Struggle and Treasure

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today parallel the quest in the visit of Pope Francis to the Indigenous People of Canada in presenting the struggle that accompanies the finding the true riches in our relationship with one another in the Body of Christ.

Relationship and Riches

In the reading from the Prophet Jeremiah, he complains again and is reassured.

If you utter what is precious and not what is worthless,

you shall be my mouth. (Jeremiah, CHAPTER 15, n.d.)

Psalm 59 is a prayer for deliverance from enemies.

* [Psalm 59] A lament in two parts (Ps 59:2–9, 11b–17), each ending in a refrain (Ps 59:10, 18). Both parts alternate prayer for vindication (Ps 59:2–3, 4b–5, 11b–14) with vivid depictions of the psalmist’s enemies (Ps 59:4–5a, 7–8, 15–16). The near curse in Ps 59:12–13 is not a crude desire for revenge but a wish that God’s just rule over human affairs be recognized now. (Psalms, PSALM 59, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus offers more parables.

* [13:44–50] The first two of the last three parables of the discourse have the same point. The person who finds a buried treasure and the merchant who finds a pearl of great price sell all that they have to acquire these finds; similarly, the one who understands the supreme value of the kingdom gives up whatever he must to obtain it. The joy with which this is done is made explicit in the first parable, but it may be presumed in the second also. (Matthew, CHAPTER 13, n.d.)

Tom Purcell asks what if, instead of focusing on heaven as something that we will experience in the future, we think of it as a process we can experience and help create now, the result of our planting little mustard seeds with our daily lives?  His earlier thoughts about being detached and letting go of what binds us to our current life reminds us of the difficulty in following Jesus, but if we think of the consequences of what we do in each moment, we can perhaps see a positive forward movement not just for ourselves but for our sisters and brothers.

So, what are the mustard seeds that we can put into action – obviously we do the important ones Jesus calls out – feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, consoling the grieving, burying the dead.  But we also plant seeds when we act with others using simple common courtesy (good manners), such as opening a door, saying thank you sincerely, listening before talking, making eye contact.  We plant mustard seeds when do not judge the actions of someone else (either with our words or our silent thoughts).  We scatter mustard seeds when we refuse to pass along the latest office gossip or neighborhood scandal.  We plant seeds for our children and grandchildren by living a simpler, more sustainable life.  We probably store up big points in St. Peter’s ledger if we generously allow someone to merge into traffic in front of us, and do not grumble (or worse!) or share fun little gestures with someone who speeds up in the hope they will be allowed to enter the lane farther up the road. (Creighton U. Daily Reflection, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Finding the pearl of great price,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).

"Now among the words of all kinds that profess to announce truth, and among those who report them, he seeks pearls. Think of the prophets as, so to speak, the pearls that receive the dew of heaven and become pregnant with the word of truth from heaven. They are goodly pearls that, according to the phrase here set forth, the merchant seeks. And the chief of the pearls, on the finding of which the rest are found with it, is the very costly pearl, the Christ of God, the Word that is superior to the precious letters and thoughts in the law and the prophets. When one finds this pearl all the rest are easily released. Suppose, then, that one is not a disciple of Christ. He possesses no pearls at all, much less the very costly pearl, as distinguished from those that are cloudy or darkened." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 18.8) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 13:44-46 asks how do we get to the point of selling all that we have for Jesus? The truth is, even though we love the Lord, we can depend too much on the “toys” that capture our attention. We can get attached to our earthly possessions and pleasures and become distracted from the most beautiful and compelling “possession” there is: Jesus and his love for us.

The remedy for this isn’t necessarily found in getting rid of all your possessions or in saying no to everything in the world. It’s found in saying yes to Jesus. And that yes starts every day in your prayer time. It starts as you encounter him in the quiet of your heart. It starts as you see his mercy toward you and the love that led him to die for you. It grows as you envision his heavenly kingdom where he has prepared a place for you. In short, you recognize how utterly compelling and desirable he is.

So fix your eyes on Jesus! As you realize how much of a treasure he is, everything else will pale in comparison. As you come to understand how deeply he treasures you, you will treasure him all the more. Your affection for him will grow, and you will find that you aren’t as focused on material things. You’ll start seeing them for what they are—as blessings meant to help bring you closer to him.

“Jesus, you are the pearl of great price, and I want nothing more than to have you in my life!” (Meditation on Matthew 13:44-46, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler explains the dialogue between God and Jeremiah known as the “Confessions of Jeremiah” and the consequence of the “Deuteronomic reform” on the family of Jeremiah. In Matthew,two quick sayings reference the “Kingdom of Heaven”. Friar Jude reminds us of the signs of a Pharisee who was a second editor of the Gospel of Matthew.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Kay Lindahl, an author and founder of The Listening Center, who writes of the inherently sacred nature of reflective listening. Over the years Fr Richard has discovered that there is a basic context that nurtures and develops the practice of listening as a sacred art. Three qualities that are essential to this deep listening context are silence, reflection, and presence.

• Silence creates the space for listening to God. It provides time to explore our relationship to Source. The practice of being in this silence nurtures our capacity to listen to others.

• Reflection gives us access to listening for our inner voice. The practice of taking a few breaths before responding to a situation, question, or comment gives time for your true wisdom to reveal itself. It’s a slowing down, waiting, practicing patience.

• Presence is the awareness of listening to another, of connecting at the heart level. The practice of taking a mundane, ordinary activity and giving it your full attention, for example, washing your hands or brushing your teeth, trains your concentration and your ability to be in the present moment with another. . . . (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our journey to uncover in our relationships with each other and God the pearl of infinite value.

References

Creighton U. Daily Reflection. (n.d.). Online Ministries. Retrieved July 27, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/072722.html 

Jeremiah, CHAPTER 15. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved July 27, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/15?10 

Matthew, CHAPTER 13. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved July 27, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/13?44 

Meditation on Matthew 13:44-46. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved July 27, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/07/27/449750/ 

Psalms, PSALM 59. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved July 27, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/59?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Gift of Deep Listening. Daily Meditations Archive: 2022. Retrieved July 27, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-gift-of-deep-listening-2022-07-27/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Joy in Finding Hidden Treasure and Pearl of Great Price. Daily Scripture net. Retrieved July 27, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=jul27 

Ancestors Ceremony and Blessedness

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with the pilgrimage of Pope Francis to the Indigenous People of Canada on the Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The texts from the Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) are different from the USCCB texts and connect well with the mission of the Pope.

Nova Scotia Office of L’nu Affairs

The reading from the Book of Sirach is a hymn in honour of our ancestors.

* [44:1–50:24] As in the previous section God’s glory shone forth in the works of nature, so in these chapters it is revealed through the history of God’s people as seen in the lives of their ancestors, prophets, priests, and rulers. The example of these great people, whose virtues are recalled here, constitutes a high point of Ben Sira’s teaching. (Sirach, CHAPTER 44, n.d.)

Psalm 132 praises the Eternal Dwelling of God in Zion.

* [Psalm 132] A song for a liturgical ceremony in which the ark, the throne of Israel’s God, was carried in procession to the Temple. The singer asks that David’s care for the proper housing of the ark be regarded with favor (Ps 132:1–5), and tells how it was brought to Jerusalem (Ps 132:6–10). There follows God’s promise of favor to the Davidic dynasty (Ps 132:11–12) and to Zion (Ps 132:13–17). The transfer of the ark to the tent in Jerusalem is described in 2 Sm 6. (Psalms, PSALM 132, n.d.)

The Gospel from Matthew 13 identifies Blessed eyes and ears followed by Jesus explanation of the Parable of the Weeds.

* [13:1–53] The discourse in parables is the third great discourse of Jesus in Matthew and constitutes the second part of the third book of the gospel. Matthew follows the Marcan outline (Mk 4:1–35) but has only two of Mark’s parables, the five others being from Q and M. In addition to the seven parables, the discourse gives the reason why Jesus uses this type of speech (Mt 13:10–15), declares the blessedness of those who understand his teaching (Mt 13:16–17), explains the parable of the sower (Mt 13:18–23) and of the weeds (Mt 13:36–43), and ends with a concluding statement to the disciples (Mt 13:51–52). (Matthew, CHAPTER 13, n.d.)

Jeanne Schuler reflects on Jeremiah 14:17-22 as the Israelite people plead for mercy.

Don Schwager quotes “Let us become friends of Jesus,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).

"Now, having discoursed sufficiently to the multitudes in parables, he sends them away and goes to his own house, where his disciples come to him. His disciples did not go with those he sent away. As many as are more genuine hearers of Jesus first follow him, then having inquired about his house, are permitted to see it. Having come, they saw and stayed with him for all that day, and perhaps some of them even longer. In my opinion, such things are implied in the Gospel according to John... And if then, unlike the multitudes whom he sends away, we wish to hear Jesus and go to the house and receive something better than the multitudes did, let us become friends of Jesus, so that as his disciples come, we may also come to him when he goes into the house. And having come, let us inquire about the explanation of the parable, whether of the tares of the field, or of any other. (excerpt from the COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 10.1-3) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us comments that like a good gardener, Jesus looks after his plants closely. He follows their progress, fertilizes, protects, and checks on them every day. When pests invade or weeds grow up, he tends his garden to keep his plants strong enough to withstand even the weeds growing beside them.

So take some time to think about the ways that Jesus has been actively cultivating his life in you. Remember the times that his presence was close, or you were provided for in an unforeseen way. Think about the blessings he has given you—even the blessing of endurance to face challenges. Sometimes it can be hard to recognize what he is doing until after the fact, but you can trust that he is always there. Like a good gardener, he watches over you.

“Lord, help me to see the ways you protect and cultivate your life in me.” (Meditation: Matthew 13:36-43, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler reflects on the suffering of the nation of Israel during the Exile and Jeremiah’s call for rescue depending on the mercy of God. Friar Jude reminds us of the theme in Matthew’s Gospel where the mercy of God is expressed as well as our accountability in a final judgement.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Sikh activist Valarie Kaur who has made a commitment to listen to those with whom she disagrees. Here she describes some of the practices that make it possible.

When listening gets hard, I focus on taking the next breath. I pay attention to sensations in my body: heat, clenching, and constriction. I feel the ground beneath my feet. Am I safe? If so, I stay and slow my breath again, quiet my mind, and release the pressure that pushes me to defend my position. I try to wonder about this person’s story and the possible wound in them. I think of an earnest question and try to stay curious long enough to be changed by what I hear. Maybe, just maybe, my opponent will begin to wonder about me in return, ask me questions, and listen to my story. Maybe their views will start to break apart and new horizons will open in the process. . . . Then again, maybe not. It doesn’t matter as long as the primary goal of listening is to deepen my own understanding. Listening does not grant the other side legitimacy. It grants them humanity—and preserves our own. (Rohr, 2022)

When we suffer with misunderstanding and confusion, the Spirit seeks to broaden our understanding and reconcile the offenses that separate people.

References

Matthew, CHAPTER 13. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved July 26, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/13 

Meditation: Matthew 13:36-43. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved July 26, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/07/26/449163/ 

Psalms, PSALM 132. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved July 26, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/132 

Rohr, R. (2022, July 26). Courageous Listening — Center for Action and Contemplation. Daily Meditations Archive: 2022. Retrieved July 26, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/courageous-listening-2022-07-26/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Righteous Will Shine like the Sun in the Father's Kingdom. Daily Scripture net. Retrieved July 26, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=jul26 

Sirach, CHAPTER 44. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved July 26, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/sirach/44 

Thanksgiving and Service

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to adopt attitudes of thanksgiving and humility in our service to those we meet on our journey.

Service and Humility

The reading from the Second Letter to the Corinthians presents thanksgiving and the paradox of the ministry.

* [4:7–5:10] Paul now confronts the difficulty that his present existence does not appear glorious at all; it is marked instead by suffering and death. He deals with this by developing the topic already announced in 2 Cor 3:3, 6, asserting his faith in the presence and ultimate triumph of life, in his own and every Christian existence, despite the experience of death. (2 Corinthians, CHAPTER 4, n.d.)

Psalm 126 praises a harvest of joy.

* [Psalm 126] A lament probably sung shortly after Israel’s return from exile. The people rejoice that they are in Zion (Ps 126:1–3) but mere presence in the holy city is not enough; they must pray for the prosperity and the fertility of the land (Ps 126:4). The last verses are probably an oracle of promise: the painful work of sowing will be crowned with life (Ps 126:5–6). (Psalms, PSALM 126, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew describes the request of the mother of James and John.

* [20:20–28] Cf. Mk 10:35–45. The request of the sons of Zebedee, made through their mother, for the highest places of honor in the kingdom, and the indignation of the other ten disciples at this request, show that neither the two brothers nor the others have understood that what makes for greatness in the kingdom is not lordly power but humble service. Jesus gives the example, and his ministry of service will reach its highest point when he gives his life for the deliverance of the human race from sin. (Matthew, CHAPTER 20, n.d.)

Scott McClure comments on Jesus' response to the sons of Zebedee in today’s gospel,'' Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?”  We struggle to think of a challenge or invitation (indeed, this question is both) that would be greater than this. On the other hand, there is our humanity; which is to say, our sinfulness, imperfection, brokenness, weakness.

…which brings us to our answer. How could we possibly drink that chalice? How can we accept God’s invitation amidst this tension? The answer, itself is God: the one in whom we place our hope. The one who asks the question is the very answer, for God asks nothing of us with which he will not himself assist. God asks us to go nowhere he will not himself accompany us. God is the difference-maker when it comes to our drinking from that chalice.

So, let us pray for awareness of those times in our life when God poses this question to us. Let us pray also for the hope to inspire our Yes. God will be right there with us. (McClure, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Not to be served but to serve,” by John Chrysostom (344-407 AD).

"[Jesus] says, 'The Son of man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.' It is as if he were saying, 'I willed not even to stop at death but even in death gave my life as a ransom. For whom? For enemies. For you. If you are abused, my life is given for you. It is for you. Me for you.' So you need not be too picky if you suffer the loss of your honor. No matter how much it is lowered, you will not be descending as far as your Lord descended. And yet the deep descent of one has become the ascent of all. His glory shines forth from these very depths. For before he was made man, he was known among the angels only. But after he was made man and was crucified, so far from lessening that glory, he acquired further glory besides, even that from his personal knowledge of the world."

"So fear not then, as though your honor were put down. Rather, be ready to abase yourself. For in this way your glory is exalted even more, and in this way it becomes greater. This is the door of the kingdom. Let us not then go the opposite way. Let us not war against ourselves. For if we desire to appear great, we shall not be great but even the most dishonored of all. Do you see how everywhere Jesus encourages them by turning things upside down? He gives them what they desire but in ways they did not expect. (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 65.4.25) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 20:20-28 comments that if James had never moved beyond these failed attempts at glory, we wouldn’t be celebrating his feast day today. But there’s so much more to his story. The mere fact that he stuck with Jesus speaks volumes in itself! He didn’t let his missteps or Jesus’ rebukes discourage him. Instead, he let them produce in him the humility and openness to the Spirit that is the hallmark of every saint.

So as you celebrate St. James today, remember how he started out. Remember how patient Jesus was with him, and remember how persistent James was. Then think about your own life. There’s still room for you to become more like the Lord. And there’s still more that Jesus wants to do in you and through you. Your story isn’t over yet!

“Jesus, help me to follow you even more closely today.” (Meditation on Matthew 20:20-28, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the attitude of Paul to his physical suffering for the sake of the Gospel. The Paschal mystery highlights the privilege to drink the cup that Jesus took. Friar Jude suggests the anger of the other apostles may have been that James and John had gotten to Jesus with their request first.

The Franciscan Media article notes that James is the brother of John the Evangelist. The two were called by Jesus as they worked with their father in a fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus had already called another pair of brothers from a similar occupation: Peter and Andrew. “He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him” (Mark 1:19-20). James was one of the favored three who had the privilege of witnessing the Transfiguration, the raising to life of the daughter of Jairus, and the agony in Gethsemani.

The way the Gospels treat the apostles is a good reminder of what holiness is all about. There is very little about their virtues as static possessions, entitling them to heavenly reward. Rather, the great emphasis is on the Kingdom, on God’s giving them the power to proclaim the Good News. As far as their personal lives are concerned, there is much about Jesus’ purifying them of narrowness, pettiness, fickleness. (Saint James, n.d.)

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, shares his experience of how challenging it is to hear each other without agenda or defensiveness. Fortunately, there will always be people who have the grace and the ability to engage in reflective listening, to ask, “Richard, did I understand what you were saying?” and repeat back to him their perception of what he said.

Unfortunately that is not the way the ego likes to work. Opposition gives us a sense of standing for something, a false sense of independence, power, and control. Compassion and humility don’t give us a sense of control or psychic comfort. We have to be willing to let go of our moral high ground and hear the truth that the other person may be speaking, even if it is only ten percent of what they are saying. Compassion and dialogue are essentially vulnerable positions. If we are into control and predictability, we will seldom descend into the vulnerability of undefended listening or the scariness of dialogue. If we are incapable of hearing others, we will also be incapable of hearing God. If we spend all day controlling and blocking others, why would we change when we kneel to pray? (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek to be open to the Spirit reminding us that our service to others models Jesus' Way of fullness of life that includes thanksgiving in accepting the Cross.

References

Matthew, CHAPTER 20. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved July 25, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/20?20 

McClure, S. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries. Retrieved July 25, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/072522.html 

Meditation on Matthew 20:20-28. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved July 25, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/07/25/448582/ 

Psalms, PSALM 126. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved July 25, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/126?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Compassionate Listening. Daily Meditations Archive: 2022. Retrieved July 25, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/compassionate-listening-2022-07-25/ 

Saint James. (n.d.). Franciscan Media. Retrieved July 25, 2022, from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-james 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Not to Be Served but to Serve. Daily Scripture net. Retrieved July 25, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=jul25a 

2 Corinthians, CHAPTER 4. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved July 25, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2corinthians/4?7