34; see notes on Mt 8:14–17) and the next day (Mk 1:35–39). The cleansing in Mk 1:40–45 stands as an isolated story.

Catholic Daily Reflections encourages us to be inspired by the life of Job.

Reflect, today, upon Job.  Let his life inspire you.  If you are finding a particular burden in life weighing you down, then try to praise and worship God anyway.  Give God the glory due His name simply because it is due His name and not because you do or do not feel like doing it.  In this, you will find that your heavy burden leads to your strengthening.  You will become more faithful by being faithful when it’s very difficult to do so.  Job did it and so can you!

Les at Bible bridge explains why Paul refused to make a living from his spiritual work in Corinth.

In summary, Paul did not make a living from his spiritual work in Corinth, Thessalonica, or Ephesus. In fact, he refused to do so. And he refused to do so because:
he wanted the gospel to advance as easily as possible,he wanted to avoid being a financial burden,he wanted to serve as an example of diligence, andhe wanted to personally provide for those in need.

Helmut Koester, Professor of New Testament Studies, comments that the true messiahship of Jesus cannot be recognized in his miracles.

"what is the messianic secret?" It seems to me that the messianic secret is, indeed, that the true messiahship of Jesus cannot be recognized in his miracles. The disciples as they witness the miracles don't understand. They don't know what is going on. They are taught to understand from the prediction of the passion onwards who Jesus is. And that the messianic secret of Jesus is that he is the son of man who has come to suffer and not the Messiah who is going to do great miracles.

George Butterfield is inspired by Jesus desire to remain unknown to consider the challenges of fame.

Throughout Mark's Gospel Jesus appears to want no one to know who he is. The demons shout out who he is and he tells them to be quiet. Of course, Jesus doesn't need a recommendation from demons but it appears to be more than that. He heals people and then tells them not to tell anyone about it. Most of them go out and tell everyone they can. In today's story, Jesus can stay and make a name for himself but he says that it is time to move on. Why? Jesus is a servant of God. He does not come to make a splash - to impress people - to become well known. He simply wants to proclaim the good news and heal people.

Friar Jude Winkler looks at the background to the appropriate depression of Job. The reward for serving others is the ability to serve others.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, believes with all his heart that mercy and forgiveness are the whole Gospel.

We do not attain anything by our own holiness but by ten thousand surrenders to mercy. A lifetime of received forgiveness allows us to become mercy: That’s the Beatitude. We become what we receive, what we allow into our hearts. Mercy becomes our energy and purpose. Perhaps we are finally enlightened and free when we can both receive it and give it away—without payment or punishment.

The conclusions today include: The reward for perseverance is perseverance. The reward for the serving others is the ability to serve others. The reward for mercy is to become merciful.

References

(n.d.). CHAPTER 7 1 Is not life on earth a drudgery, its days like those of a .... Retrieved February 4, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/job/job7.htm

(n.d.). 1 Corinthians, chapter 9 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved February 4, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/9

(n.d.). Mark, chapter 1 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved February 4, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/mark/1

(2018, February 3). When Life is a “Drudgery” – Catholic Daily Reflections. Retrieved February 4, 2018, from https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2018/02/03/when-life-is-a-drudgery/

(2011, May 2). The Apostle Paul's Income: Four Reasons Why Paul Worked a Day .... Retrieved February 4, 2018, from https://www.bible-bridge.com/pauls-income-four-reasons-why-paul-worked-day-job/

(n.d.). The Story Of The Storytellers - The Gospel Of Mark | From Jesus To .... Retrieved February 4, 2018, from https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/story/mark.html

(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections .... Retrieved February 4, 2018, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html

(n.d.). Daily Meditations Archive - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 4, 2018, from https://cac.org/richard-rohr/daily-meditations/daily-meditations-archive/

Wisdom and Inspiration

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today encourage us to seek qualities like wisdom, patience and prudence in our work with people we encounter on our journey.

The exchange between God and Solomon in the First Book of Kings reveals how the pursuit of qualities for excellent service of others opens our life to experiencing many associated gifts.

* [3:1–15] The third major unit of the Solomon story depicts the bright beginning of his reign. It includes the narrator’s remarks about Solomon’s marriage and his building projects, and a divine appearance to Solomon. Compare 11:1–13, where the same themes recur, but in negative fashion. The story of the divine appearance is told also in 2 Chr 1:1–13.

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus plan to offer a retreat for restoration for the disciples is interrupted by people who need spiritual guidance.

* [6:31–34] The withdrawal of Jesus with his disciples to a desert place to rest attracts a great number of people to follow them. Toward this people of the new exodus Jesus is moved with pity; he satisfies their spiritual hunger by teaching them many things, thus gradually showing himself the faithful shepherd of a new Israel; cf. Nm 27:17; Ez 34:15.

Candice Tucci, OSF, reminds us that there are times when we find ourselves in a dilemma and will have a need for direction or discernment.

Jesus, with his Apostles recognize the need to rest amidst the demands of their lives. Hopefully, we can find a good night’s sleep, as we say, can help to clear our heads, and awaken to a new day with renewed energy to face what is before us. Whatever is before us, we only need to remember what God has said: “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.

Don Schwager offers a meditation on what the image of a shepherd tell us about God's care for us. He quotes a sermon by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D. that explains how the good shepherd feeds us with the words of God.

"The pastures that this good shepherd has prepared for you, in which he has settled you for you to take your fill, are not various kinds of grasses and green things, among which some are sweet to the taste, some extremely bitter, which as the seasons succeed one another are sometimes there and sometimes not. Your pastures are the words of God and his commandments, and they have all been sown as sweet grasses. These pastures had been tasted by that man who said to God, 'How sweet are your words to my palate, more so than honey and the honeycomb in my mouth!' (Psalm 119:103)." (excerpt from Sermon 366.3)

Friar Jude Winkler explains the qualities of the wisdom of Solomon that drew attention from the Queen of Sheba. We need to exercise caution against remaining in our “natural” comfort zone as we deal with tension in ministry around finding balance and recharge for our batteries.

The Word Among Us meditation for today suggests that Jesus wants us to be practical and open to the promptings of the Spirit to act in the moment.

Jesus wants us to be practical. He wants us to be ordered. He wants us to take care of ourselves and get the rest we need. But there are also times when he wants us to put our plans aside for the greater good.
We can learn how to sense these movements from God so that the practical doesn’t overshadow the compassionate and spontaneous. You may sense a prompting to speak to someone after Mass or in the grocery store. You may feel that God just wants you to hug your husband or child or that you should put aside what you are doing and read Scripture for a few minutes. Whenever something like this happens, try to act on it. You never know where it will lead you

The Reflection Post by Franciscan Media comments that St. Blaise is seen as one more example of the power those have who give themselves entirely to Jesus.

Four centuries give ample opportunity for fiction to creep in with fact. Who can be sure how accurate Blaise’s biographer was? But biographical details are not essential. Blaise is seen as one more example of the power those have who give themselves entirely to Jesus. As Jesus told his apostles at the Last Supper, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you” (John 15:7). With faith we can follow the lead of the Church in asking for Blaise’s protection.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, describes the Buddhist practice of metta, loving kindness, as a wonderful way to grow compassion for yourself and for others.

Begin by sitting in silence and finding the place of loving kindness within you. Then speak the following statements aloud:

May I be free from inner and outer harm and danger. May I be safe and protected.
May I be free of mental suffering or distress.
May I be happy.
May I be free of physical pain and suffering.
May I be healthy and strong.
May I be able to live in this world happily, peacefully, joyfully, with ease. [1] 

Repeat these affirmations as many times as you wish. When you are ready, replace the “I” in each statement with someone else’s name.

This practice resonates with the dialogue of Solomon with God from 1 Kings and opens our consciousness to respond to the needs of others for a shepherd.

References

(n.d.). 1 Kings, chapter 3 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved February 3, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/bible/1kings/3:4

(n.d.). Mark, chapter 6 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved February 3, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/mark/6

(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections .... Retrieved February 3, 2018, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html

(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 3, 2018, from http://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/

(n.d.). Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr (Optional Memorial) - Mass Readings .... Retrieved February 3, 2018, from https://wau.org/meditations/

(n.d.). Saint Blaise – Franciscan Media. Retrieved February 3, 2018, from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-blaise/

(2017, December 30). 2018 Daily Meditations - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 3, 2018, from https://cac.org/2018-daily-meditations/

Consecrated seeking Justice

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today offer contemplation through Scriptures and the Wisdom of Tradition on our role as servants of God who seek to discern our role in following Jesus in society today.

We hope that all Catholics will follow the lead of the pope, find their voice, speak out against the prospect of mass deportation" https://t.co/gkm6Aswr0r

— Jesuit Justice (@JesuitJustice) January 12, 2018

The messianic earthly ruler foreseen by the Prophet Malachi is associated with Divine Presence through the expectation of the return of Elijah and the preaching of John the Baptist who proclaims Jesus Divinity.

* [3:1] My messenger…before me: Mt 11:10 applies these words to John the Baptist; Mt 11:14 further identifies John as Elijah (see Mal 3:23). Some take God’s messenger in v. 1a to be a person distinct from “the lord” and “the messenger of the covenant” in v. 1b; others hold that they are one and the same person. Some consider “the lord” and “the messenger of the covenant” to be divine, while others hold that in the text’s literal sense he is a messianic earthly ruler.

The author of the Letter to the Hebrews develops the theme that God consecrates Jesus as our High Priest through suffering.

The author considers all things as already subject to him because of his exaltation (Heb 2:8–9), though we do not see this yet. The reference to Jesus as leader (Heb 2:10) sounds the first note of an important leitmotif in Hebrews: the journey of the people of God to the sabbath rest (Heb 4:9), the heavenly sanctuary, following Jesus, their “forerunner” (Heb 6:20). It was fitting that God should make him perfect through suffering, consecrated by obedient suffering. Because he is perfected as high priest, Jesus is then able to consecrate his people (Heb 2:11); access to God is made possible by each of these two consecrations.

The Gospel of Luke depicts the parents of Jesus as devout Jews, faithful observers of the law of the Lord, and sets the struggle of Mary with the sword of discernment before us.

* [2:22–40] The presentation of Jesus in the temple depicts the parents of Jesus as devout Jews, faithful observers of the law of the Lord (Lk 2:23–24, 39), i.e., the law of Moses. In this respect, they are described in a fashion similar to the parents of John (Lk 1:6) and Simeon (Lk 2:25) and Anna (Lk 2:36–37).

Dennis Hamm, S.J. finds wonderful Divine irony in the Gospel account from Luke as he introduces our role resulting from the proclamation of Simeon.

Then, in words echoing the prophet Isaiah (Isa 40:5; 42:6; 49:6; 46:13), he describes Jesus as the suffering Servant Israel, who will be salvation in person, the glory of his people Israel and “a light for revelation to the gentiles.” There, of course, is where we come in. We are included among those gentiles. Israel’s mission becomes Jesus’ mission. And those of us who claim Servant Jesus, as our risen Lord, take that mission as our own as well. You might say that this is Luke’s epiphany narrative. Our prayer these days can well be, “Teach us, Lord, to so deeply receive Jesus as our light that we become light to those around us.

Don Schwager quotes Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD) writing about how Christ who was rich became poor.

"For this reason it seems wonderful that the sacrifice of Mary was not the first offering, that is, 'a lamb a year old,' but the second, since 'she could not afford' (Leviticus 5:7) the first. For as it was written about her, Jesus' parents came 'to offer a sacrifice' for him,'according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."' But this also shows the truth of what was written, that Jesus Christ 'although he was rich, became a poor man' (2 Corinthians 8:9). Therefore, for this reason, he chose both a poor mother, from whom he was born, and a poor homeland, about which it is said, 'But you, O Bethlehem Ephratha, who are little to be among the clans of Judah' (Micah 5:2), and the rest. (excerpt from HOMILIES ON LEVITICUS 8.4.3)

Friar Jude Winkler connects the Stoic philosophy of Luke to the plan for the world unveiled through the Jewish people. The sword of discernment through the heart, where in Jesus time thoughts were processed, cut to the quick of a big leap to Jesus as Son of God for a Jewish girl who prayed the Shema.

Fr. Stephen B. Reynolds, Pastor of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Sugar Land, Texas, is concerned that if our society remains on its present course, we may be required to give a defense of our faith that could lead to impoverishment, imprisonment, suffering and even death.

In the days and years ahead, if our society remains on its present course, we may be required to give a defense of our faith that could lead to impoverishment, imprisonment, suffering and even death. At the time of the presentation of the Lord in the Temple, Mary was told, "a sword will pierce through your own soul also" (Luke 2:35).  This references Mary's participation in her Son's passion, and also her role as the first disciple, who teaches us how to follow the Lord.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, shares a call for action associated with the Beatitude “Blessed Are Those Who Hunger for Justice” This action is surely both spiritual and social as Rohr quotes John Dear on Righteousness.

Righteousness is not just the private practice of doing good; it sums up the global responsibility of the human community to make sure every human being has what they need, that everyone pursues a fair sense of justice for every other human being, and that everyone lives in right relationship with one another, creation, and God.

The prophetic vision of Simeon concerning the mission of Jesus reminds us to seek discernment of our role as visible agents of the transformation in society that Jesus initiates.

References

(n.d.). Malachi, chapter 3 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved February 2, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/malachi/3

(n.d.). Hebrews, chapter 2 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved February 2, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/2

(n.d.). Luke, chapter 2 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved February 2, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/luke/2

(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections .... Retrieved February 2, 2018, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html

(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 2, 2018, from http://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/

(2013, July 16). MONDAY HOMILY: The Sword of Discernment - Year of Faith - Homily .... Retrieved February 2, 2018, from http://www.catholic.org/homily/yearoffaith/story.php?id=51701

(2017, December 30). 2018 Daily Meditations - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 2, 2018, from https://cac.org/2018-daily-meditations/

Walking sticks and sandals for today

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to consider the walking sticks and sandals for disciples of Jesus today.

https://www.mec.ca/en/article/backpacking-europe-checklist-beyond-the-basics

The First Book of Kings shares with us some advice given by the aging David to his son Solomon about continuing to walk in the ways of the Lord.

I am about to go the way of all the earth

The instructions of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark to his disciples express how to exercise Jesus authority among the people of His time.

* [6:7–13] The preparation for the mission of the Twelve is seen in the call (1) of the first disciples to be fishers of men (Mk 1:16–20), (2) then of the Twelve set apart to be with Jesus and to receive authority to preach and expel demons (Mk 3:13–19). Now they are given the specific mission to exercise that authority in word and power as representatives of Jesus during the time of their formation.

Vivian Amu reminds us of our connection in the Body of Christ when we go out to bring Good News.

Yes, we are each a child of God, and when we walk into a room, our grace can bring a smile to the face of a hurting soul.  Our goodness can bring peace to a home filled with negativity.  Our light can drive out the darkness.  These are not just gifts for the twelve disciples; this is our gift as well; we are being missioned out into the world to do good work – to serve for the greater glory of God – and we will not be alone.  Just as the disciples were sent out two by two, we are sent to serve together.  Being successful in ministry is kind of a team effort.  We now live in a world that glorifies the idea of working on our own, or doing things our own way, or being independent.  These are not bad ideas in and of themselves, but we are somewhat created to work together, not alone.  We are members of the body of Christ, we function splendidly together.  When you feel disconnected, remember, you are not traveling through this life alone.  Yes, travel light, but let’s travel together.

Don Schwager explains that Jesus wedded power and authority with self-sacrificing love and humility. He presents questions about our poverty of spirit and ability to “travel light”.

Why does Jesus tell the apostles to "travel light" with little or no provision? "Poverty of spirit" frees us from greed and preoccupation with our possessions and makes ample room for God's provision. The Lord wants his disciples to be dependent on him and not on themselves. He wills to work in and through each of us for his glory. Are you ready to use the spiritual authority and power which God wishes you to exercise on his behalf? The Lord entrusts us with his gifts and talents. Are you eager to place yourself at his service, to do whatever he bids you, and to witness his truth and saving power to whomever he sends you?

Friar Jude Winkler provides some background on the flawed character of David who gives advice like a mafia don and one who the Lord has called. He blends trust in Providence with our necessary prudence and advice not to worry about material possessions lest they possess us.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, quotes Eknath Easwaran who writes about tears as a fact of life, that have several lessons to teach us. Rohr notes that Saint Ephrem went so far as to say until you have cried you don’t know God.

Tears seem ridiculous in a culture like ours which is so focused on diversions and entertainment, and are especially a stumbling block to men. Crying will make us look vulnerable. So many men hold back tears. Is it no wonder men don’t live as long as women, on average? We must teach all young people how to cry. Now, in my later years, I finally understand why Saints Francis and Clare cried so much, and why the saints spoke of “the gift of tears.

Our life experience in the Body of Christ forms our trust in Providence. This experience is built from joy and tears, both of which connect us to all people.

References

(2016, October 25). Backpacking Europe Checklist: Beyond the Basics | MEC Blog. Retrieved February 1, 2018, from https://www.mec.ca/en/article/backpacking-europe-checklist-beyond-the-basics

(n.d.). 1 Kings, chapter 2 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved February 1, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/bible/1kings/2:1  

(n.d.). Mark, chapter 6 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved February 1, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/mark/6

(n.d.). Online Ministries Home Page - Creighton University. Retrieved February 1, 2018, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/preparing.html

(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 1, 2018, from http://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/

(n.d.). Daily Meditations Archive - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 1, 2018, from https://cac.org/richard-rohr/daily-meditations/daily-meditations-archive/