Bad News

Then (Jesus) began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering and be rejected by the elders, the Chief Priests and the Scribes and be killed and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31).

            Most people don’t like to hear bad news. When they do, they often respond in different ways. Some will deny it, even when presented with evidence which proves that it is true. Others will attempt to distance themselves from the negative impact it is expected to have on their lives. A few will try to change it even when this is impossible. Finally, there are individuals who will accept it and make the best of their new situation.

            In this text from Mark, Jesus tells his disciples he will experience suffering, rejection and death at the hands of the religious authorities in Jerusalem. By doing so, he reveals the bad news about his future then deals with the negative response of Peter to it.

            Peter’s recognition of Jesus as “the Messiah” probably resulted from a number of positive messages heard by the apostle. Christ’s initial proclamation of the arrival of God’s Kingdom and the need for repentance and belief in the Good News gave hope to many Jews during the Roman occupation. His teachings on the Jewish Law challenged traditional practices and beliefs upheld by religious authorities who were often viewed as corrupt. His miracles relieved the suffering of ordinary people and made God’s presence real for them. His exorcisms demonstrated his divine power. The Messiah was the one anointed by God who would bring about a deeper relationship between Him and His people. Jesus announced the Good News for which the Jewish people had long awaited. Yet, along with this good news came some bad news. The defeat of evil was only possible if all its power was opposed in a final confrontation. Repression, corruption, suffering and illness were all the result of sin. Other sins like betrayal, denial, perjury and injustice were in the background. Only after these sins were overcome by a lived witness of love and truth could they be defeated. This was the bad news to which Peter objected. His rebuke was part denial and part rejection and required a harsh response from Jesus. It would only be on Easter morning that Peter would learn this bad news contained within it good news.

            During this Covid 19 Pandemic we have often heard good news followed by bad news in rapid succession. Just as vaccines became available, there were problems with their production and distribution. As the number of vaccinated people grew significantly, news about the Delta Variant (a new form of the virus) was made public. The hopes of those raised by the good news was soon deflated by the bad news. This experience has led many individuals to feel exhausted and hopeless. It has also caused some of them to lose faith in medical experts, ignore measures to stop the spread of the virus or develop their own remedies to fight it with no scientific evidence they will work. Yet, for Catholics and other people of faith, good news and bad news are always joined together. Trusting in God usually leads one down a road full of potholes. Sacrifices often come with a higher cost than expected. Discipleship almost guarantees persecution. The Good News of Easter required the bad news of the Cross. It is hard to remember the Eternal Life which awaits us when the present one is filled with fear and anxiety. Peter’s example is easy to follow. Christ’s reply warns us against doing so. The good news is the bad news will only triumph if we let it.

            Like most people, I don’t really like to hear bad news. However, when it comes I have to choose how to respond to it. I could deny it, distance myself from it or try to change it even when I cannot do so. Or I could decide to accept it and trust God will help me to deal with it.

September 12, 2021

Backfire

On the day that Stephen was killed, a severe persecution began against the Church in Jerusalem and all except the Apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1).

            Every once in a while I come up with a sure-fire plan to solve a problem. I am convinced I have thought of all the possible consequences of my strategy and so it will be a great success. Yet, occasionally, my plan backfires and causes more problems than it solves. These experiences remind me that a plan is only as good as the information you have and that you have to factor in the unexpected.

            In this text from Acts, the Jewish authorities intend to destroy the Church through a harsh persecution but their efforts lead to its growth into new areas. By do so, they learn the Christian community thrives during periods of oppression.

            The martyrdom of the Deacon Stephen, a leader of the early Church in Jerusalem and an effective proponent of its teachings, was likely intended to prompt fear and confusion among the followers of Jesus. Throughout history, many tyrants have retained their power by using a simple strategy: kill opposition leaders and their supporters will disperse. The Rabbi Gamaliel had just reminded the Jewish Council of previous popular movements which ended when their leadership was executed. With Jesus (the movement’s founder) and Stephen (a local leader) now dead, the Jewish authorities probably thought it was only a matter of time until the other Christian leaders would be killed and their teachings forgotten. Yet, the plan backfired. Persecution prompted the flight of Christians into the surrounding regions (as far as Samaria) which enabled the spread of their doctrines. Dispersed over a larger area, it became more difficult to locate and arrest them. While efforts to do this (led by Saul) continued, it became harder as the persecuted fled further away. As shown by this story, human plans have often backfired when they collided with divine intentions.

            Recently, I heard some people commenting on the fact many of the dire predictions of the number of Covid 19 cases and deaths made by medical and government officials did not happen. For some individuals this seems to prove these experts do not know what they are talking about and the restrictions they imposed should be relaxed. Their plans backfired. Although I am not an expert on computer modeling, I know a projection is only as good as the data you have and can only outline possible scenarios. If you look at what was happening in Italy four to six weeks ago and the rate of increase within Canada the projections made were reasonable. With only a limited knowledge about the virus (how fast could it spread) and no idea if Canadians would follow the guidelines laid out by the experts (how much could the spread be reduced) such variables made it difficult for the modelers to make predictions. Was it not better to err on the side of caution? It would be ironic if a plan to relax the restrictions imposed because of Covid 19 in an effort to get things back to “normal” backfired because of a large increase in new infections.

            Catholics and other people of faith are aware how frequently their plans can backfire. It is a reminder God is in charge of the world not them. They must learn to become comfortable with uncertainty. Perhaps, they can teach others how to master that challenge. It isn’t that individuals and organizations should not be planning for how they are going to get through the pandemic and after it but to remember they may encounter a few backfires along the way.

April 29, 2020

Soft Power

The Centurion said through his friends to Jesus “I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word and let my servant be healed” (Lk. 7:7).

            When I was a boy, my parents exercised their authority over me in an interesting way. If they wanted me to do something they rarely used harsh words or threats of punishment. Instead, my parents would explain to me why I should comply with their request. They would model the behaviour they expected me to follow. On a few occasions, they resorted to positive incentives to gain my cooperation. At the time, this was an unusual way for parents to exercise their power but it almost never failed. After I grew up, I followed their example and found it effective in dealing with people. This form of “soft power” is sometimes seen as a weakness but its strength may lie in the subtle way it achieves its objectives.

            In this text from Luke, the interaction between Jesus and the Centurion demonstrates how Christ can use “soft power” to bring individuals into a relationship with him.

            Within the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament authority was equated with the ability to get things done. While all power came from God, it was given to individuals, some of whom used it in a harsh manner. When Satan received authority over everything but the person of Job, terrible suffering was inflicted on the prophet to get him to curse God. King Nebuchadnezzar threatened severe punishments on the Jewish exiles to get them to worship his gods. Through warfare King Cyrus of Persia conquered the Babylonians and became the new rulers of the Jewish people. Yet, in each case these uses of harsh “hard power” produced a result different from the one expected. In spite of the hardships inflicted by Satan on Job, the prophet never cursed God. Righteousness prevailed over evil. The Babylonian Exile tested the fidelity of the Jewish people but a remanent preserved their covenant with God. Although a pagan, the powerful Cyrus became the instrument by which the Jews returned to Isarel and rebuilt their Temple. Clearly, these stories indicated the limitations of “hard power”.

            Luke’s account of Christ’s encounter with the Centurion revealed the usefulness of “soft power”. As commander of the local Roman garrison, the Centurion could have used his authority to force the local Jewish community to obey his commands. As a military officer, he was used to having his orders carried out. But instead, he chose to foster good will with them by constructing their synagogue. When his servant became ill, he had probably heard stories about Jesus healing the sick and hoped for some intervention by him. The Centurion could have commanded Christ to appear before him but this use of “hard power” was unlikely to produce the desired result. It was his faith, that Jesus could help him, and humility, declaring his unworthiness to present his request in person, which revealed he recognized Christ’s superior authority. Jesus responded to the Centurion’s approach by first offering to visit the sick servant and then healing him without doing so. Christ understood his power to draw individuals, like this pagan soldier, into a deeper relationship with him was often best achieved not through dramatic but subtle actions.

            Within our modern world, “hard power” has become the more common way to get things done. The strong intimidate the weak with harsh rhetoric and threats of negative consequences if they do not comply. The powerless are dehumanized and considered expendable. Yet, as history demonstrates, the balance of power shifts over time. The weak gain strength while the powerful lose their ability to dominate. In the short term, “hard power” can be effective. But the sense of resentment and injustice it creates can lead to problems. Most human institutions learn, often the hard way, that “soft power’ can be the best course of action in the long run.

            The Church has also had to learn this lesson. In the past, Catholics have used their power to burn heretics at the stake, force conversions and persecute people of other faiths. These events are now looked upon as mistakes which require penance and reconciliation with those who were harmed. As our society becomes more secular, the Church should adopt a “soft power” approach. As Pope Benedict XVI wrote, “it must propose and not impose its beliefs on our world”. While this does not mean it should compromise the faith, it must use reasoned arguments to present its doctrines and be prepared to listen to opposing perspectives about them. Respect must be shown to those with whom we converse even when it is not reciprocated. Harsh rhetoric and threats of punishment have no place in this process.

            As my parents taught me, authority when used in a temperate and subtle way will usually achieve positive results. During his earthly mission, Jesus took this approach on many occasions including his interaction with the centurion. Catholics would be wise to follow his example.

May 29, 2019

Authenticity

As Jesus taught, he said, “Beware of the Scribes who like to walk around in long robes and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces” (Mark 12:38).

            When I was in High School, I had a classmate who wanted to be everyone’s friend. Every time he talked to you he would mention your good qualities. Yet, when he talked to an individual who disliked you, he would ridicule your faults. At first I found this person irritating because you couldn’t trust him. Later, I began to feel sorry for him because his desire to be liked by everyone stopped him from being an authentic person. It was like he was playing a role in a play instead of simply being himself.

            In this text from Mark, Jesus warns his followers about religious individuals who appear holy on the outside yet are not on the inside. By doing so, he gives them an essential lesson about being an authentic disciple.

            Scribes were scholars who transmitted and interpreted the Jewish Law. They insured the Law remained a central part of Judaism after the Babylonian Exile and as it expanded beyond the boundaries of Israel. Since these individuals acquired a wide range of knowledge, both religious and secular authorities respected them. During Christ’s lifetime, they usually associated with the Pharisees who supported a broader application of the Law in the lives of ordinary Jews and relied on their expertise for this purpose. With their specialized and useful knowledge, Scribes held an important place within Jewish society and acquired wealth, social status and influential allies. As Jesus noted, this meant they received respectful greetings in the marketplace as well as places of honour in Synagogues and at banquets. Although in the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament some Scribes were role models of piety, like Eleazar who chose death rather than idolatry, the example provided by many of their successors appeared hypocritical. Their knowledge of the Law became a means of advancement for themselves rather than God or the people they taught. Their conduct was a sharp contrast to the widow who donated a small amount to the Temple treasury. The inner motivations of the Scribes revealed by their actions indicated their outward expressions of piety were inauthentic: they played a role and were not themselves. In contrast, the widow was herself, a poor and powerless individual, when she placed all she had in the treasury.

            This Covid 19 Pandemic has certainly been a test of authenticity for many people. Some individuals who say in public how important it is to follow the Public Health Guidelines to stop the spread of the virus then violate them in private. Other people who pride themselves on being for law and order disobey the regulations because they infringe on their freedom. There are also individuals who talk about how Personal Support Workers are essential to look after the elderly in Long Term Care Homes during this pandemic but oppose efforts to pay them a decent wage. Catholics and other people of faith understand the challenges of being an authentic person. The beliefs they profess call them to live in a certain way. Yet, they continually fail to do so. At times they are tempted to play the role of a disciple: pray daily, do acts of charity and go to Church on Sunday, without becoming one themselves. The charge laid against them of being inauthentic or hypocritical by others is sadly often true. However, our faith challenges us to take a hard look at ourselves regularly. For Catholics, the Examination of Conscience is usually a good tool for this purpose. We remember we are like the widow in today’s Gospel: poor and powerless. We can do nothing on our own and so depend upon God for everything. We cannot change a lot in the world around us; but we can change ourselves. We can abandon the role we have been playing and start being ourselves. When we do so, we will discover our authentic self is far more likeable than any character we played in the past and a more credible witness to our faith.

            Since High School I have met many individuals who remind me of my classmate. I wish I could get them to realize they don’t need to play a role in life: they were created in the image and likeness of God. They are fine just the way God made them: their authentic self.

November 7, 2021

Assumption

Mary said, “For (God) has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:48).

            Some time ago, I was talking with a man who had expressed a desire to become a Roman Catholic. One area of concern for him was the Church's teachings about Mary. "I come from an Evangelical Protestant background", he said, "where my personal relationship with Jesus is the basis of my faith. In addition, everything I believe is found in the Bible. Many Catholics I know spend a lot of time talking about Mary and some of what they say, like the Assumption of Mary, cannot be found in the Bible”. The observations this man shared with me are similar to the ones I have heard from many Catholics and non-Catholics alike. They reveal the importance of properly explaining our Church’s teachings about Mary, like the Assumption.

            Luke’s account of Mary’s reaction (called the Magnificat) to Elizabeth’s revelation of the former’s role in God’s saving plan for humanity provide some insights into the Church’s Marian doctrines.

            Within the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament the vindication of the righteous took place both before and after death. The Jews who remained faithful to the Covenant were vindicated by their return to Jerusalem after their exile in Babylon. Those killed by the Greeks because of their fidelity to the Jewish Law during the Maccabean persecutions were rewarded by God following their deaths. At the end of time, the Book of Daniel recorded the righteous were raised to eternal life while the unrighteous were condemned to shame and everlasting contempt. There were also certain righteous individuals like Enoch and Elijah who ascended directly into heaven. Clearly, the righteous were vindicated in ordinary and extraordinary ways both before and after death.

            Within the Magnificat are details which help complete the picture of Mary’s unique role in God’s plan for the salvation of humanity. Earlier in the Annunciation Story, the angel Gabriel called Mary “favoured one” (sometimes translated “full of grace”). As the one who was to carry Jesus in her womb for nine months, Mary was intended to be a perfect vessel who would prevent any contact between sin and her son. It is from this Scriptural passage the teaching that Mary was preserved from any corruption caused by Original Sin at her Conception (called the Immaculate Conception) is derived. Since death was a consequence of Original Sin, Mary’s life would end (she was human and not divine) but not with a death like other sinful individuals, which would include bodily decay, but direct entry into heaven similar to that of Enoch and Elijah found in the Scriptures. It was the result of her righteousness. In the text, Mary recognizes this special status was because God “looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant”. It was not something she deserved or earned but a grace. The faithful would recognize this favour for “all generations” (it has been taught by the Church since earliest times). Mary’s role in God’s plan was not only to be the mother of Jesus but also the model for disciples who sought to serve God in any capacity.

            For Catholics and non-Catholics alike, it is essential to understand how the Dogma of the Assumption of Mary helps to build a stronger personal relationship with Jesus. When she agreed to carry Christ in her womb, Mary likely had no idea how events would unfold. How would her family, friends and Joseph react? How would her child be “Son of the Most High” as revealed by the angel Gabriel or “my Lord” as Elizabeth stated? What would happen after he grew up? There is no indication she had answers to any of these questions. During Christ’s earthly mission, Mary likely worried about her son and according to John’s Gospel, she was present at his first miracle at Cana and his crucifixion. She was also present in the early Church after his resurrection. Since Mary was fully human, she had no special powers. Mary simply trusted in God, offered all she had to him and remained committed to her son and his mission throughout her life. The result of her righteousness was direct entry into eternal life. Although the faithful, unlike Mary, are born with Original Sin, they can use her as a model for developing a deeper personal relationship with Jesus by trusting in him, offering all they have to him and remaining committed to him and his mission on earth. Their entry into eternal life may not be direct, as was the case with Mary, but their final destination is the same. In addition, the special grace granted Mary shows how highly God regards the human condition. Belief in the Assumption of Mary is thus a central part of our Catholic tradition.

August 15, 2020

Ascension

 “And teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20).

             Some time ago, I celebrated Mass for a community in a shantytown in Lima, Peru. While I have celebrated Mass in some inspiring places before, like the Church of the Holy Sepulture in Jerusalem or the Basilica in Lourdes, the one which occurred on that flat patch of mud encircled by shacks built from scrap wood and metal remains present in my mind every time I offer Mass because it taught me the true meaning of the Celebration. Such experiences illustrate to me how even when we are physically separated from an event, God still makes its meaning present to us.

            In this passage from Matthew, Jesus tells the Eleven he will remain with them for the rest of time. By doing so, he discloses his continued presence in the Church following his Ascension into heaven.

            Within the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament, there are two stories of important spiritual leaders ascending into Heaven. In the Book of Genesis, after his son Methuselah was born, God “took” Enoch which was interpreted by Sirach as meaning he ascended into Heaven. According to the Second Book of Kings, after Elijah commissioned Elisha as his successor, he ascended to Heaven in a whirlwind. Both stories have a person physically transferred from Earth to Heaven without any mention of death as part of the process. These accounts also happen after Enoch and Elijah have someone to assume their role in the unfolding of God’s plan. Both Ascension Stories make clear how death places no limits on God’s power to bring individuals to Heaven or remain present on Earth.

            Although Matthew’s Gospel has no description of the Ascension of Jesus, his story of the Commissioning of the Eleven is the last time the Disciples encounter the Risen Christ and begins the next phase in the revealing of God’s plan. The Death and Resurrection of Jesus completed his work on earth by redeeming the sins of Humanity and making known the reality of Eternal Life. By ascending into Heaven, Jesus returns to his proper place in glory beside the Father. Yet, only a few people witnessed these events. God’s plan is for all humans to learn about their salvation. For this reason, the Church is given the Mission to make disciples and baptize them. Throughout this next stage in the unfolding of God’s plan, Jesus remains present on earth through the Church and the Holy Spirit guiding it.

            Ascension is the time when we become aware of how things can remain present even when circumstances change dramatically. A tree can endure a harsh winter; lose an important branch to disease or a lightning strike and survive a hot summer with little rain and yet the following spring is a sign of life in the forest. Similarly, Jesus remains present in our world through the Church despite the attacks against it, divisions which weaken it and the indifference of many of its members. The Sacraments he instituted remind the Church that its bond with him remains unbroken even after his return to heaven. The Sacred Writings about him do not supply it with stories of a past event but guidance about living out his teachings in today’s world. The mission it has received from him is not a human enterprise designed to make the world a better place but the fulfillment of the divine plan. The Church has become the sign Christ is present on earth when new members are welcomed into it through the Sacrament of Baptism and provided with guidance about how Christ’s teachings are to be obeyed.

One way to develop a greater sense of seeing Christ’s presence in our world is through Aspirative Prayer. These are short devotions which connect what we are doing at that moment with him. For example, each time we get into the car, we can ask Christ to give us a safe journey. Whenever we stop for a coffee and doughnut at Tim Horton’s, we can express thanks for a few moments of quiet during a busy day. Every morning we see a beautiful sunrise; we can stop and wonder at God’s creation. These experiences remind us of how he is present in our daily lives in the little things that most people overlook. Through Aspirative Prayer, we can remain constantly aware of how he guides and protects us. By our example, these devotions also enable us to fulfill our mission to lead others to Christ. Let us use Aspirative Prayer to make God’s presence better known to our world.

May 21, 2023

Diversity

 “Amazed and astonished, the crowd asked, ‘Are not these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language?” (Acts 2:7-8).

             When I was on my Sabbatical in Toronto, most days I used to catch the bus on St. Clair Avenue which would take me to Warden Station where I would get on the Subway and get off at Bay Station in order to go to class. One day, after getting on the bus, I looked around at my fellow passengers and noticed I was the only white person on it. I want to make it clear I had no problem with this situation (and still don’t). I felt perfectly comfortable. In a sense that bus was a microcosm of our multicultural country. The other thing I noticed was how everyone was doing typically “Canadian” things. A couple of Middle Eastern looking women in hijabs were chatting with each other. Some Philipino men were drinking their Tim Horton’s coffee. Some African looking high school students were scrolling through their phones. A Korean man was listening to music on his headphones. Now I realize racism, sexism and Islamophobia are serous problems in our country which must be addressed. Everyone on the bus (except me) had likely encountered it recently. Yet, somehow despite our differences, there seemed to be no tension on the bus except our concern to get to work or school on time. The experience taught me a lesson about diversity.

            Luke’s account of the crowd’s reaction to the disciples speaking in different languages indicates that diversity is not a foreign concept to the Church. The crowd consisted of people from all around the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. The disciples were all from Galilee which meant they spoke Aramaic and maybe some Hebrew. They likely had little formal education beyond some rudimentary religious formation. Yet, here they were talking about some serious religious topics to an international crowd. Their message was the same: the prophecies of Joel were fulfilled through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, a descendant of David and the promised Messiah. Yet, the medium by which this message was communicated was the diverse languages which were understood by members of every group. Diversity was not a problem but the means by which the Good News could be passed on by these individuals to the members of their communities back home. This meant more people would hear it sooner.

            Diversity is a word which has become less fashionable over the past few years. It is often associated with “political correctness” and imposing a view of the world on people against their will. Uniformity is much more convenient and efficient. When everyone prays in one language (English, Latin or whichever one is chosen), celebrates liturgy in one style or follows one set of devotions, life is simpler. Yet, that is not what God chose to do at Pentecost. He could have made everyone speak the same language but showed how unity in what is important (doctrine) could be achieved through diversity in what was less important (language). There may be a lesson in this story for us. In addition, uniformity is an exercise of power. Who decides which language is used, how the Mass is celebrated or which devotions are promoted? Of course, there are certain things which are non-negotiable: like bread and wine being used when celebrating the Eucharist. Yet, the Church is changing. For most of its history, it has been dominated by thinking associated with Europe and North America. Its center of gravity is now shifting to other parts of the world. Over the next decades and centuries, new ideas from Africa, Asia and South America will no doubt influence the Church’s thinking. Within Canada, individuals from these parts of the world compose larger portions of most parishes and in some cases have their own parish communities. As long as the essential doctrines and practices are preserved, diversity may enable the Church to connect with the lives of ordinary people throughout the world in a more effective way. We may witness a new Pentecost when people unfamiliar with Christ may listen to our message.

            As I learned that day on the bus, diversity is part of daily life. The question is how do we respond to it. As Catholics, we can flee from diversity in fear and hide within our own particular group which speaks the same language, worships in the same manner and practices the same devotions or we can embrace it becoming comfortable learning from and co-existing with those who may do things differently while sharing the same faith. The choice is ours.

June 8, 2025