Unknowns

Jesus said “But, God said to the rich farmer ‘You fool. This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be” (Luke 12:20).

            Some time ago, I went on a trip to Los Angeles. As usual, I made sure I had some extra cash and my credit cards with me in case of an emergency. In all my travelling, any emergencies I faced were small. When I landed in New York on my return trip, I found out my flight back to Buffalo was cancelled and the individual who was going to pick me up at the airport had tested positive for Covid 19. As I waited to find out how I was going to get home, thunderstorms came over the entire region and knocked out part of the Air Traffic Control System. After waiting over seven hours in line, I finally got my Boarding Pass for a flight on the following afternoon. I was fortunate I was able to stay with friends in New York and returned home safe and sound the next day. The experience taught me even when you prepare for the unknown it can overwhelm you.

            In this passage from Luke, Jesus tells a Parable about a farmer who uses human wisdom to plan for the future but ignores an unknown which brings about problems. By doing so, Christ reveals the foolishness of such an approach to life.

            During Christ’s lifetime, farming was a risky profession. Poor soil, bad weather and pests inhibited crop production. Many Farmers rented their land from Property Owners who received a share of the harvest. A poor crop often resulted in food insecurity and Financial hardship. Since famine was a common occurrence in Ancient Times, the storage of excess food and other goods was a regular practice of most Farmers. For this reason, the wealthy Farmer’s actions in Christ’s Parable were understandable. In addition, he was likely hard working, proficient at his profession and a shrewd Businessman. His prosperity was the result of Human Wisdom and Experience. Or was it? The Farmer had no control over the soil, weather or pests. Perhaps he was the beneficiary of Divine Providence. Yet, his statements all began with “I.” He gave no credit or thanks to God. The Farmer shared none of his abundance with the poor. Although his actions considered Earthly unknowns, he forgot about heavenly ones. Yet, when confronted with the greatest unknown, the time when God demanded his life the Farmer’s “Wisdom” appeared foolish.

            Within our Society, many individuals prepare for the unknowns in life in different ways. Most people save for retirement to insure they will have Financial security in old age. Others buy Life Insurance to protect their loved ones from hardship if they die. Homes are insured so that if they are destroyed their owners can rebuild them. Many individuals appoint a Power of Attorney and prepare a Will to look after their affairs when they get seriously ill or die. In addition, actions are taken by them to reduce risks in their life. Although planning for the earthly unknowns of the future is prudent and the Human Wisdom and Experience used when doing so comes from  God, what about our Spiritual preparations. Whenever we prosper, to whom do we give the credit? On those occasions we confront the unknown, how much do we trust in God rather than ourselves? Human plans are always limited because so much of life is beyond our control. Trusting in God does not guarantee prosperity and sometimes goes against Human thinking. But we need to recall that while the future is unknown to us; it is known to God.

            Catholics and other people of Faith believe in a loving God. If this is true, the Disciples of Christ should trust in him and act appropriately. They should be thankful when they prosper. Disciples should share their abundance with the less fortunate. Although they should plan for the unknowns of the future, Disciples also need to see them as chances to trust in God and strengthen their faith.

July 31, 2022

Unexpected Gifts

Then, opening their treasure chests, the Wise Men offered Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh (Matt. 2:11).

            When I was growing up, I got three kinds of Christmas presents: things I needed; things I wanted; and those which were unexpected. The first group included items like a new winter coat, boots or a toque which made it look like I was getting a lot of gifts. In the second category were things like toys, hockey equipment or a microscope about which I had dropped many hints to my parents in the weeks leading up to Christmas. However, almost every year I received at least one present, like a Bible, which fit into the third group. Some of the most meaningful gifts I received at Christmas were of this type.

            In this passage from Matthew, some Wise Men from the East come to Jesus in Bethlehem and present him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. By doing so, their unexpected arrival and action bring a deeper meaning to the Christmas Story.

            Each of the gifts brought by the Wise Men acknowledged a part of Christ’s identity. Gold recognized his role as a king. Frankincense identified his role as a Priest. Myrrh distinguished his role as one whose Death was a Sacrificial Offering. Yet, these individuals likely had little insight into the meaning of the Birth of Jesus. They journeyed to Jerusalem because of their Astrological Interpretation of the appearance of a new star. While they asked about the birth of an Infant King of the Jews, they probably knew nothing about the Prophecies about a future Messiah or Christ’s Royal ancestors recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament. It was unlikely that the Wise Men knew the Kingdom Jesus ruled was a Spiritual rather than Temporal one. His role as Priest meant he was intercessor between God and Humanity for the Redemption of Sin for all time and not just a short period. In addition, Christ was also the Sacrificial Offering whose Death released everyone from the bonds of Sin. The Wise Men’s gifts not only identified parts of the identity of Jesus but also stressed the element of the unexpected in the Christmas Story. Even their arrival in Bethlehem was an unexpected gift because there was no indication in the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament of such an event. In a way, this detail of the Christmas Story suggested how Christ’s Ministry introduced new and unexpected developments into the evolution of God’s Plan.

            This Christmas I have also received an unexpected gift: time. I was recently told someone who received Communion from me at a Christmas Mass has tested positive for Covid 19. While I was wearing a mask when I gave this person Communion, the amount of time it took to do so was minimal and I have developed no symptoms, I have been advised to self-isolate until I can take a Covid 19 Test and get the results back. This means I have a lot of time on my hands. Until very recently, I grumbled about having so much to do and so little time to think. Now that is no longer a problem.

            Of course the challenge is that my Parish doesn’t cease operations because I need to self-isolate. Funerals still need to be arranged, bills paid and mail answered. Dirty laundry still piles up, groceries need to be bought and meals prepared. Fortunately, my staff and the others in the Rectory have these things well in hand. Most of the things which occupy my time are no longer doing so.

            The challenge is now how do I utilize this gift of time which I have received? After three days, I am still trying to answer that question. I have resumed some projects I had been working on before my situation changed such as going through my Computer Files to delete stuff I don’t need and better organize what I keep. I have kept up my reading and Prayers (but not increased the time devoted to them). Sadly, I have spent a lot of time staring at the walls trying to decide what I should do next. Since it is likely I won’t get my Covid 19 Results back for a week I need to come up with a plan.

            This Covid 19 Pandemic has had a disruptive effect on a lot of lives including my own. I know my challenge of trying to figure out what to do with all this extra time is nothing compared to those who have lost a loved one to the virus; work in a Hospital and worry about contracting it; or have lost their job working in a Restaurant or Small Business. Unexpected gifts, when they come at Christmas or another time of the year, can be disruptive. They may not be what we need or want but they can lead us to see things in a new way. While I would never call this Pandemic a gift (unexpected or otherwise) it may cause me to recognize time as something which is limited and precious. Maybe I need to look more carefully at how I have used it in the past and will use it after this Pandemic. Perhaps I should stop assuming I have a lot of time left to do the important things in life because Covid 19 might change everything.

            The Account of the Wise Men visiting Jesus recalls that unexpected events and things are part of life. The Wise Men may not have totally understood the meaning of Christ’s Birth but by their arrival and gifts showed their desire to participate in the Story. In a way, the gift they gave was themselves. Perhaps during this crisis, we may get the opportunity to be an unexpected gift to someone who is struggling to cope with Covid 19 by just being present to them. It could turn out to be the best present we could give them.

January 3, 2021

Tragic Flaw

When the rich man heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. (Mark 10:22).

             When I was studying the plays of William Shakespeare in High School, one of the ideas I learned was that of the “Tragic Hero”. This individual was usually the main character in the play and had many fine qualities. Yet, as the plot unfolds a tragic flaw is exposed in the character of that person which leads to tragic results. Sadly, tragic flaws are not confined to characters in the plays of Shakespeare but can be found in real people and have unfortunate consequences.

            In this passage from Mark, after a rich man is told by Jesus to sell all he owns, give the money to the poor and become a Disciple, he goes away grieving. By doing so, Christ identifies the man’s tragic flaw: his attachment to possessions.

            Within certain sections of the Hebrews Scriptures/Old Testament there was a perspective which linked Material prosperity with Religious observance. If someone obeyed the Jewish Law in its: Liturgical, Doctrinal and Moral Teachings, God rewarded that individual with success in earthly life. In the Book of Wisdom, a person who receives Wisdom from God and reveals it by the way he or she lives recognizes that quality is more valuable than gold or silver. Yet, Wisdom also brought with it good things such as wealth. Since such texts promoted true belief and proper conduct, they were popularized by many Religious Leaders. However, other texts challenged this view. The Jubilee Year required the return of property to its original owners and cancellation of debts which reduced differences in Material inequality. Job was a devout man who nevertheless experienced great personal and Material hardships. Amos attacked the wealth of the rich derived from the exploitation of the poor. The rich man could have accumulated his wealth through hard work, good business decisions or inheritance. There is no indication he did anything immoral. In fact, his observance of the Commandments revealed his Religious commitment and high ethical standards. Yet, he also likely saw his good fortune as the result of such behaviour. He and God made a deal: the man observed the Law and God rewarded him. His wealth was an indication of his Holiness. The certainty of this connection was the reason he was so attached to his property and his tragic flaw. God made no such bargain with him. Eternal Life was a gift which demanded detachment from all other commitments which included not just Material goods but the meaning given to them by Humans. As the man walked away, he grieved the loss of his view of how God operated.

            During this Covid 19 Pandemic there have been many stories which have highlighted the existence of a person’s tragic flaw. A mother who is sincerely concerned about the health of her adult children who do not want to get vaccinated continuously urges them to get their shot until they stop speaking to her. A man who will not get inoculated for Conscience reasons because the Vaccine was tested on material obtained from an Aborted Fetus is likely the reason a loved one get infected with Covid 19 and becomes seriously ill. A store owner seeking to protect the health of his employees and customers is so exacting in enforcing Health Regulations that relations with both groups deteriorate badly. Although in each case the person was well intentioned, a character flaw like the desire to force change, uphold a principle or control the behaviour of others results in problems. Catholics and other people of Faith sometimes want to make a deal with God. If I have the right motives God will vindicate my actions. Yet, they must also recognize the dangers which come with doing so; for as rich man discovered God does not make deals with us. Divine Providence is God freely giving us what he knows we need. He will not be manipulated.

            Most Catholics know there is a limit to what they can do during this Pandemic. They can encourage people to: get vaccinated; follow their conscience; and observe health regulations. But they must remember who ultimately is in charge. Failure to do so can expose a tragic flaw within themselves which can have negative results.

            Shakespeare’s plays taught me the importance of finding the tragic flaws within myself. Life has taught me I will probably find a few more in the years to come. Yet, the most important question I need to answer is not “What are they?” but “Will I learn from them the lessons God is trying to teach me?”

October 10, 2021

Temptation

The Devil said to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread” (Luke 4:3).

            When I was growing up, my father told me stories about the Great Depression. He would talk about the struggles people faced: in getting a job; finding food to eat; and looking after their families. After listening to the problems he overcame during those years, my hardships at school seemed trivial by comparison. However, my father disagreed. For him, the crucial thing was not who confronted the greater difficulty but how they responded to it. Clearly, every  Human effort against adversity has value because it defines us and our role in the world.

            In this passage from Luke, the Devil challenges Jesus to order a stone to become a loaf of bread. By doing so, Jesus is tempted to become a different kind of Messiah than the one sent by his Father.

            Temptation was a common experience for individuals within the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament. In the Garden, the snake tested the obedience of the Man and Woman to God’s edict when it offered them the possibility of Divinity if they ate the Forbidden Fruit. God’s demand for the Sacrifice of Issac by Abraham likely challenged his belief in the promises made to him about the foundation of a great nation through his son. As the Israelites crossed the desert, their desire for food and water tested their trust in God’s Providence and raised the possibility of a return to Egypt. Each of these situations presented a temptation to those involved. A choice was necessary  not between good and evil but Faith in God and some lesser benefit. Regardless of their decision, the experience taught those involved about Divine Authority, the demands of Faith and revealed their identity in relationship to God. Christ’s Temptations in the Desert provided a similar test: a choice between fidelity to his Father’s plan and a lesser good. The satisfaction of hunger; a just world; and a spectacular demonstration of the Divinity of Jesus were not bad in themselves. Yet, their achievement was at the cost of a distortion of Christ’s true Mission and Identity. The Devil knew the actions demanded were not beyond the capacity of Jesus and matched the expectations of most individuals about the Messiah. However, that was not his Father’s Will. It was obedience to his Father which defined his Identity and Mission. The Temptations he combated in the Desert clarified everything. Since Jesus experienced the same tests as other people and overcame them he provided his Disciples with an example of the demands of Faith and God’s power over Evil.

            Lent is the Season we are called upon to re-examine our understanding of Temptation. In our Society, people usually take a Utilitarian approach when making Moral decisions: they seek the greatest good for the greatest number. By doing so, a small benefit is judged as being better than no benefit. Since each action produces some good and it is the individual who decides the amount of the benefit and number of people who gain by the action, Temptation can be reasoned away. Yet, events like the Holocaust or the slaughter in Rwanda demonstrate Evil is a real and objective experience. Temptation is valuable because it tests the individual’s ability to recognize and resist Evil. When it is overcome, a person’s Moral character is strengthened. Failure to do so leads to Evil which always produces tragic outcomes. The ability to conquer Temptation requires individuals to maintain their relationship with God. By remaining obedient to his Father’s Will Jesus became the Messiah he was called to be. Similarly, obedience to God allows people to live up to their full potential and become what they are called to be.

            During Lent, one way to develop our ability to resist Temptation is to spend more time in Prayer. Many people call upon God to deal with Temptation when they are confronted by it. Yet, after the moment of crisis has passed they forget about it. By reflecting on Temptation when it is not strong one can identify the occasions when it arises and its likely causes. These areas of life can then be brought to Prayer. Through Prayer one can seek God’s assistance to avoid situations when Temptation can occur and the strength to resist it when it does. Prayer maintains a healthy relationship with God which improves one’s ability to make proper Moral decisions. Rather than bringing temporary relief from Temptation, Prayer can allow Catholics and other people of Faith to develop a long term resistance to the desire to succumb to Temptation and Sin. Let our Prayer Life illustrate how we respond to the true effects of Temptation in our lives.

            As my Father’s stories taught me, each of us has to struggle against adversity. In difficult times, it is always tempting to look for any easy way out. How we respond in such circumstances establishes our identity and how we see our role on earth. If we declare we are Christ’s Disciples, we must like him resist the Temptation to ignore the Father’s Will and substitute a lesser good.

 

March 6, 2022

Shrewdness

Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into their eternal homes” (Luke 16:9).

            When I was in High School I had a classmate who saw himself as being shrewd. He was constantly trying to get the best deal possible for himself and would do almost anything to do so. Every time he made a promise, he would always include an escape clause so that if the result did not work to his favor he would not have to keep his word. It did not take long for individuals to stop trusting him, which meant he made few deals.

            In this passage from Luke, Jesus tells his Disciples the Parable of the Dishonest Manager and then comments on the significance of shrewdness in one’s earthly dealings. By doing so, he suggests a similar attitude is required when a Disciple considers Spiritual issues.

            During Christ’s lifetime, slaves sometimes assumed important responsibilities within the households of their masters. These individuals supervised the work of other servants and insured their subordinates received their provisions. They also negotiated contracts in the marketplace on behalf of their master which bound him or her to its terms. In some situations, the slave received a commission for this work which became his or her property. For this reason, shrewdness was a desirable quality in those charged with this task so their master obtained the best deal. However, the possibility of personal benefit occasionally resulted in a conflict of interest with the master if the commission earned came from a contract which gave the master an inferior result. Through the Parable of the Dishonest Manager, Christ demonstrated how shrewdness in earthly activities yielded clear benefits: the slave’s immediate future was secure. Yet was it also true for the long term? Was dishonesty the means of entry into God’s Eternal home? For the Disciple, shrewdness meant a clear understanding of the best result for both his master (God) and him/herself (Eternal Life). It also required the Knowledge of how the attainment of that outcome was possible. Since the best outcome for both God and Disciple was the same there was no conflict of interest. In the same way others employed shrewdness to pursue their interests in earthly activities, the Disciple shrewdly sought the personal benefits of Eternal Life through obedience to Jesus.

            Our Society likes shrewd people. The Investor who buys stock in a Technology Company which then increases rapidly in value because of its revolutionary new product is admired by the Business Community. The Hockey Scout who identifies the potential of a young player who later helps the team win a championship is valued by his colleagues. A Teacher who assists a Student from a disadvantaged background excel at School and win a scholarship to University is highly regarded by his or her peers. Yet, the rewards for such shrewdness are measured by the Material or Social gain of the individual: money, awards or prestige. They are only recalled until another person surpasses their achievement. As those who live in this world, Catholics and other people of faith are conscious of the need for shrewdness when dealing with this world. They must guard themselves against the dishonest who will take advantage of them. Since their personal situation may be difficult, they need to find the best deal possible in the marketplace. But their perspective is not rooted just in this world. Their purpose in this life is to enter the next one. This means they must act with honesty and integrity in their dealings. They recognize a deal in which they benefit at the expense of their values is not worth much. Over time, others will probably take advantage of them. Catholics may miss out on the deal of a lifetime because of their Faith. However, since their reward is not in this life that missed opportunity does not mean much. With their attention focused upon their ultimate goal and how they reach it, Catholics can reveal a shrewdness equal to any found on earth.

            As I learned in High School, shrewdness used to gain a personal advantage at the expense of others can have negative consequences: like the loss of one’s credibility. However, as Christ indicates in this passage from Luke, it can also be used to benefit not only oneself but others and God. Like all qualities, when used appropriately shrewdness in Spiritual matters can have Eternal rewards.

 

September 18, 2022

Service

Jesus said, “Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat and he will come and serve them” (Luke 12:37).

            Some time ago, I was having lunch at a local Restaurant. The place was crowded and the waitress told me several staff members had called in sick. I could tell she was tired and needed a break. Yet, despite all the challenges she faced she put them aside and focused all her energy on serving her customers. She was a true example of what service means.

            In this passage from Luke, Jesus reveals how service must be a fundamental quality in all his Disciples. By doing so, he indicates its challenges and rewards.

            During Christ’s lifetime, slavery was an accepted system within Israel. Most slaves were: captives of war; the poor who had acquired debt; or the children of those already enslaved. Since small or Tenant Farmers were responsible for most agricultural production, slaves were primarily Domestic Servants who made life easy for the wealthy. When born into a master’s family, slaves were usually treated as family members and entrusted with important tasks. Loyal service often resulted in better treatment and sometimes freedom. In his Teachings, Jesus equated Discipleship with the kind of service associated with slaves. When he washed his Disciples’ feet, something not required of Jewish slaves, Christ provided an example of the humility which service implied. This was a challenge in a Society which valued Social standing. As this story from Luke showed, the service provided by Disciples focused on the demands of their master (God) and took a long term view of events. This became a hardship when delays in God’s return for the Final Judgment caused attitudes of indifference and laziness among Disciples. For those entrusted with authority, service meant care for their subordinates. This was a challenge in a Culture where power brought respect. Yet, the reward which came from humble service was the recognition of one’s sacrifice. Those who provided constant service never feared God’s Judgment at the end of time. Disciples who saw their authority as a service to others received greater responsibility and avoided severe punishment. Clearly, service was a challenge but it also had its rewards.

            Within our Modern Society service no longer seems to be a high priority. Although many Businesses talk about the importance of Customer Service this often means fewer employees to assist people to find items and more Self-Check-Out Registers where they pay for them. Political leaders will talk about their commitment to Public Service but become Corporate Lobbyists with high salaries after leaving Office. Social Media portrays itself as serving the public by promoting communication between individuals but then sells the data they gather about users to advertisers. The ideal of humble, consistent and responsible service seems to be a thing of the past. For many Catholics and other people of Faith this change poses a challenge. Not only must they distinguish between true service and its Modern substitute in their daily lives but their actions are frequently questioned for alternative motives. Since everyone else sees service as a way to get some earthly reward, the same must be true for them. Yet for Catholics, service is something they are called to perform because they are Christ’s disciples. His reward for serving Humanity led to his rejection by those in power and Death on the Cross. Their reward for service leads to disdain and sacrifice. Yet, their perspective goes beyond this present life. Their reward comes from knowing they have met the standard set by Jesus and will be honored by God. They will be welcomed and respected by the God who knows what they experienced and will respond appropriately. Worry about what others think or when they will be rewarded are mere distractions in this present life. During the present time, they focus only on providing the best service possible.

            Service may be something which is not appreciated as much today as it was a generation ago. Yet, it is still a statement about the kind of Disciple a Catholic seeks to be. The rewards for being a good one may not come in this life; but it will come in the next.

August 7, 2022

Science

So the other disciples told Thomas, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25).

            When I was in High School I enjoyed studying Science. I liked the way its conclusions were based on evidence which could be observed and measured. Another thing I liked was that Science used Reason: if one idea was true you could deduce from it other sound conclusions. A third thing I liked was how you could challenge a theory and perform an experiment to determine if it were true. However, as much as I liked Science I also recognized there were limits to what you could know by using it. For example, there is no way to “prove” a mother loves her child. When her baby wakes up crying during the night does she change the child’s diaper because she loves the child or so she can go back to bed? There are truths in life for which no Scientific proof can be supplied; in other words they must be accepted on Faith.

            In this passage from John, Thomas challenges the claim made by the other Apostles that Jesus has risen from the dead. By doing so, he reveals the tension which exists between Science and Faith about accepting Christ’s Resurrection.

            Thomas’s response to news about Christ’s Resurrection was reasonable. Jews associated the Resurrection with the End-times not the present day. While Jesus brought Lazarus back from the dead, that Miracle was not a Resurrection. Lazarus’s death was in the future. Christ’s Passion and Death were traumatic experiences for Thomas and the other Apostles. Those events included betrayal, arrest, an unfair trial and execution. The man in whom Thomas believed and followed was dead. The incident experienced by the other Apostles was a dream or projected Hope. Like a Modern Scientist, Thomas demanded proof based upon verifiable evidence: a finger placed in a nail-hole and a hand into a wounded side. However, when the Apostle established these criteria, he allowed for the possibility the Disciples’ Account was true. When Jesus returned, he satisfied Thomas’s demand for evidence. The Apostle responded with the strongest Faith statement found in John’s Gospel: “My Lord and my God.” Yet, Jesus warned him and the others that although Belief which took a Scientific approach based upon material evidence was acceptable, that built upon other criteria such as Witness Testimony was superior because it demonstrated greater trust in God. Science functioned within the limits of space and time found in the Created Order. These boundaries placed no restrictions on God. Certain truths about God were Mysteries which went beyond Human Reason. The only evidence for them came from Witness Testimony recorded in the Scriptures. Since this Source was unsatisfactory according to the criteria employed by most Historians and Scientists they rejected it. While Faith and Science sought the truth, differences in their criteria for evidence created the tensions experienced by Modern Disciples.

            Tensions between Science and Faith have surfaced during this Covid 19 Pandemic. Many Religious people ignore the evidence Scientists supply about the Virus and how to stop its spread and declare God will protect them. Some consider Public Health Measures which could limit the number of infections and deaths to be an attack on their Religious Freedom and so oppose them. Others contend since material from Aborted Fetuses is being used in the production and testing of Vaccines, they are cooperating with evil by getting one. These attitudes have caused some in our Society to think all Religions are Anti-Science and Irrational. Catholics and other people of Faith understand the tensions which exist between Science and Faith. On the one hand, God gave us Human Reason to understand the Natural World and employ this knowledge to promote the Common Good. This is why the Catholic Church sponsors Scientific Education and Research in its Universities and Health Care Facilities. On the other hand, God also established a Moral Law which insures Human actions conform to that Common Good. It is for this reason the Catholic Church is uncomfortable with Vaccines produced or tested with material obtained from Aborted Fetuses. Although it is not opposed to the vaccination of individuals, it respects the Conscience Rights of those who choose to not get a shot. Modern Disciples often find it difficult to navigate the tensions between Science and Faith at this time. They respect Science because it is based on Reason and evidence. However, their Faith acknowledges the limits of Science and how it might violate the Moral Order. As Thomas learned in this story from John, taking a Scientific approach using evidence and Reason can lead one to truth. Yet, combining it with Faith can lead one to a more complete truth. By its Teachings, the Church tries to show Modern Disciples how this can be done.

            I still like Science because it is reasonable and based upon evidence. My Faith tells me to follow the advice of Medical Experts because all they know can help me stay healthy. It also tells me how to fit their Knowledge into God’s Moral Law to make sure it is used wisely. Science and Faith will continue to have tensions. But, when they cooperate they accomplish a lot of good.

April 24, 2022

Salvation

Someone asked Jesus, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” (Luke 13:23).

            Some time ago, I was out on my day off when I was approached by a man with a Bible who inquired "Have you been saved?" My reply, "I hope so", baffled him. "Don't you know?" he asked. "You can be sure when Jesus becomes your personal savior". I responded that while Jesus was my personal savior, complete fellowship with him remained a future Hope. During my life, I constantly struggle against Sin. Only at the Final Judgment will my Salvation be certain. Clearly, our discussion shows how the word "Salvation" is often understood differently by Christians.

            In this passage from Luke, Jesus is asked if many individuals will be saved. His response does not specify a quantity but rather focuses on the process by which it happens.

            Within the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament Salvation was the liberation of people from oppressive or distressing conditions. For Jews, the greatest example of such deliverance occurred when God freed the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. Yet, they also experienced Salvation when leaders such as Deborah and Samson drove out foreign nations who oppressed the people. While the accounts of these events provided Political and Military details, they also indicated it was the “Spirit of the Lord” who guided developments. During later times of distress, such as their Exile in Babylon, the Jewish people drew strength from their Hope in a future act of Divine Salvation. Christ’s teaching about Salvation shifted the focus to a more Spiritual dimension. He promised no liberation from the oppressive conditions imposed by the Romans. The distress experienced by everyone, including Jews, was caused by the reality of Sin in their lives. Questions about the number of saved people were distractions. Salvation involved more than incidental contact with Jesus at a dinner or in the street. Its achievement was not easy and only a few recognized the way to it. The path to Salvation started with acceptance of the need for the Redemption Christ gained by his Death on the Cross. There was no Salvation without a savior. This recognition committed Disciples to a life-long struggle against Sin. They carried their Cross behind their Savior. Despite its many demands, Salvation meant acknowledgment by Christ and entrance into the Celebration with God and all the Holy Ones at the end of time.

            Our world tends to see deliverance from oppressive or distressing conditions as an action which is self-generated and immediate. All that is necessary is to determine the causes of these Unjust situations and take action to alter them. Through Human effort, new Political, Economic and Social systems will be proposed and people will recognize their superiority over the former ones. This enhanced order will be established and individuals will be “saved” from their existing miseries. However, History demonstrates two problems with this approach: (1) Humans have yet to develop any Political, Economic or Social system which does not give some advantage to one group of people over another which eventually oppresses or causes distress to the weaker faction; and (2) change takes a long time to become meaningful as individuals cling to old attitudes and behaviors which means the struggle against oppression never ends. Catholics and other people of Faith understand these truths. Sin damages Human thoughts and actions. Christ’s actions made Salvation possible as the power Sin has over individuals can be overcome. But Human acts alone cannot achieve it. Salvation starts with acceptance of Jesus as one’s personal savior. It continues through a lifetime of struggle against Sin; the true source of human oppression which frequently includes many failures. With God’s help strengthening Human efforts, Disciples squeeze through the narrow door and arrive at their destination: Eternal Life. There liberation from all oppressive and distressing conditions will become permanent.

            Catholics can better live out their understanding of Salvation by focusing on the reasons why they undertake Spiritual Practices. Since Jesus died on the Cross to save us, prayer becomes an opportunity simply to spend time with him. Fasting becomes a way to encounter the sacrifice he made out of love for us. Charitable activities become a means to express that Love to others. Participating in the Way of the Cross helps us to recall his Passion and Death were events which actually happened and had a fundamental effect on our lives. Spiritual Devotions are tools which can enable us to remember what it means to be saved and why it is important. They also provide a powerful witness to others of how Jesus saved them as well.

            As my conversation with the man showed, Christians often have different understandings of the idea of Salvation. For Catholics, acceptance of Christ as one’s Savior is the start of a long journey which brings one liberation from all sources of suffering. While the trip may be difficult; the destination is worth it.

August 21, 2022

Rejection

When his disciples James and John saw it, they said “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them” (Luke 9:54).

            When I was in High School, I often tried to get a summer job. I wanted to put aside some money for University and knew having some work experience would be helpful once I finished my education. Most of my friends were able to find a job but it seemed like every time I applied for a position I was rejected because I had no experience. The fact I didn’t know anyone working at the establishment also did not help in getting hired. After a while, I began to take the rejection personally. Was it that people just didn’t like something about me? Clearly, rejection is a painful experience for most people.

            In this passage from Luke, Christ’s messengers are rejected by inhabitants of a Samaritan village because they are heading for Jerusalem. In response, James and John want to bring down fire upon the place. By rejecting this approach, Jesus demonstrates how Disciples are to respond to rejection.

            Relations between Samaritans and Jews were tense during Christ’s lifetime. Samaritans were inhabitants of the Northern Kingdom of Israel whose capital was Samaria. Many Prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament charged them with corruption and False Worship. When the Assyrians conquered the region, they deported some Jews and brought in colonists from their own country who settled there. This caused the development of a version of Judaism influenced by other Religions and based only on the Pentateuch. Jews and Samaritans differed about issues such as: the proper place for the Worship of God; which Sacred Writings belonged in the Bible; and the observance of Purity Laws. It was likely for this reason that the messengers sent by Jesus received a hostile reception from the Samaritan villagers. James and John’s reaction was the one expected from Jews insulted by their foes. Fire from heaven was a punishment which indicated God was on their side. However, as Jesus taught when he sent out the Twelve on their Mission, retaliation was the wrong response to rejection. After they shook the dust off from their sandals, Disciples simply moved on to the next place. It was God who decided if any further action was necessary. When Christ rebuked James and John, he demonstrated how the response to rejection  distinguished his Disciples from other people.

            Within our polarized Society, the response to rejection has often become more personal. When someone is not accepted, they instantly think it is because of such reasons as their Gender, Race or Religion. Since these qualities are part of their identity, they see it as an attack on them as a person and respond with hostility. The result is often increased tension between individuals and groups which undermines the bonds within Society. Although Sexism, Racism and Religious Bigotry are major Social problems and must be confronted not every rejection is caused by these reasons. Differences in personality, values and tastes, in addition to other factors, means there are people who do not get along with one another. Individuals cannot be required to like each other. Peaceful co-existence may be the best Humanity can achieve. An effort to impose acceptance by creating a Culture of “inclusion” where rejection is not tolerated is likely doomed to failure. The Pope has warned against this effort to do so. Catholics and other people of Faith encounter a lot of rejection in our Secular Culture. Their beliefs are condemned in the Media and participation in Society are frequently restricted by Government regulation. In Canada, groups whose Beliefs are not compliant with the Charter of Rights may face problems in the near future. For this reason, it is tempting to respond like James and John: call for Divine Punishment. Yet, Jesus made it clear this was not an option. Catholics must just keep holding on to their Beliefs despite the rejection they may face in the Public Square. They need to use the opportunities available to them to build the Kingdom of God on earth by such activities as: welcoming refugees; feeding the hungry; and advocating for affordable housing. Rejection can easily become a distraction for them. As they deal with their injured pride because they take the rejection they experienced personally, chances to make Christ present in the world are missed. Jesus was nailed to a Cross by his enemies. Was there ever a better example of personal rejection? Yet, according to Luke he forgave those who killed him. Rejection is part of being a Disciple. How Catholics respond to it is even more so.

            As I learned in High School while trying to get a summer job, rejection is an unpleasant experience. I might have been rejected because of some factor over which I had no control, like my ethnicity or the fact there were no jobs available at that store. The experience taught me not to take it personally. It also prepared me for the rejection I would encounter later in life because of my Catholic Faith and desire to become a Priest. Like Jesus, I just kept moving on to the next place in my life.

June 26, 2022

Reconciliation

The father said to the older son, “But we had to celebrate and rejoice because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found” (Luke 15:32).

            Some time ago, I was talking with a young man about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. “I do not understand why you need to confess your sins to a Priest when you can do so directly to God”, he stated. “But sin hurts more than your relationship with God”, I responded. “It damages your connections with the Church”. Through Sacramental Reconciliation, the Priest helps to heal the injury done to both”. Clearly, the Sacrament of Reconciliation addresses all the consequences of sin.

            In this passage from Luke, Jesus uses the Parable of the Loving Father to explain why it is necessary to celebrate the return of a sinner. By doing so, he demonstrates how Reconciliation is the way in which one’s former Spiritual status is restored.

            Within the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament, Reconciliation focused on the restoration of one’s relationship with God. Temple Sacrifice was an offering made to God as the price owed for the purification of a sinner. When David admitted his sin of Adultery with Bathsheba through Nathan, his repentance solely addressed the offence he committed against God. According to the Book of Chronicles, Manasseh humbled himself before God for his of Apostacy. Although Jesus

included this idea of restoration in his Teachings about Reconciliation, he added the concept of a sinner’s reintegration into the Community. After Christ healed a man with leprosy, he insisted on following the Jewish Law for his readmission to Society. In the Parable of the Loving Father, the response of the parent to his younger son’s return was reintegration into the family by such signs as: the robe; ring; sandals; and feast. It was likely these indicators of readmission which induced the harsh reaction of the older son. Repentance required penance not celebration. Yet, the father knew reintegration demanded the participation of all members of the family. He left the feast and appealed to his older son. After the elder sibling’s rant about the unfairness of what occurred, the Father’s reply noted his son’s fidelity and future reward. But Reconciliation required not just the restoration of the younger son to the family but also his readmission into all its relationships. He was not “your son” but rather a brother.

            Our Modern Society has an ambiguous understanding of the concept of Reconciliation. On the one hand, it is considered a good thing because it ends conflicts and reduces tensions. If the disputing parties reach a resolution, they both benefit from the Peace. However, it often takes a long time for relationships to heal and trust to be re-established. Readmission of the parties into the larger Community is usually hindered by suspicions rooted in bad memories. If compromise was required for the resolution of the dispute, questions about the fairness of the settlement begin to arise: who really won and who lost? For Catholics and other people of Faith, these situations raise important questions. Their Morality is founded upon the Principle of Justice: every person gets their due. It is unjust for some to receive preferential treatment. Yet, their Faith also makes clear Mercy balances Justice. While the restoration of one’s relationship with God is an essential part of Reconciliation so is readmission into the Community. Sin clearly damages our bond with God. But the sinner’s relationships within the Church, even with those not affected by the action, are also weakened. The credibility of Church Teachings is undermined when Catholics disregard them. Public scandal caused by such actions weakens the confidence of Church Members in their Faith. It also gives opponents of Catholicism more chances to attack it. Reconciliation means this harm must be recognized and overcome. When the Priest celebrates Sacramental Reconciliation he not only represents God but the Community. When he offers the Prayer of Absolution during the Sacrament of Reconciliation the Priest insures the restoration of a sinner’s relationship with God and his or her reintegration into the Church. It deals with all parts of a Catholic’s Spiritual life.

            Nothing can stop God from pardoning sins outside of Sacramental Reconciliation since he is the source of all forgiveness. Yet, when Christ instituted the Sacrament of Reconciliation, he understood it had to address both the need for restoration of one’s relationship with God and the reintegration of the sinner into the Community. Through the actions of the Priest, all of these dimensions of sin, including the restoration of the sinner’s former status, are addressed.

September 11, 2022

Perspective

Jesus said, “Why do not see the speck in your neighbour’s eye but do not notice the log in your own eye” (Luke 6:41).

            Some time ago, I was driving along Highway 401 between Tilbury and Windsor. It was a hot summer day and the road was straight and flat. Off in the distance, it looked like the highway was covered with water. Yet, when I reached that location the pavement was dry. The experience was an example of an illusion. The heat rising from the highway made it appear to be covered in water when in fact it had none. It was another instance of how the proper perspective enables us to see things clearly.

            In this passage from Luke, Jesus warns his Disciples against seeing the faults of others while they are blind to their own. By doing so, he demonstrates the importance of perspective in a Disciple’s life.

            Within the New Testament, several Authors examined the influence of perspective on the Faith Life of people. Matthew’s Gospel, which recorded Christ’s criticism of how the Pharisees manipulated the Jewish Law through Human Traditions, showed how personal standards skewed one’s Religious Practices. In Mark’s Gospel, the Disciples asked about why Jesus used parables when he taught. His response revealed how his stories tested the openness of those who listened to them to God’s message and the changes it required in their lives. John’s Story of how Christ healed a blind man on the Sabbath demonstrated the Pharisee’s rigidity in their observance of the Jewish Law which ignored an act of Divine Mercy. Such influences were likely what Jesus had in mind when he warned his Disciples about their own biases when they made judgments about others. The Human Traditions prized by the Pharisees were subjective interpretations of the Law which met their own standards. Were they what God intended? When the Disciples judged others were their standards those of God or their own? The Parables used by Christ answered questions but also posed them. They probed one’s existing ideas and required an openness of mind to new options. In their judgments of others, were the Disciples open to other ways of understanding the situation? The rigidity with which the Pharisees observed the Jewish Law meant their view of the healing of the Blind Man placed limitations on God’s Acts of Mercy. As they judged others, had the Disciples put similar restrictions on Divine initiatives? The Teaching of Jesus stressed before the Disciples drew conclusions about the sins of others, the clarity of their perspective required an examination of their own faults.

            The polarization which has developed within our world, as well as our Church, has made it hard to respond to the different perspectives of individuals and groups. There was a time when people would examine conflicting opinions on an issue with some openness. The truth in a view which differed from one’s own could be admitted. The recognition of the shortcomings of one’s own perspective could also be acknowledged. Differences of opinion challenged one’s thinking and propelled a common search for the Truth and Justice. Sadly, in our present times, the sides on most issues are so entrenched there is no recognition of the truth in an alternative opinion and any weaknesses in one’s own views are denied or covered up by distractions. This approach has infected our Discourse in Politics, the Media and the Church. The response to Covid 19 is merely the latest example of this development. There are family members and friends who have stopped talking to each other: over wearing a face mask; getting vaccinated; or avoiding large crowds. As Christ asks us in this passage, do our Human Traditions about freedom or the safety of the public ignore God’s Teachings about the Common Good and Charity; does the information upon which we base our conclusions prevent us from being open to how God may be inviting us to see it in a new way; does the rigidity in our thinking hinder us from recognizing how God’s Acts of Mercy are often done in unexpected ways by unlikely people? The issues Jesus discussed two thousand years ago haven’t changed much over the years.

            It has been said true knowledge begins with self knowledge. Each of us has a perspective on Life which contains some truth. When we fit those perspectives together the result is usually a lot more truth. As I discovered on Highway 401 that day, being aware of the imperfections of our perspective at any given moment insures what we contribute is the truth and enables us to reach our destination: a more just world.

February 27, 2022