Don't be so self-preoccupied (pride); live the joy of the Gospel (faith) - Sunday's reading reflection

Shorty after Matthew’s introduction to Jesus’ public life, we hear Jesus addressing his followers with the same imagery, but now it is transferred from Jesus to the mission of those followers: “You are the light of the world a City set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (5:14-16). And those “you’s” are plural, meaning that Jesus speaks these words to his followers as a community. Since this is the same speech in which Jesus says, “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them” (6:1), we might hear this as a contradiction to his mandate to be the light of the world. But that latter quotation refers to specifically religious practices—fasting, almsgiving, and prayer—warning his followers not to do those things for show. But Jesus’ earlier charge to be light for the world refers to the ordinary living of the Christian life—taking care of one another and reaching out lovingly to others beyond the community, realizing that these things will be a witness to the world of love for all that the heavenly Father’s animates in Christian community. 

In this context, the reading from Paul’s second letter to the Christian community in Corinth gives us plenty to think about. We hear Paul scolding this otherwise vibrant community for their rivalries, factions based on each boasting about being mentored in the faith by a particular minister—Paul, or Apollos, or Peter--probably saying things like, “My catechist was more authoritative than yours!” Don’t we sometimes see similar divisions, even within our own faith communities, where some of us consider ourselves more “orthodox” or better informed than others because of our training, education, or sources of information? I hear Pope Francis saying, “Don’t be so self-preoccupied; live the gospel fully in all of your relationship—within the faith community and beyond it. Let your joy in the gospel be contagious, so that those who see it will recognize that this joy comes from the heavenly Father, not you.

(Adapted from Dennis Hamm, S.J.)

His Majesty among us - Tomorrow's reading reflection

In today’s theologically dense first reading, Jesus is referred to as a High Priest and Savior; one who is “holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, higher than the heavens”. In these words and images, where Jesus “has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven” he seems so far away, so far removed from our lives and our daily concerns. How can he possibly care about us or be involved in our world?

What a contrast to the Gospel.  Here Jesus is pursued by people from many regions - people coming to him with all kinds of illness, disease and uncleanness. Men, women and children who are outcasts, sinners, and possessed by demons are all pushing towards him, wanting to touch him, wanting healing. Jesus is also portrayed as vulnerable in this passage – wanting his disciples to have a boat ready so he can go out in the water – not because he is repulsed by their diseases and demons, but so he would not be crushed by the crowd.  Jesus is very much human, one of us, moved with compassion to want to heal those who are suffering, but also aware of his limitations. 

In both passages, Jesus is an intercessor, a mediator. In the first, we are reminded that he is an intercessor for us with our Creator God, the Holy One who is beyond anything we can imagine.  Because he raised Jesus from the dead, we know that God’s grace and action is more potent than the most destructive evil we humans can dream up and inflict upon each other. In this way, God is so very, very far from us.

In the Gospel, Jesus mediates God’s compassion, God’s desire that all may have life and have it in fullness. In Jesus we know that God cares for each of us and all of us; that God is closer to us than our own breath; able to restore health and life with a touch.

The only fitting response we can make is articulated well in the Psalm for the day, “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.” We are filled with awe and wonder at this marvelous world, and we respond with humility and service. Today we remember Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church; may we live today inspired by his humility and service to our world.

(Adapted from Diane Jorgensen)

Between fervor and realism - Tomorrow's reading reflection

Despite a reconciliation between Saul and David, and despite the enthusiasm of the crowd pressing on Jesus, peace is threatened on all sides. The pact between Saul and David fails to remove the jealousy and irrational fear in Saul’s heart. The suspicion of the Pharisees is fanned to hatred by the crowd’s enthusiasm for Jesus.

As men and women of faith, our life is a pilgrimage whose destiny lies beyond the horizons of this world. The Shaper of our life invites us into those heavenly places where Jesus has gone ahead, “behind the veil”. We are being called to a destination that is beyond unaided human ability to reach. We may experience a deep personal bonding with Jesus and yet be embarrassed by his demands, or may even feel some tedium about all religious practice. Similarly we experience tensions and paradox in our social relationships. While feeling truly close to our relatives and friends, can we not still feel deep in our heart the seeds of jealousy or resentment that still lie hidden?

It is good to recognize the tensions inherent in  life and in our faith. Putting our trust in God we are capable of accepting as true what we cannot prove or see; we rely on faith that the goal of life lies beyond the present earthly existence. Tension and conflict can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves, even to mature wisdom. The Scriptures advise us to discern carefully. What we think is strong and effective (like King Saul) may prove to be only a passing shadow. What seems to be the blind excitement of the crowd may be the sound instinct of faith. One day we will be with Jesus behind the veil and like him we will know, even as we are known by him.

(Adapted from ACP)

The Lazarus of the 21st century - Tomorrow's reading reflection

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

We learn many lessons from those who go to heaven. In the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus, we learn a lesson from one who went to hell.

Why was the Rich Man condemned? Was it because he had so much? Was there something inherently sinful about the purple and linen in which he dressed, or the feasts in which he indulged? No. The rich man went to hell because he ignored the other man. He was not condemned for what he did, but for what he did not do. He did not recognize or treat Lazarus as his equal, his brother. Instead, he thought that because Lazarus' possessions were less valuable than his, that Lazarus was less valuable than he. The beggar's cries went unheeded.

The story causes us to wonder what we would do if we were there. Brothers and sisters, we ARE there. You and I have an appointment with Lazarus today, and we will be judged on how we respond. The Lazarus of the 21st century is in our midst. He is in our midst in the poor, the troublesome, the annoying, the person who is smaller and weaker than we are, and the person who seems different and less valuable.

In particular, the Lazarus of the 21st century is our pre-born brother or sister. This is the person rejected by society, the person who begs for help to live but whose cries are rejected 4400 times a day in our country. This is the person torn apart and thrown away by abortion.

The rich man was condemned for not treating Lazarus as his brother. We also will be condemned if we do not treat the pre-born as our brother or sister. Many oppose abortion and would never have one, but they then ask, "Who am I to interfere with a woman's choice to abort?" Today, I will tell you who you are. You are a brother, a sister of that child in the womb! "Who am I to interfere with her choice?" You are a human being who has enough decency to stand up and say "NO!" when you see another human being about to be killed. "Who am I to interfere with her choice?" You are a person who has enough wisdom to realize that injustice to one human being is injustice to every human being, and that your life is only as safe as the life of the pre-born child. "Who am I to interfere with her choice?" You are a follower of the One who said, "Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, you do to Me." Do we not believe that if we allow a person to die of starvation, that we are allowing Christ to die of starvation? Do we not believe that if we leave the sick untended, that we are leaving Christ untended? Must we not then also believe that whenever a child in the womb is ripped apart, burned, crushed, and then thrown away, that Christ is ripped apart, burned, crushed, and thrown away? It is Christ in the womb! When we stand up for life we stand up for Him!

If abortion is not wrong then nothing is wrong. If we cannot be stirred to respond as individuals, as a Church, and as a nation, to the plight of the pre-born children, then we have lost our soul. Indeed, the Lazarus of the 21st century is knocking at our door. God, have mercy on us and help us to respond!

(Adapted from Fr. Frank A. Pavone)

Human need over ritual - Tomorrow's reading reflection

What does the commandment "keep holy the Sabbath" require of us? Or better yet, what is the primary intention behind this command? The religious leaders confronted Jesus on this issue. The "Sabbath rest" was meant to be a time to remember and celebrate God's goodness and the goodness of his work, both in creation and redemption. It was a day set apart for the praise of God, his work of creation, and his saving actions on our behalf. It was intended to bring everyday work to a halt and to provide needed rest and refreshment. Jesus' disciples are scolded by the scribes and Pharisees, not for plucking and eating corn from the fields, but for doing so on the Sabbath. In defending his disciples, Jesus argues from the scriptures that human need has precedence over ritual custom.

When David and his men were fleeing for their lives, they sought food from Ahim'elech the priest (1 Samuel 21:1-6). The only bread he had was the holy bread offered in the Temple. None but the priests were allowed to eat it. In their hunger, David and his men ate of this bread. Jesus reminds the Pharisees that the Sabbath was given for our benefit, to refresh and renew us in living for God. It was intended for good and not for evil. Withholding mercy and kindness in response to human need was not part of God’s intention that we rest from unnecessary labor.

(Adapted from Don Schwager)