8th Sunday in OT, 2011, Year A
Buzzword ' Being a Worry Wart: Everyone, from time to time, is tormented by worries of one kind or another. If we do manage to rid ourselves of one worry, we easily come up with something else to carry on about!
Isaiah 49: 14-15: This reading from the Prophet Isaiah makes clear reference to the sense of abandonment felt by the Chosen People during the Babylonian Captivity.
1 Cor. 4:1-5: Paul is disappointed with the Corinthian community constantly arguing with him and with each other. He makes his position clear ' he is guided by one authority ' the Lord! and his critics can take a long, running jump!
Matt. 6: 24-34: With the Gospel we have yet another of those guidelines which, left to ourselves, we would find impossible. What Christ is asking of his disciples is to develop an attitude of mind rather than a precise law to be followed literally.
Point 1: There is no doubt that today's society provides more than enough reasons to become a worry wart. 'Each day has enough trouble of its own' (Matt. 6:34) There are the external problems ' concern for one's family and how they will turn out. There is concern over the quality of life at the national level; and the international scene where injustice and corruption appear to be the order of the day does not give us much to write home about. Nearer home there are recurring problems of health, the sudden appearance of grey hairs, a bulging waist line or, even worse, a receding hair line! More seriously, there are those feelings of jealousy I feel at being passed over; the dissatisfaction when I see what I am and what I could be or what I should be, in my opinion!
Point 2:Far from being able to solve all, or any, of these every day problems, there are times when we feel unequal to face them. For those who have grown up within the frame work of a religious culture, the situation is not so desperate. Because of Christ's promise ''I have come that you may have life in its fullness' we recognise that there are broader horizons to living than the ordinary, mundane daily experiences we are so familiar with.
Conclusion:There are critics who would describe today's Gospel reading as 'nonsense'! At first reading, it does appear to be extreme, even irresponsible, but we know that Christ was not irresponsible or fanatical. So what is His argument? It is this - not every decision we make is of equal importance in the light of our eternal destiny. Christ is specific on this ''Set your hearts on the kingdom first and on His righteousness'. That does not mean we are to neglect our undertakings as citizens; but we must learn to distinguish between the necessary and the not so important as we seek to strengthen our relationship with the Almighty.
Scriptural reference: 'In God alone is my soul at rest; my help comes from Him alone'¦. In God alone be at rest my soul, for my hope come from him'¦. Take refuge in God all you people. Trust him at all times'¦. (Psalm 61)
Buzzword - New & Difficult Commandment:
The challenge contained in these words spoken by Christ to his disciples was not new in the sense that it was unheard of in the Mosaic Law- love of God and love of neighbour were the foundation stones of that religious tradition. The new twist given by Christ was ' without love for one's neighbour there cannot be love of God
Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18: The goal of religious practice is to become 'holy' and can only be achieved through the double involvement of God and Neighbour.
1 Cor. 3:16-23: Confronted with the divisions within the Christian community at Corinth, Paul reminds them that through Baptism they had become a spiritual entity united and guided by Christ and sustained by the Holy Spirit.
Matt. 5: 38-48: Because it was so difficult, the 'love' of neighbour, so recommended by Christ had, in large measure, given way to 'an eye for an eye; tooth for a tooth' mentality. Pay back and vendetta had become part and parcel of the social and moral climate.
Point 1: 'Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect' appears to be an impossible dream; but when we look at the 'last judgement 'scene left to us by St. Matthew ''as often as you did it to one these, you did it to me'- new hope is born in the human breast. People today are living in a different world, facing new challenges in their efforts to apply the basic and timeless Christian message. In the past many felt that personal salvation could be won by a negative attitude, by withdrawing from the common herd, as it were. The early examples of Christian practice were to be found in the convents and monasteries where men and women withdrew to separate themselves from the problems of the world and commit themselves to a life of prayer. Then, there were the hermits and anchorites languishing in their mountain caves or desert hideaways. Today, the Christian is coming to understand that fulfilment must come through involvement with and genuine respect for others. We can only grow in God's love to the degree that we first respect and care for others.
Point 2: The response for help for those caught up in the recent string of natural disasters would indicate that this regard for others is still very much alive in our communities. But it is not only in times of crisis that this spirit of care should reveal itself.
Conclusion:The neighbour that Christ speaks of is not only the distant displaced immigrant separated from kith and kin. There are those at home ' the spouse, the children, the next door neighbour, the new person just moved into the parish, the lonely patient languishing in hospital. Those who do not show respect to those closest to them are unlikely to show genuine respect for those who are distant. Charity really does start at home!
Scriptural reference: Do to others what you would have them do to you." ' Matthew 7:22
Buzzword Freedom of Conscience:
Our reflection this week, suggested by the readings, really opens up a tin of worms, as the saying goes. We are asked to consider the need for authority in interpreting the written law, whilst, at the same time, to allow the right of individual conscience.
Sirach 15: 15-20: The author affirms that a person is free to choose or to refuse the commandments; to choose what is right or what is wrong and accept the consequences!
1 Cor: 2: 6-10: St. Paul advises that in our efforts to determine what is right or what is wrong, divine guidance is needed. He warns that the wisdom of the age in which we live can be quite different to the wisdom of God.
Matt 5: 17-37: Christ emphasises the importance of the written law, but argues strongly against the restrictive interpretation imposed by human authority.
Point 1: There is no doubt that living in what is referred to as the Plural Society in which there are great differences in human judgement of what is right or what is wrong, one right is respected by all the right of conscience. All people, believers and unbelievers, recognise the voice of conscience. All agree that an informed conscience needs to promote the good of society and, at the same time, protect the freedom of the individual. There are, after all, great differences in human judgement of what conscience allows or forbids. I remember some years back when controversial legislation was introduced to legalise same sex relationships, one critic distinguished himself with the comment Legalise yes! As long as they dont make it compulsory
Point 2: The verdict of conscience, frequently, is accompanied by intense soul searching and inner turmoil. Being caught between the hammer of the law and the anvil of conscience, has affected the lives of many men and women genuinely committed to Christian living and yet caught in a state of constant anger and disagreement, they find themselves in an intolerable situation and separate.
Conclusion: In times past, the harshest judgements in these sad situations, came from the Church- total exclusion from the Community and the Sacraments. Fortunately, today, in this world of failures, it is being recognised that the Church is there to strengthen and to nourish Gods people. It means that in this imperfect world, there will never be a total identification between law and conscience; no more than the letter of the law will always satisfy the spirit of the law. Ultimately, God is the judge.
Scriptural reference:Stop judging, that you may not be judged.
For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.
Buzzword ' 'Temple of God'
Religious ritual has always employed symbols to highlight belief and practice. Church buildings help people to focus the presence of the mysterious and divine that surrounds us and in which we live.
Ezechiel' 47: 1-2, 8-9, 1: The symbol of the life giving water represents the presence of God as a life giving, creative power in the Law and the Temple, influencing and sustaining the Jewish culture.
1 Corinthians3: 9-11, 16-17: Dismayed at the divisions which had developed in the community at Corinth over who was the greater ' Paul or Apollos, Paul calls on the community to see the Church for what it really is ' God's building in which God dwells and in which members of the community exercise different ministries and are basically equal because they answer to the same Master and work for the same goal.
Gospel: St. John 2: 13-22: Here we are told of Jesus' angry reaction to the profanation of the Temple by the traders who had turned it into a 'market place'.
Point 1: Throughout history, people have established meeting places where they would gather to learn about their God and to worship. Archaeological exploration invariably finds evidence of such meeting places. In Mesopotamia and Egypt, the temple was the house of god where he was served by the priests and was not a house of assembly for worshipers.
When worshipers came to the temple they were admitted only to the temple courts where the rites of prayer and sacrifice were conducted. In these civilisations, the temple was also a civic, cultural and economic centre. The temple was the first place where writing appeared and the temple libraries became a vast source of information on daily life and beliefs.
Point 2: In the Jewish culture, the idea of building a temple was first mooted by David and built by his son, Solomon, and it was simply known as the House of the Lord. The decision to create a permanent 'House of the Lord' was opposed by many of the Israelite people because it meant a departure from the nomadic character of their culture in which the 'Tabernacle' provided a mobile dwelling place of the Lord's presence.
Point 3: With the emergence of the Christian community, this tradition of erecting meeting places was continued and still occupies high priority in the community's life. The Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and is built on land originally owned by the Laterani family. It holds particular significance as the mother church of Christendom. It is sixteen centuries old and is the Cathedral Church of the archdiocese of Rome. As such it is the Cathedral church of the Pope as Bishop of Rome. For a thousand years it was the seat of Church government until the Pope moved to the Vatican in the thirteenth century, and within its walls, 28 Popes are buried. The history of this building is the history of the Church. It has been attacked, invaded, rebuilt, vandalized and, again, rebuild. Just as the community it represents has been attacked and decimated through the ages, only to grow to greater strength. 'The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church'
Conclusion: Church buildings are symbols of something greater than their size or artistic decoration. The connecting links over the centuries are the people who have passed on from one generation to the next a life and tradition. Any place where God is worshipped becomes holy ground. And our Churches today still serve this purpose to bring people together to celebrate and to testify that 'God is not dead'.
Scriptural reference: 'The temple of God is sacred, and you are this temple' 1 Corinthians, 3:17)
Buzzword Death
Traditionally, November is the month in which the Churchs liturgy focuses our minds on the subject of death. The big question Is death the end of everything? The readings tell us No!
Readings from Masses for the Dead, Lectionary, vol. 3, p. 849-890)
Point 1: In the 2nd Book of Maccabees of the Old Testament, we read of how the Jewish military leader, Judas, after a hard battle in which many of his soldiers fell, ordered that their bodies should be gathered so that they could be buried with their families. He then ordered that a collection should be made and sent to Jerusalem so that an expiatory sacrifice may be offered for their souls. This action was described as being good and noble drawing on the belief in the resurrection on the last day for its inspiration. It also marks the first instance of praying for the dead in the Judaic tradition.
Point 2: One of the few times we read of Jesus weeping was when he wept for the fate of Jerusalem; another was on the occasion of his friend Lazarus death. Martha, Lazarus sister came to meet Jesus as he drew near the family home and said to Him Lord! If you had been here, my brother would not have died! Jesus looked at her, and compassion filled His eyes Martha! Your brother will rise again! Drawing on he understanding of the Jewish teaching on the resurrection, Martha replied I know that he will rise on the last day! Jesus then replied: Martha, Try to understand! I am not talking of the last day! I am the resurrection and the life! Whoever believes in me even though he die, will live! And whoever lives and believes in me will not die in eternity! Do you believe this?
Conclusion: As Christians, this is the challenge we all face when we are confronted with death. Do we really believe? And taking our lead from Martha, we reply Yes Lord! I believe that You are the Christ, Son of God, who is to come into the world!
This same Faith inspired St. Paul to write to his early Christian converts I want you to be certain of this so that you do not grieve as those who have no hope. It is this same sense of Hope that finds expression in the churchs liturgy for the dead the sadness of death gives way to the bright promise of immortality. It is this same faith expressed in the words of an anonymous, non Christian Indian mystic and poet writing on the subject of death: Death is not extinguishing the light; it is simply putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.
Scriptural reference: I have a hope in God a hope they themselves also accept that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous (Acts 24:15)
Buzzword Immortality!
Fact or fiction! This is the ever present question all people ask. There is no doubt that all forms of life die; only the human form knows, from an early asge, that it is destined to die. This gives rise to the fundamental religious question is death the end? Christ says NO! Todays Feast and readings all centre on this hope of immortality that inspires Christian efforts to live by certain standards.
Apocalypse 7: 2-14: With imagery bordering on the fantastic, St. John seeks to encourage the early Christian community during a time of fierce persecution. The hope of eternal union with God is as valid for us as it was for those suffering persecution because of their commitment to Christ.
John 3: 1-3: This first letter of St. John speaks of the real relationship that exists between God and People. This relationship is acknowledged by the performance of good works leading to becoming permanent citizens in the eternal city of God.
Matthew 5: 1-12: Few passages are as well known, or quoted as frequently, as this passage known universally as the Sermon on the Mount, or the Beatitudes. However, because of poor translations and the fact that words have different meaning in different languages and in different social environments, one needs to look closely at the original meanings to understand Christs words.
Point 1: Of all the paradoxical statements made by Christ during his public ministry, few are more so than those we have just heard. They represent a moral teaching that was out of kilter with conventional standards accepted then and which, even today, is not totally accepted. The great bulk of people in Christs time were poor. Wealth and power were possessed by the minority. But Christ wanted His words to be heard and understood by all wealthy or poor. So let us look a little more closely at what it is that Christ is saying because there has to be a deeper significance that that which first meets the eye.
Point 2: The greeting Blessed or Happy was a congratulatory statement and was used in the sense of a promis of reward for virtue practised. In English Blessed comes closer to the original meaning. Looking now at the eight declarations we see:
Poor in spirit Anyone, - wealthy, powerful, poor or weak- has need to recognise a spiritual dimension to living. Those who recognise this are blessed, because they admit that without such a dimension, life is impoverished.
Gentle As distinct from being proud, arrogant or assertive. Admitting that oneneeds guidance as to how life should be lived.
Mourn those who are discouraged or depressed by the evil of the world and who regret their own sinfulness.
Hunger and Thirst a desire for a good relationship with God and a recognition that righteousness comes from personal effort combined with gods help.
Merciful Compassion, a consant theme in the Scriptures involving almsgiving and forgiveness.
Pure in Heart Sincerity in word and action; notliving behind a fa§ade.
Peacemakers Those who make up after quarrels reconciliation.
8 Persecution Already a pattern of opposition to Christ was emerging and his disciples were being persecuted.
Conclusion: This pattern of behaviour has continued down through the centuries. Fidelity in the face of oppositions merits rewards. In these statements a pattern of Christian practise that can only be understood in terms of eternal union with the Creator. Todays Feast and Liturgy are powerful reminders of this aspect of our Faith.
Scriptural reference: But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died and their departure was though to be a disaster and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. For though in the sight of others they were punished, their hope is full of immortality (Wisdom 3: 1)
Buzzword - Leadership
Allowing for republican sentiments in today's world, the title King is probably a little anachronistic. However, when one examines the original use of the word - "Rex" one who rules - the aptness of the title for Christ becomes apparent. The more so if we acknowledge that the ideal ruler is one who leads by example. For me, Christ the Leader has more appeal.
Ezechiel 34:11-12,15-17: Here we see God being portrayed as going forth to bring back the lost, to heal the sick, to bind up the injured..
1 Corinthians 15:20-26: St. Paul repeats exactly the same theme - Jesus is the founder of a new order, one in which genuine concern for others must be manifest. The over-all goal of this concern is the spiritual well-being, but this cannot be achieved if the physical needs are neglected.
Matthew 25: 31-46: The Gospel spells this message out loud and clear - Christian leadership means service of others in their spiritual and physical needs.
Point 1: A recent survey has stated that for many of today's younger generation, Jesus Christ is better known as a profanity rather than as a reference to Jesus Christ of religious importance. But, if the interest by so many in Pope John Paul's demise and the election of his successor is any guide, and the continued growth in support for World Youth Day is taken into account, it shows that the name "Jesus Christ" is still capable of having impact. And although there are many millions who have drifted from formal church membership, many of them are still influenced by the teaching and the example of Christ.
Point 2: I find it interesting to look at some of the efforts made in recent times to "update" Christ. There has been a constant procession of such attempts to project Him in a light that "relates to our times". Liberation Theology has presented him as the revolutionary! The "rock" generation adopted him as the befuddled hero of " Jesus Christ, Superstar"; and the flower children turned to him as the flower-child of "Godspell". Next we see him being presented as the tortured psychotic by the novelist Nikos Kazantzakis; and, more recently, we have the "pornographic" Jesus as presented by Danish and Canadian filmmakers concentrating on the relationships Jesus had with Mary Magdalene and the Apostle John. Most recently we have had Mel Gibson's portrayal of the "Suffering Christ" with its very great impact on public thought..
In between times, the character and person of Jesus has intrigued artists down through the centuries - they paint him, they carve him in wood or stone. But none of them succeed in revealing the total Christ. Each one comes up with an image that suits his or her particular cause, whilst the enigma, the mystery, the sign of contradiction whereby Christ described himself eludes them. Although he consistently refused political leadership - [John 6:15] "When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself." - and yet, he was finally arrested for being a political zealot. His claim to be the Messiah stirred up such fierce opposition amongst the religious leaders that "they took up stones with which to stone Him"; and, on another occasion, an attempt was made to throw him over a cliff! His criticism of the "establishment" was trenchant; he called them "whitened sepulchres" outwardly appealing, but full of corruption.
Conclusion: But this did not mean that He endorsed the "counterculture" - opting for the alternative life style of dropping out and doing one's own thing. He spoke constantly of the need to be involved. Recent appeals by the Pope seek to draw attention to the impact changing social and cultural conditions in our society are having on the Church. The need to summon the ever present spiritual resources of the committed Christian to meet the challenge of a” she’ll be right, mate”,- complacency- is very great. We cannot continue to live on our “moral” fat indefinitely. The rich heritage bequeathed to us by earlier Christian generations – the dignity and freedom of the individual, concern for the poor, doctrine, culture and works of which Catholic tradition is composed are under threat from within and from without. Already we are seeing the parlous state of Christianity in Europe, once described as a Christian civilisation, then watered down to “Western” civilisation and, now, in the minds of many commentators, within a generation or so likely to be Muslim dominated!
Today’s celebration should serve to remind us of the need for strong leadership to match the threat. The real Jesus was a man for all seasons, a Leader who challenged people to evaluate and to make changes where necessary; prejudice and narrow minded perspectives had no place in his thinking. Like every Leader worth his salt, Christ continues to prompt, to shake and to cause his followers to wonder who they are and where they are going.
Scriptural reference: "Behold, I made him a witness to the people, a leader and a commander for the people" Isaiah 1 55:4
Buzzword - Lost Opportunities!
Everyone wants to live life to the full! Why, then, are so many disappointed? Could it be because we set ourselves impossible goals? Or is it because we neglect opportunities offered to us? Today's readings touch on this matter of "win/ lose" situations.
Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20,30-31: tells of the character who courted and won a treasure for a wife, no doubt against stiff competition! Then, as now, "faint heart never won fair lady"!
Thessalonians 5: 1-6: Paul warns that time is slipping by while they argue over when Christ will come the second time.
Gospel Matt. 25: 14-30: Jesus is quite blunt in his advice - use your talents or else!!!!
Introduction: I think we all recognise that "hindsight is a wonderful gift"! "If only I knew then what I know now" - how different life would be. When "Xerox" first announced its marvellous new technique for copying documents, instead of asking "what's wrong with carbon paper?" I would have bought into the company! Or IBM! or Microsoft! But that's life for most of us. "We are constantly bolting the stable door after the horse has bolted"! And if we ask why is this, it would seem that it is either because we have become disillusioned about our ability to pick winners -"once bit, twice shy"; or, we simply hold off, waiting for a favourable time to make a move. Either way, we neglect to live in the here and now.
Point 1: Inside each of us there exist two different characters - the would-be gambler and the bet-hedger; and most of us live caught between these two characters. We take very few chances and often miscalculate when we do; but, if we are to avoid total stagnation, we must learn to take some risks. The authentically human life is one that maintains a balance between the gambler and the bet-hedger.
This is the challenge that Jesus is laying down in today's gospel reading. The religious leaders of the time, the Scribes and the Pharisees, had become obsessively cautious. Any change, any development, any alteration, anything new was anathema. Their approach had induced a religious paralysis which Christ was determined to challenge. For Christ, there is no place for the closed mind in religious thinking. His statement is that to each has been given different abilities which will contribute to the growth of the Kingdom - to one is given five, another two, and another one. Although people are not equal in talent, it is expected that they will be equal in effort - five makes five; two makes two. It is expected that each will work to the best of one's ability. But the person who does not even make an effort is in serious trouble. Christ makes no bones about it - "Use it or lose it"!
Point 2: Why is it that a person holds back from having a punt in the Heavenly Stakes? For some it is the "if only" syndrome "if only I had known...."; "if only I had listened"; "If only I had studied harder...". For others, it is the "but" word - "I hear what you are saying, but...."; I could have done that, but....". Others hold back for fear of being criticised, usually by those who are doing nothing! All such excuses stifle the present moment, and the possibilities that are at hand are lost. Omar Ibn Al-Halif, ancient Persian sage, commented that "four things come not back - the spoken word; the sped arrow; time past; the neglected opportunity". Fortunately, with Christ, there are second chances.
Conclusion: The big question is - in what areas of life are we expected to show this constant growth? Essentially it is in our religious development where it is expected that our Faith in and acceptance of Christ, will continue to grow. Consequently, as we grow stronger in our Faith, our sense of Hope in the promises given by Christ becomes more real; as these two basic virtues strengthen and grow, the virtue of Love grows commensurately until Love motivates us rather than Fear. Such an attitude will, of necessity, have impact on our every day lives and relationships. It is at this point that we have a better understanding of the opportunities that come our way to use our talents..
We have been given a life time of opportunity; for some this time is longer than for others. But, short or long, what is given is time enough for God's purpose. All that is required of us is that we use the opportunities that come our way.
Scriptural reference: We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. [John 9:4]