Love

Jesus said to his disciples “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another (John 13:34).

            Some time ago, I asked a group of students to define the word Love. Most of them called it an emotion which made them happy. However, one of them considered Love to be a decision. When I asked him what he meant by the word he replied, “making and keeping a commitment”. Since keeping a commitment placed limits on one’s freedom to do other things which made one happy, I continued, was not Love something which reduced happiness? “Not, if what you Love is worth it”, he responded. Clearly, many people have different understandings of Love and how it is related to happiness.

            In this passage from John, Jesus teaches his disciples they must Love one another as he has loved them. By doing so, he establishes a new understanding of Love and its relationship to happiness.

            Within the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament, the description of God’s relationship with the Jewish people used terms associated with Human Love. God’s bond with David, and through him Israel, resembled that of a father towards his son. Hosea portrayed God’s relationship with the Jewish people, despite their infidelities, as similar to that of a faithful husband to his wife. In the Song of Songs, the description of God’s Love for Israel expressed the passion and intimacy experienced by a lover for the beloved. Yet, Biblical Authors also realized how far God’s Love exceeded that of its Human counterpart. One identifying quality of God’s Love was its sacrificial nature. As Jesus told Nicodemus earlier in John’s Gospel, Love for the world was the reason God gave his only Son. It was this sacrifice which gained Eternal Life for Humanity. He repeated this idea to his Disciples when he taught them the greatest act of Love was when someone laid down  their life for their friends. On both occasions, Jesus prepared others for the example he provided through his Death on the Cross. This action demonstrated his commitment to the good of others through the use of his freedom and sacrifice of his happiness. Perfect Love required a complete surrender of self to God for a higher purpose.  Christ then made his example the norm by which Disciples measured their own commitment to Love. By their sacrifices for God and others, they introduced a new understanding of the word “Love” to the world.

            Our Modern world tends to measure the value of Love by what it does for the individual. When Love is thought of as an emotion, its worth depends on how it makes a person feel. Yet, emotions constantly fluctuate. If the pleasant feelings disappear, does Love end? In addition, the motives behind Loving actions become tentative. When a husband does something thoughtful for his wife, does he really want to make her happy or just enjoy the benefits which come from her good mood? If this need for personal happiness is taken even further protective actions might be introduced. Love becomes a 50-50 proposition where one’s contribution is determined by what one receives in return. Pre-Nuptial Agreements prior to Marriage become a simple exit strategy when one’s expectations are not met. Catholics and other people of Faith understand the short-sightedness of this approach to Love. Genuine Love requires being other-centered. God gave up his Son solely for the Salvation of Humanity. Jesus died on the Cross in obedience to his Father’s Will and to gain Redemption for sinners. This is the foundation of the Catholic understanding of Love. It is a serious commitment which must be carefully considered before a decision is made about it. This commitment comes with a high price tag which may incur the loss of one’s life. In a world which measures value by what something does for me, it sounds like nonsense. However, for those whose standard is that of Christ, it is the way to Eternal happiness. What they Love is worth the commitment.

            Thomas Aquinas once said, “to love is to will the good of the other”. In this passage from John, Jesus gave his Disciples a new understanding of Love and its connection to happiness. His future death on the Cross would cause him much pain. Yet, this suffering would be tempered by the knowledge that through it the way to Eternal happiness would be opened for those whom he loved. For those who follow him, the happiness which comes from Love is associated with what benefits others.

May 15, 2022

Lord's Prayer

Jesus said to his disciples “When you pray, say ‘Father, hallowed be your name. Your Kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial’” (Luke 11:2-4).

            Some time ago I was offering Prayers at a Funeral Home. Shortly after I began, it became obvious most of those present were not interested in what I was doing. Only a few people knew the responses. Many looked at their cell phones or stared off into space as I preached. Yet, when I started the “Our Father” everyone joined in the Prayer. Clearly, there was something about the Lord’s Prayer which resonated even with people who were marginally Religious.

            In this passage from Luke, Jesus teaches his Disciples the most important Prayer in the Christian Spiritual Tradition: the Our Father. By doing so, he provides them with a crucial lesson about Prayer in their lives.

            Within the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament, Formal and Informal Prayer was a central part of daily life for Jews. Formal Prayers marked the opening and closing of every day. On the Sabbath, Jews offered special Prayers in the: home; Synagogue; or Temple. Major feasts such as Passover had their own set of established Prayers, frequently taken from the Old Testament. For personal or specific needs, the people offered Informal Prayers. These Prayers reflected a Belief God heard Human petitions and responded to them. They also trusted in certain Divine qualities. As revealed in Genesis, Abraham’s intercession on behalf of Sodom assumed God’s mind could remain open to other possibilities. It also implied Divine Justice avoided the punishment of the Righteous with the wicked. Jesus expanded on these principles in the Lord’s Prayer. God was a Father whose holy name and Kingdom were open to all individuals. His concern for the Material needs of his children (like bread) and their Spiritual ones (such as Forgiveness) demonstrated his openness and responsiveness to Human supplications. His Justice required the practice of mercy toward others from those who received it from God. In addition, Divine Assistance protected one during times of trial. In his lessons after the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus emphasized the importance of persistence in Prayer which implied God’s Providence, even when delayed, always arrived and exceeded Human expectations. Clearly, Christ illustrated Prayer kept Disciples connected to God in every situation they faced in life.

            Christ’s Teaching of the Lord’s Prayer highlights how it can bring a person in almost any situation closer to God. Our Society’s efforts to make Religion a private matter frequently causes Christians to feel isolated from one another. The “Our Father” reminds them they remain part of a Community. In a world where power is identified with money, connections or force, Christians often think they have no influence on it. The Lord’s Prayer is a reminder they are the precursors of God’s final triumph on earth. Within a Society which views individualism and self-sufficiency as the way to attain Material security, Christians may be tempted to look out for themselves first. The “Our Father” is a reminder trusting in Divine Providence yields much better results. Living in a world which sees the need for forgiveness as a sign of weakness, Christians may be tempted to deny their sinfulness. The Lord’s Prayer reminds them of their need for God’s forgiveness and to extend mercy to others. This ability to connect with the lived experience of so many people makes this Prayer a core element in the Spiritual Life of all Christians.

                By meditating on the words of the “Our Father” Catholics can deepen their appreciation of this Prayer. Prayer is meant to connect us with God. It involves offering up whatever a person is experiencing at that moment. Meditation on the words of the Lord’s Prayer can help one place that experience into a proper context. After coming to a decision about something, reflecting on the words “your will be done” helps determine whether it fits into God’s plan. Upon recognizing a need, pondering on the words “Give us this day our daily bread” reminds us of the source of all we need. When dealing with a difficult person, contemplating the words “forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us” recalls the standard by which we obtain God’s forgiveness.

Such meditation enables us to make God a greater part of our daily lives. Let how we pray the “Our Father” demonstrate our ability to appreciate its Spiritual richness.

            As my experience at the Funeral Home indicated, the Lord’s Prayer still has the ability to reach people who seem disconnected from the Faith. This ability is why it has such an important place in our Catholic Tradition.

July 24, 2022

Light

Jesus said, “I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness” (John 12:46).

            At this time of year, light is something we take for granted. When I go out for my daily walk, I see more people: cutting the grass; preparing their garden for planting; and gathering the dead branches lying on their lawn. The warmer temperatures combined with the longer sunlight after Supper gives individuals the chance to do chores that have been postponed since last Fall. Living in Canada, where six months from now it will be dark by 5:00 PM helps us appreciate the gift of this extra light.

            In this passage from John, Jesus teaches some Jews “I have come as light into the world”. By doing so, he uses a metaphor which stresses how he can help people see the truth about God.

            During Christ’s lifetime, light was a valuable commodity. Since the sun was the primary source of light for people, most of their activities occurred during the daytime hours and few left their homes after dark. Those who travelled at night were dependant on torches or lamps which made them vulnerable to bandits and other threats. Indoors, the only illumination available came from a fireplace or lamp. Old Testament Writers recognized the importance and scarcity of light and often associated it with Wisdom and Holiness. As light guided one safely to a destination, so Wisdom and Holiness brought one through life to eternal happiness. When Jesus told the crowd he came as light into the world, he indicated acceptance of him and his message recognized the difference between Knowledge and Ignorance. Acceptance identified a perception of the truth which led to Eternal Life with God. Rejection revealed a preference for ignorance which led to Eternal Condemnation in the Final Days when the fullness of truth was disclosed. As light ended darkness; so truth expelled ignorance. The truth Jesus revealed depended not on Human Wisdom or Political power but Divine authority. Since like darkness, ignorance and evil were a common experience, the light of truth often seemed weak and fragile. Yet, because truth came from God, falsehood and Sin were no match for it. Its power was infinite and eternal.

            During this Covid 19 Pandemic, Catholics and other people of faith comprehend how the light of truth can overpower the darkness of ignorance. Sin and falsehood have never gone out of fashion. The bad guys often get away with murder. As the number of Covid 19 Cases and Deaths rise and tensions around the world with them, the temptation to hide in the darkness and ignore the light of truth becomes even stronger. Catholics and other people of Faith know there is right and wrong. They know they will be held accountable for their deeds. They know the truth which God revealed will prevail in the end. As Catholics, we know Christ taught us to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors. He told us we must: feed the hungry; cloth the naked; visit the sick and imprisoned; and fight for what is right. He never said we could use Covid 19 as an excuse for not doing so.

            When Jesus lived on earth, he was the light which came into the world. Now that he has returned to his Father in Heaven we are that light. Do we appreciate this great gift? Can people see it burning within us? If not, we need to re-kindle that light so the darkness and fear which has accompanied the Virus doesn’t overwhelm our world.

May 6, 2020

Lethargy

The people spoke against God and against Moses “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food an no water and we detest this miserable food” (Num. 21:5).

            Whenever I arrive at a new Parish assignment, I always feel a rush of energy. There are: new people to meet; new things to learn; and new chances to contribute something to the Parish. There is a freshness about the situation which gives me energy. As time goes by, (regardless of the assignment) things start to become routine. Problems arise which I had not anticipated. Soon, everything becomes a grind and it requires a lot of energy just to keep going. The freshness and enthusiasm I once had is gone. One thing I have learned from these experiences is it often takes something dramatic to jolt me out of my lethargy.

            In today’s passage from Numbers, the people grumble “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in this wilderness?” By doing so, they reveal how quickly they have forgotten all the things God had recently done for them and succumbed to lethargy.

            Throughout the Exodus Story, God demonstrated repeatedly his concern for the Israelites. Their liberation from slavery in Egypt was the result of the Miracles God worked through Moses. When the Egyptian Army trapped them by the Red Sea, God parted the waters and enabled their escape. After the people complained about the lack of meat for food, God sent large numbers of quail which they caught and ate. At Meribah, when the Israelites grumbled about a lack of water for themselves and their flocks, God met their needs when Moses struck the rock with his staff. However, despite these signs of Divine Providence, the routine and hardships caused by their trip across the desert dissipated the energy and freshness they likely felt when they first left Egypt. It led to rebellions and complaints similar to the one in today’s passage which were directed at God and demonstrated their short memories. God’s reaction, the poisonous serpents, jolted the people out of their lethargy. They recognized their lack of trust in God was a Sin and repented. In return, God provided some relief: anyone bitten by a serpent and who gazed at the bronze serpent on the pole was saved. Yet, the presence of the serpents (God never killed them) was a reminder to the people lethargy and complacency were problems which required constant attention.

            During this Covid 19 Pandemic, lethargy has become a real challenge for many people. In the first few days, they adjusted to the disruptions which resulted from the need for self-isolation and closing of non-essential Businesses. With extra time on their hands, some started their Spring Cleaning or did chores around the house they had been postponing for a while. Others watched a lot of television or Netflix. As time passed, things changed as they became restless being cooped up in the house. Whatever energy they had with all this extra time was gone. They started going to the store for non-essential items and visiting family or friends despite the warning from Public Health Officials against doing so. Then, they would be jolted out of their lethargy. Someone they knew was admitted to Hospital because of the Virus. The number of Covid 19 Cases and Deaths in the province or city increased dramatically. All of a sudden. the Pandemic became real for them in a way it wasn’t previously.

            Medical Experts tell us our present situation is going to continue for a while. The number of people who get the Virus or die from it will likely continue to rise. School closures have been extended. States of Emergency will not end as soon as was hoped. They are now talking in terms of months or years before things get better. Catholics and all people of Faith know the challenges of maintaining the energy and freshness in their Spiritual Life. Praying can just become saying the words. In Confession, the same sins get repeated again and again. Charitable actions are seen as a duty. It is so easy to become complacent. As the Israelites discovered, every once in a while God jolts us out of our lethargy and complacency through some harsh experience. Perhaps Covid 19 is for us what the poisonous serpents were for them: a wake-up call.

            As people of Faith, we have hopefully developed the discipline to recognize when we are becoming lethargic and complacent in different parts of our life. This discipline will then give us the energy and freshness to serve others at a time when it could save them and our Faith Life.

March 31, 2020

Late

The thief said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).

            When I was growing up, I had a friend who was five minutes late for everything. Some of the Teachers at school nicknamed him “Better late than never.” However, despite his tardiness he never failed to show up for any commitment. It was just that he was five minutes late.

            In this passage from John, one of the criminals asks Jesus to remember him when he comes into the Kingdom. By doing so, he indicates that it is never too late to be saved.

            During Christ’s lifetime, groups of people in Israel revolted against Roman Rule on a few occasions. The rebellions were usually a response to high taxes or some oppressive action taken by the Government against a local Community. These revolts frequently involved a few hundred individuals led by someone local and always ended in failure. Barabbas and the criminals killed with Jesus likely participated in such a rebellion. Some Jews probably saw Jesus as the leader of a similar kind of Movement. While one thief sought earthly rescue from his situation, the other’s concern went beyond himself. Christ’s execution was unjust. He was no criminal. Although the Good Thief’s Theology was likely incomplete it recognized the truth when presented with it. As he awaited death, he appealed for mercy from Jesus. He was a sinner and acknowledged it. In his response, Jesus revealed it was never too late for Salvation.

            Modern Society has an ambiguous approach to punctuality. People expect others to be on  time but ask for patience when they are late. They do not like to wait in line and often walk away after only a brief time of doing so. Schedules pack too many events into not enough time. While it is convenient when things occur on time it is more important they actually happen. Catholics and other people of Faith understand Life operates according to God’s timetable not their own. It often takes longer than they like for things to occur. They may get nervous that maybe what they want to happen never does. However, the important things always occur because they are part of God’s plan. The Good Thief in today’s passage was probably in the last moments of his life when the most important event in it happened: better late than never.

            Perhaps my friend knew something it took me years to learn. The most important thing is to show up. If Jesus can wait so can other people.

April 10, 2022

Laity

After this, the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go” (Luke 10:1).

            When I was a boy, the Priest did almost everything during Mass. He offered the prayers, read the Scriptures, distributed Communion and made the announcements by himself. The only other people who had a role to play in the Liturgy were the Altar Boys who served the Priest and Ushers who took up the Collection and gave out Bulletins when Mass was over. However, after the Second Vatican Council, everything changed. Parishioners did all the Readings except for the Gospel, offered the General Intercessions and helped the Priest distribute Communion. They also started helping with Baptismal and Marriage Preparation, organizing Parish Spiritual events and visiting the schools. While some Parishioners were resistant to this change, the majority accepted it because they recognized the Priests needed the help and there were all these talented people in the Parish who wanted to help them. Since that time, the role of the Laity in Parish Ministry has grown and is better understood and appreciated by the whole Community.

            In this passage from Luke, Jesus sends out seventy Disciples ahead of him to help in his Ministry. By doing so, he foreshadows the role of the Laity in the work of the Church.

            During Christ’s lifetime, within the Jewish Community there existed a number of clearly defined roles. Priests offered sacrifice in the Jerusalem Temple. Levites performed a number of Religious and Administrative tasks which at one point included the: collection of taxes, control of admission to the Temple; and provision of those items required for Worship Services. Rabbis were those who: provided Religious Instruction’ the Interpretation of the Law; and led Religious Worship in the Synagogue. Scribes produced copies of the Law and frequently provided some Interpretation of it. However, the vast majority of Jews fell into none of these categories. Their participation in the Spiritual Life of the Community consisted mostly: of observance of the Law; reception of Religious Instruction; and supplication of Sacrificial Offerings. In addition, one’s role in Judaism depended upon one’s ancestry. Priests and Levites belonged to particular family groups. For this reason, Christ’s approach to Ministry challenged Traditional ideas. Normally, Disciples sought out Rabbis for their Religious Instruction. According to Luke, Jesus called the Twelve and later the Seventy. His first Disciples were fisherman who likely had little Religious formation and no connection to the families of Priests or Levites. When his Followers fulfilled their obligations to the Jewish Law, they observed not just correct procedures but also the proper “Spirit”. Disciples also participated in the active process of Evangelization which differed from the passive nature of the Ministerial roles in Judaism because within it Conversion was not very common. Thus, Christ introduced a new understanding of the roles in Ministry when he sent out the Seventy on their Mission.

            Within our Modern Society, roles have been changing in various ways. Women are now doing jobs in Society that have been traditionally done by men and vice versa. The roles of father and mother in families have become more flexible with many tasks shared between parents. In many companies, work has become collaborative with the roles of supervisor and subordinate more blended. As was mentioned earlier, roles in the Church have also changed as the Laity take on some roles which in the past were reserved for Priests and Bishops. This has given the Church access to a greater pool of talent and experience in order to address the problems it faces in these times. While this change in the role of the Laity has been important there is another equally vital one which is often overlooked. The Church’s Mission is to establish the Kingdom of God in the world. Laypeople interact with that world on a regular basis. They can accomplish the Church’s Mission by how they fulfill their roles: at work; in the marketplace; and at home. If their actions are shaped by Catholic Teachings whether about: the dignity of all individuals; the demands of Justice; or personal Morality they make Jesus present in our Secular world. The difference that exists between how Catholics think and act and the rest of the world will often generate hostility. But it demonstrates there is another way to address the issues of our time and might start some interesting conversations. It also shows Religious Beliefs are not extinct and can contribute to the Common Good. By living out their Faith in daily life and offering their talents and experience in the more Traditional Ministerial roles, the Laity can make the Church thrive in the future.

            The changes in the role of the Laity in the Church since Vatican II have been a blessing. In both Traditional Ministries and interacting with the world, Laypeople have provided a wealth of ideas and service from which all Catholics have benefitted. In the future, there will probably be additional changes concerning roles in the Church. Whatever challenges the Church faces in the future, the talents and experience of the Laity will help meet them.

July 3, 2022

Judgments

The Scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery” (John 8:4).

            There was a time when Adultery was a big deal. It was judged a serious offence because it usually ended relationships and damaged individuals. Yet, within these judgments there existed a double standard. If the action became public knowledge, the woman’s reputation was often ruined. If it resulted in a pregnancy, she had to raise the child on her own with little help from the man, her family or friends. While the action might injure the man’s reputation, in time he could move on with his life. Today, few people see Adultery as a serious offence. The two participants are treated in roughly the same manner. Although many people judge the offence is victimless, the hidden emotional damage done to those affected by it can be significant. Clearly, judgments about actions like Adultery can sometimes be as wrong as the action itself.

            In this passage from John, the Scribes and Pharisees bring a woman caught in the act of Adultery to Jesus for judgment. By doing so, they provide him with an opportunity to teach an important lesson about the damage caused by sinful judgments.

            Within the Jewish Law, Adultery was any Sexual activity between a married or betrothed woman and a man other than her husband. It was a serious sin equivalent to idolatry. Since the Law treated the wife as the property of her husband, Adultery was a sin committed against him. Punishment for those guilty of the offence was death with the first stone thrown by the wronged husband. Since knowledge of the identity of the father of each child insured a legitimate heir for the family property, the Law served a key Social and Economic function. The Law also judged a betrothed woman seized by a man within a town as guilty because she raised no alarm whereas if the incident occurred in the country, it regarded her as innocent and the man as guilty. Clearly, while the Law recognized the gravity of the offence its judgment placed the woman at a distinct disadvantage.

            When confronted by the Scribes and Pharisees, Christ was likely aware of the precarious situation faced by any woman accused of Adultery. His initial silence provided an opportunity for the consideration of some questions. Where was the man who also committed the offence or the husband; the one most injured by it? Clearly, the Scribes and Pharisees had no interest in Justice. The woman was a weapon in an attack on Jesus. In his reply, Jesus showed their corrupt motives and actions forfeited any right to judgment. Their use of the Jewish Law and the woman for their own purposes were also serious sins. By their withdrawal from the scene, they conceded their position was indefensible. They too were sinners. Yet, as Jesus made clear to the woman, judgment involved Justice and Mercy. It required a recognition of the gravity of the sin and a firm purpose of amendment in return for Forgiveness. Correct judgment neither trivialized the offence nor the humanity of the sinner.

            Lent is the Season when Catholics are invited to consider their judgments about Serious Sins. The flood of stories in the Media about murder, theft and adultery frequently desensitizes people to the gravity of such offences. Social Commentators attempt to rationalize these actions. In spite of efforts to trivialize such activities, the Church teaches they are always wrong for two reasons. First, even with apparently “victimless” sins like Adultery and Fornication, individuals are hurt by them. Trust is essential for any serious relationship. When it is violated, people are harmed even if they try to hide the damage. Catholics understand they are called to love others which implies a commitment to do no harm. Second, all Serious Sins hurt the perpetrator. Individuals are made in the image and likeness of God. They are not prisoners of their instincts but have the capacity to reason right from wrong and Divine Grace to strengthen their resolve to do good. Any Serious Sin prevents a person from living up to their potential. While all Catholics sin, they know when they do so they become someone other than their true selves: an individual in a love relationship with Christ. Despite what Society might think, a Serious Sin is a serious injury to others and us.

            During Lent, we have the chance to reflect on how we understand Sin and our judgments about it. We need to see Sin as serious business. Yet, we must also perceive its Human dimension. When making judgments about it, we need to avoid the temptation to pursue our own agendas. The woman caught in Adultery committed a Serious Sin. The Pharisees saw her as a weapon to be used rather than a Human Being. Our judgments about Sin should focus on the damage caused by it to the victim, perpetrator and the Community before determining how it conflicts with the Law.

April 3, 2022