Third Sunday of Ordinary time – Cycle A (January 26, 2014)

First reading: Is. 8:23 – 9: 3

“First he degraded the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the end he has glorified the seaward road, the land west of the Jordan, the District of the Gentiles.

Anguish has taken wing, dispelled is darkness: for there is no gloom where but now there was distress.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shown.  You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoiced before you as at the harvest, as men make merry when dividing spoils.  For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.”

 

Second reading: 1 Cor. 1: 10-13, 17

“I urge you brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be not divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose.  For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers, by Chole’s people, that there are rivalries among you.  I mean that each of you is saying, ‘I belong to Paul,’ or ‘I belong to Apollos,’ or ‘I belong to Kephas,’ or ‘I belong to Christ.’  Is Christ divided?  Was Paul crucified for you?  Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?  For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.”

Gospel reading: Mt. 4: 12-17 (Short form)

“When he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee.  He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled:

‘Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.’

From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, ‘repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”

 

Introductory theme summary:

The second reading points directly to the failings of present day homilies, both within and outside Catholicism, to which can also be attributed the declining numbers of Catholics in attendance at mass as well as the numbers of those practicing the Catholic faith.   

Reflection:

In recent years the Catholic Church in America has seen declining numbers in attendance at mass, which has given rise to many people choosing to go to other Christian Churches resulting in fewer Christians practicing Christianity according to the Catholic faith.  Contrary to their common attitude, there is no truth in faulting any of the principals of Catholicism.  The fault lies in the failure to retain the true meaning of Christ’s cross.

As cited in the second reading, for whatever reason, today’s homilist is more concerned with impressing the audience with eloquence through an appeal to contemporary sensibilities.  The result of which has compromised the true principal of Christ’s cross to such an extent that the “Cross” has become emptied of its meaning as it relates to the true practice of Christianity; and by that it is meant – not represented at the pulpit. 

There are many reasons for this departure, but only two of the most significant will be addressed here.  The first of which is due to our society’s obsession with entertainment.  Because we hold entertainment in such high esteem, it is presumed by both homilist and church goer that entertaining elements are necessary in order to successfully communicating God’s word.  This couldn’t be more false.  What is necessary, and all that is necessary, but which is absolutely necessary, is to communicate God’s truth through the Spirit without distracting it by, or diluting it with, intellectualism and/or emotionalism for – His words were Spirit and Truth.  The next most significant reason is the general public’s desire for seeking personal fulfillment in this life.  The Cross of Christ guides us directly against the common understanding for personal fulfillment.  It admonishes us to repentance and purification from our sinfulness, while demanding complete self-denial.  This self-denial is an absolute necessity due to the reality of our fallen state.  Seeking personal fulfillment according to the perceptions of our fallen state commonly shared by all is the exact opposite to abiding by the cross of Christ.  If one is not carrying his/her cross, he/she is not following Christ for; “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”  (Mt. 16:24)  And, if one is not following Christ according to Christ’s command, how Christian could that person actually be?

Carrying our cross according to the traditional teachings of the Catholic Church is the only way for us to truly see the light referenced in both the gospel and the first reading.  That light liberates us from the confinements of our temporal necessities.  Then, and only then, can we realize the freedom of the children of God, and shine our light before all the worldly.[1]

Come, let us deny the self and carry our cross as our Lord commanded his followers to do, so that we too can join the apostles as true children of God.

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[1] Mt. 10: 38  “And whoever does not  take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”

Second Sunday in Ordinary time - Cycle A (January 19, 2014)

First reading: Is. 49: 3, 5-6

“You are my servant, he said to me, Israel, through whom I show my glory.  For now the Lord has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb, that Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him; and I am made glorious in the sight of the Lord, and my God is now my strength!  It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

Second reading: 1 Cor. 1: 1-3

“Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, to the church of God that is in Corinth, to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Gospel reading: Jn. 1: 29-34

“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.  He is the one of whom I said, a man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.  I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.’  John testified further, saying, ‘I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him.  I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, on whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.’  Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”

 

Introductory theme summary:

In both the first and second readings we have clear evidence of the universal significance of the messiah, which was to go beyond the reaches of Judaism to include all the people of the earth.  In the gospel, however, we have the proclamation of Jesus being ‘the Lamb of God,’ which holds tremendous significance to understanding what it means to be a member of the Body of Christ.

 

Reflection:

Amidst the present day discussions of all Christian believers being members of the Body of Christ, the question begs to be asked: How, specifically, is the Body of Christ to be understood as a metaphor?

To begin, the metaphor of “The Lamb of God” draws our attention to the crucifixion itself when Christ offered himself as a sacrificial “lamb.”  Christ’s body hung on the cross as the sacrificial offering of his life for the salvation of the world through the forgiveness of sins, which Christ alone won by his perfect sacrifice.  From this there are many things for us to see, but only three will be addressed in particular.  The first is the dimension of him being a victim.  The second is what makes his sacrifice perfect.  The third is whether or not we are willing to participate in his sacrifice.

These days it would seem people either exaggerate their sufferings to ‘play the victim’ or they ‘refuse to be a victim.’  Concerning our membership in the Body of Christ we must be willing to accept the role of victim when we are put in that position, but no one can falsify actually being a victim.  To do so attempts to deceive God and his people.  Christ is perfect, so there is no place for impenitent fraud.  Getting back to accepting the role of victim, in most cases it is either pride or fear that causes a person to deny the role of being a victim when one has become so.  Though it might seem that fear is acceptable, it isn’t.  There will be no place for the fearful in the kingdom.[1]  As for pride, our Lord is more than humble, he is humble of heart, so there is no place in the Body of Christ for a pride so impenitent that it isn’t willing to accept the role of victim Christ’s sake.

One could assert that what made Christ’s sacrifice perfect was him being free from all sin, but that is what makes him a perfect victim and not what perfects his sacrifice.  What perfects his sacrifice of laying down his life is his perfect love for God and man.  His being free from all sin is certainly part of the equation, which is why we who would participate in the membership of his Body must purify ourselves from our sins, but more important than this purification is becoming so for the love of God and man.[2]  If we do not have charity we are nothing,[3] and if we fail in charity how could we be a member of the Body of Christ?

Finally, participating in Christ’s sacrifice is a simple as putting these two elements together for the purpose of contributing to the salvation of the world.  Whenever we are caused to suffer sin or injustice we are to accept the role of victim, praying for the salvation of those who harm us, believing that by join our sufferings with Christ perfect sacrifice it will contribute to his purpose of saving the world.  Are you willing to do these things to be a member of the Body of Christ?

Come, let us show ourselves as true members of the Body of Christ by forbearing the injuries of sin and injustice and join our sufferings with Christ to further the salvation of the world.

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[1] Rev. 21: 8  “But as for cowards, the unfaithful, the depraved, murderers, the unchaste, sorcerers, idol-worshippers, and deceivers of every sort, their lot is in the burning pool of fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

[2] Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1822: “Charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.”

[3] 1 Cor. 13: 2  “If I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love (charity), I am nothing.”

The Baptism of the Lord – Cycle A (January 12, 2014)

First reading: Is. 42: 1-4, 6-7

“Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations, not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street.  A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench, until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching.  I the Lord, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.”

Second reading: Acts 10: 34-38

“Then Peter proceeded to speak and said, ‘In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.  Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him.  You know the word [that] he sent to the Israelites as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the holy Spirit and power.  He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.’”

 

Gospel reading: Mt. 3: 13-17

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.  John tried to prevent him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?’  Jesus said to him in reply, ‘Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’  Then he allowed him.  After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened [for him], and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove [and] coming upon him.  And a voice came from the heavens, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’”

 

Introductory theme summary:

The theme common to all three readings is the Holy Spirit.  In the first reading we have the declaration of its being put on the Messiah; with the second reading conveying the testimony that it had been given to Jesus and the works that confirmed it having been so; and the gospel reading giving not only a physical description, the dove, but also a contextual one.

 

Reflection:

Most significantly . . . , the gospel gives us the Father’s declaration that Jesus is his “Beloved Son”, as the context for the image of the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus in the form of a dove, which was to then remain with him.  The image of the dove conveys the gentility of the Spirit given to him as described in the first reading; but even more important is the declaration of “Beloved-ness”.  The beloved-ness is the essence of the Holy Spirit itself.  Any authentic reception of the Holy Spirit by anyone will recognize that same Spirit of beloved-ness as well.  Without perceiving the overwhelming beloved-ness conveyed by the active presence of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit has not yet been perceived by that soul.  This is not to imply that such a perception is not possible, but rather it has yet to occur. 

The reason is likely due to not fulfilling the conditions of discipleship.  What is seldom realized is the full significance of Jesus conditions of discipleship; “If anyone wants to come after me, he must deny himself, pick up his cross, daily, and follow me.”  (Find quote)   That significance involves recognizing these are conditions for anyone who wants to enter into the same relationship with God the Father as Jesus had – becoming beloved, and thus know the beloved-ness described above. 

Part of the problem also involves fulfilling the individual elements of those conditions of discipleship.  The first condition being: denying the self.  A truly unappealing message to the people of our present society who seek personal fulfillment as a measure for distinguishing a good life.  It is truly not possible to seek personal fulfillment in this life and fulfill this condition of discipleship.  (For more on the subject)  The second condition is: picking up our cross daily.  Again, what this actually means is largely unknown.  Due to the fall from grace, our flesh is in a state of disorder in rebellion against God’s ways of holiness.  Accepting our individual responsibility to resist this state of rebellion while persevering in conforming our lives in compliance with God’s ways of holiness is precisely what is meant by carrying our cross.  (For more on the subject)  The third condition is: Following him!  As simple as this may seem, it isn’t.  It actually involves subjecting our will to God’s will.  This is illustrated for us by Christ ‘cup’ metaphor in the Garden of Gethsemane.  In essence this condition involves our becoming a slave of Christ as Paul[1] and so many other disciples[2] referred to themselves.  (For more on the subject)

It is by fulfilling these three conditions of discipleship that we show ourselves as truly loving God the Father; for it is only by loving God with our entire mind, heart, spirit and strength that these conditions can be met.  Unless the individual soul has fulfilled these three conditions just described, the beloved-ness conveyed by the gospel image has not yet been realized.  Regardless of how wonderful one might perceive God’s love as being, imagine how it must pale compared to this state of Beloved-ness, once these conditions are met.

Truly!  Following Christ in this way will involve a complete change of one’s entire being, but don’t be put off by how intimidating it all seems.  If you aspire to become beloved of God there is no other way.  This state is open to all as is clearly explained in the second reading; “Anyone who fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him.”

So come, take heart and surrender to the Lord.  The love of God will never fail.

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[1] Rom. 1:1

[2] Phil. 1:1; Col. 4:7; Col. 4:17; James 1:1; 2 Pet. 1:1; Jude 1:1

The Epiphany of the Lord (January 5, 2014)

First reading: Is. 60: 1-6

“Rise up in splendor!  Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.  See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears his glory.  Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance.  Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.  Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.  Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the Lord.”

Second reading: Eph. 3: 2-3a, 5-6

“If, as I suppose, you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit, [namely, that] the mystery was made known to me by revelation.  (It) was not made known to human beings in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”


Gospel reading: Mt. 2: 1-12

“When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews?  We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.’  When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.  Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.  They said to him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet:

‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.’

“Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.  He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘God and search diligently for the child.  When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.  After their audience with the king they set out.  And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.  They were overjoyed as seeking the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother.  They prostrated themselves and did him homage.  Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.”

 

Introductory theme summary:

Clearly, the gospel reading validates the Old Testament reading’s prophetic foretelling of the coming of the Messiah/Savior, with the second reading explaining the hidden nature of understanding that message in ancient times.  What isn’t as clear is the full significance of the descriptions of the coming Messiah and how the peoples will respond to his coming, which can actually be seen, now, as fulfilled.

Reflection:

The specific descriptions of note are:

·         Rise up in splendor!  Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. – This is a direct instruction to the Messiah at the point of his ministry.  It validates his dignity and guides him to become known to God’s people rather than remain of lowly disposition. 

·         See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples. – This makes reference to the people’s complete lack of awareness of God’s plan to save them from their sins by delivering them from its consequence of death.

·         But upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears his glory – this indicates that those who will come to believe will also realize the full dignity of the Messiah’s divine nature.

·         Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. – The knowledge the Messiah will impart to the world will become the basis for the values by which governments and their leaders will shape their nations.

·         Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses. – From the very beginning till the ends of the earth all peoples will come to God through the Messiah’s gift of salvation.

·         Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, - Their response will move the Lord to the profoundest love for all humanity.

·         For the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. – Your legacy (the Catholic Church) will become the recipient of the greatest treasures of the earth.

·         Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the Lord. – Even in your own time those who believe in you will give you precious gifts, which likely served as a validation for him.

This validation doesn’t simply confirm the existence of God, or his incomprehensible love for all humanity.  It also confirms the real consequence of death for sin.  Were such a consequence not real, would God bother to humble himself so by becoming human to save us from a consequence that didn’t exist?

Come, let us accept the reality of sin, and the need to repent our sins, in order to enter into the wonderful loving reconciliation won for us by Christ our Savior.