The simile of salt follows the sayings of Jesus that demanded of the disciple total dedication and detachment from family and possessions and illustrates the condition of one who does not display total commitment. The half-hearted disciple is like salt that cannot serve its intended purpose. (NAB footnote, page 1119)
This reminds us of the letter to the people of Laodicea; being a lukewarm disciple is not an option. We may be tempted to allow others to witness, but we cannot give in to this temptation. Nor can we feign passion or pretend interest. Our response to God’s call – in order that it be a true and authentic response – must be genuine and ardent. Our lives must demonstrate that we understand this call, that we willingly and eagerly respond, and that we behave with integrity as we live our response. We are salt which magnifies goodness. We are salt that does not lose itself when added to the banquet meal.
November 11 is the feast day of St. Martin of Tours, a soldier born to non-Christian parents in 316. He gave up his military life, converted to Christianity and became the ardent bishop of Tours. He founded monasteries, educated clergy and preached to the poor. He died in 397. As we consider our own lives as salt that flavors and enhances a meal that will sustain us, we might pause to reflect on the life of one so eager to respond to an inner call. Like salt, St. Martins’ example adds to life’s flavor . . . and calls forth the best in what life has to offer us.
First written on November 12, 2008. Re-written and posted today.
To better understand the mediocrityof Laodicea, enter either of these words into the blog search box and explore.
We seek better things to come . . .What are we to think of the words recorded here by the prophet Jeremiah? A paraphrasing from the HARPERCOLLINS COMMENTARY, page 559, tells us: This section contains reports of three symbolic actions, followed by an interpretation that puts them in the context of the Exile. The prophet is to remain unmarried and childless since the upcoming warfare will be utterly destructive of families. He is told not to participate in mourning rites because Yahweh intends to remove peace from the land that will undermine the normal mourning customs. A third requirement of the prophet is that he not participate in festivities of any kind as all celebration will cease. Following these admonitions is a justification for the punishment they are to receive, the cause is their apostasy. So we see the domination of two concerns of the community in exile: to identify the cause of its present situation and to contemplate a more favorable future.
Suffering, as we know, is not necessarily castigation; sometimes the innocent suffer through no fault of their own because of circumstances beyond anyone’s control. What we can take away from today’s reading is the underlined thought above. When we feel ourselves suffering in exile, two exercises are useful: first, reflecting on our behavior prior to exile to investigate the need to change as appropriate and second, anticipating a better future in active hope. These are hallmark characteristics of the Christian. Candid self assessments, the search for improvement, and petitioning God for better things to come. Even . . . and especially . . . when things seem darkest . . . and without hope of any kind.
When we find ourselves in pain or in exile, suffering either innocently or as a consequence of our own actions, we may choose to become bitter, angry, resentful, and intent on making others suffer. This does not align with the Law of Love as described by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 13 when he writes that love does not brood over injury or rejoice over wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
When we find ourselves in exile, it is best to regard the time as a period of retreat and reflection, going inward to hear the voice of truth, looking outward in expectation of the good news which will arrive. As children of God, we benefit from knowing this good news even before it reaches us. It is the news of our release. The news of our freedom. The news that we are created and held by one who loves us more than we can imagine.
There are so many ways to be joyful, and the list which Jesus Ben Sirach imparts to us today is worthy of our time. I like the way the writer juxtaposes bitterness with joy, cheerfulness with brooding, courage with resentment, good health with a wasted frame. Verse 20 is particularly interesting as we may know people who are determined to be sad. Verse 25 is also fun – especially when we look ahead at 31:12-31 and 32:1-13, table etiquette.
Cheerful hospitality is a hallmark of Gospel living. Offering of hearth and family are a sign of our willingness to be open and vulnerable to God through those whom he sends to enter our homes and our sacred places of the heart. For the hearth of the family and the heart of the individual – these are the places where God dwells, where the Holy Spirit abides . . . and it is for this reason that we must seek composure of the heart.
Contentment of spirit, writes Sirach, better this than precious coral.
God wants us to be happy and to revel in our happiness. God wishes us well, urges us to live cheerfully, to let him take on our worries and anxieties. Through discipline, through doing well and doing right, through acting with mercy and justice . . . this is how we reach true contentment, true softening . . . and composure of the heart.
The words of Sirach remind us well of this.
Written on January 23, 2008 and posted today as a Favorite.
We enter this part of Job’s story at the point where he has suffered greater losses than can be imagined – loss of family, health, possessions and friends. Job is accused of hiding his sin . . . which he has obviously committed because in this culture suffering is seen as a payment from Yahweh for misdeeds – by Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar. Job replies to their accusations in words that resonate with anyone who has suffered greatly and unjustly. I like Job’s tenacity and his unrelenting will in both remaining faithful to and questioning of God. If you have the time, spend some of it this afternoon with these chapters and you will uncover the nuggets left there for us to mine.
Verse 9:13: He is God and he does not relent . . .
Verse 10:2: I will say to God, do not put me in the wrong! Let me know why you oppose me!
We can remain faithful to God and still question. When we silence our need and desire to inquire, we begin the slippery slide into passive aggression. If we do not allow our doubts and fears to percolate to the surface where we can deal with them honestly, we open ourselves to anxiety and self-recrimination. We allow the darkness to take over.
Job questions his maker: Your hands have formed me and fashioned me; will you then turn and destroy me? Oh remember that you fashioned me from clay! Will you then bring me down to dust again?
When we read the closing verses of this book, we hear God’s reply. He answers Job’s questions with questions of his own. Were we present at creation? Did we see the parting of the seas? Did we establish the movement of the sun and stars? No. We are creatures . . . not the creator; yet we are a valuable and integral part of this great mystery we call Creation. We demonstrate fidelity by trusting the goodness of this mystery. Questions that lead to truth and honesty, light and openness are not acts of betrayal, they are acts of integrity.
We are dearly loved by God. Jesus himself tells us to ask, seek and knock. God awaits our questions . . . with questions of his own . . . questions which lead us to uncover hidden truths and mysteries.
And so we pray . . .
Good and patient God, we are happy that you do not relent, do not give up, do not yield. It gladdens the soul to know that you pursue us as does an ardent lover. It reassures us to know that you abide. We attempt to return this deep and intense love, yet we stumble as we move toward you. Reach out your hand, heal our wounded hearts, dry our tears, mend the brokenness of our lives. Be ever present . . . for without you we are lost. We remain your faithful and faltering servants. Amen.
Written on May 22, 2008 and posted today as a Favorite. For more thoughts on Job and his questions, enter the name Job and his Plaint, enter the name “Job” in the blog search box, or go to the Wisdomportion of The Book of Our Life on this blog.
Worker’s tools used in the restoration of the wall at the Damascus Gate in the Old City of JerusalemWe have reflected on surprise. We have reflected on The New Orderof the Word who is Alpha and Omega – beginning and end. Today we read about Restoration. . . the return from exile . . . the state we all seek.
I love reading this book by the prophet who left his work as a shepherd in Judah to denounce the empty wealth of the northern tribes. His words rankled the power structure and so he was expelled from Bethel. . . to return to his pastoral work. He brought a message of destruction . . . but a destruction which carries within the promise of restoration for the faithful. This may be a surprise to many. It is certainly the message of The Word. It is The New Order of things. It is Restoration of the Remnant. Do we have the fortitude, the perseverance, the hope, the love . . . to be remnant?
When our own fallen hut is raised up . . . do we recognize the voice of the shepherd enough to follow it?
When the breaches have been healed . . . do we allow our wounds to cure so that we might hear the new words of the shepherd?
When the plowman and the vintner overtake the reaper and the sower . . . will we know the way to the celebration with the shepherd?
When the ruined cities are rebuilt . . . will we recognize our new homes?
When we arrive to drink the new wine and eat the new fruits . . . will we possess the white garment to wear at the marriage feast? Will we recognize Christ as the groom . . . and ourselves as the Bride?
Written on October 31, 2008 and posted today as a Favorite.
The nameless woman returns to her city and as her foot touches the threshold . . .This is a story which tells of the two kings of the split kingdom of David – Israel with her king Jeroboam in the north and Judah with her king Rehoboamin the south. Notes, websites and histories can give us a visual of the lineages and a few are listed below.
What we miss when we read history without scripture is the detail, and we have it in abundance in this short chapter. There is the child, Abijah, the two kings, the wife who is not named and Naamah, the mother who is. There are other ancillary characters. http://bible.cc/1_kings/14-1.htm
We can put ourselves in the timeline and in the space to try to see, hear, smell and hear these sights and these people . . . but what strikes me is this . . . this is a story which might happen to any one of us. And who am I?
Am I the nameless wife and mother who fears the death of her child? Am I married to the son of Solomon who finds his kingdom split? Am I the besieged king or the aggressor, the shield maker, the guard, the prophet, the chronicler? Do I have a loyalty to the north or south? Do I believe Jeroboam to be maligned or do I know him to worship idols? Do I follow Rehoboam blindly or do I question? In this vivid picture . . . Where am I? Who am I? What am I doing?
We know that Jeroboam feared re-unification of these split kingdoms because he would no longer collect the temple worship taxes which he now did since setting up his own capital. We know that Rehoboam, son of Solomon, scrambled to keep these two territories united, fearing invasion from Assyria, Persia, Egypt and others. We know that one king was buried with honor and the other was not. And we know why.
I have such empathy for the nameless woman in this story. She dies as she is bidden yet she is powerless before these men and apparently before her God. She moves like a shadow.
I also have empathy for the woman Naamah whose son leads Judah to do evil in the sight of the Lord. What does she think of the cult prostitutes the leadership has encouraged? Does she agree that they are a means to worshiping God? Does she dare to speak if she disagrees?
What do these women think? What do they say? What do they hold dear?
Today’s story calls us to think of our journey . . . do we travel light . . . do we travel alone . . . where do we stop along the way . . . what waters and feeds us?
The nameless woman in today’s story is told that her child will pass away as she returns home . . . so in that moment she knows that she will not see him again. What does she feel?
The nameless woman in today’s story returns to her city and as her foot touches the threshold . . . her child dies. What does she say?
The nameless woman in today’s story sees her child buried . . . with all of Israel mourning. What does she pray?
Oh, Father in heaven, spare us from the tragedies which are too hard to bear. Save us from the people from whom we might suffer irreparable damage. Keep us always close to you. Protect the ones we love. Save us from harm. Feed us. Nourish us. Be our column of smoke and fire and protect us on our way as you did the Israelites who journeyed out of slavery and into freedom with you always guiding. Alert us to the dangers. The noise of this world is sometimes so overwhelming. Sound the alarm when we stray. Hold us closely. You are our rock and our refuge. We give thanks to you, our awesome God. Amen.
Written on January 13, 2008 and posted today as a Favorite.
Alpha and OmegaChrist is both creator and saver, Alpha and Omega, lion and lamb. Christ brings hope and optimism to a world sadly needing it. Christ is the full and perfect revelation of God’s self to us, his created. Christ brings to his followers – no matter their circumstances – the wisdom of the creator. Christ brings newness and perfection to the human race – he brings full maturity, a true knowing of self. The Church – which we comprise – is not merely a large number of people who believe the same thing – who hold a story in common. The Church is a spiritual reality – a mysterious community made dynamic with the sap that is Christ. The Church becomes one with and in Christ. Christ is the center of the universe. Christ is universal. Christ is mystery. We are mystery. (Thoughts from the introduction to “Carta a los Colosenses” from page 1787 of BIBLIA DE AMÉRICA.)
We do not complete Christ. Christ completes us. And this is the mystery to me . . . that despite our faults and our wanderings, Christ persists in his love for us. He remains always open to possibility in us, to newness in us. Christ hopes in and for us. This always was, it is, it always will be. In all the mystery of life . . . we can be certain of this one thing . . . Christ is. And that alone is enough. This, too, is mystery.
LA BIBLIA DE LA AMÉRICA. 8th. Madrid: La Casa de la Biblia, 1994. Print. I
We have visited the end of Luke’s Gospel several times in the past few years and we have spent time thinking about the enormity of what Jesus’ companions experienced. We have reflected on the faith they had in order to put their lives in danger as they spread the story of Jesus resurrected. We have thought about the immense hope these apostles carried with them into the world. And we have meditated on the limitless love they have for Christ and for us, their followers. These men and women left behind all they knew and risked all they had . . . because they could not do otherwise. Their lives had been changed irrevocably. We are called to do the same. We too may be transformed in Christ.
Our world calls us to other places, the place of fame, the place of prestige, the place of reputation, the place of comfort. Jesus returned to the eleven to help them bridge the gap between the world before and after his resurrection. He walked with them, spoke with them, ate with them, rallied them and sent them on. He does the same for us each day, knocking on our bedroom door to awaken us to the new dawn. All we need do . . . is let him enter.
From last evening’s prayer in MAGNIFICAT:
As people who turned to God from the subtle idols of self-seeking, let us pray in faith: Hold us by the hand!
When the possibility of gain blinds us to the needs of others, keep us from unseen snares of temptation: Hold us by the hand!
When the demands of the Gospel seem impractical amid conflicting values, keep us faithful to your commandment of love: Hold us by the hand!
When those in need of our attention and help inconvenience us, keep our eyes fixed on the compassion of Christ: Hold us by the hand!
When we find ourselves in the hectic whirl of living, being pulled apart by the voices of the world . . . we will find sanity when we come together to pray . . . for Christ is always where we gather. And so we might pause at noon each day to abide with one another for a time. May each of us feel Christ’s very real presence today.
Cameron, Peter John. “Prayer for the Evening.” MAGNIFICAT. 26.3 (2008). Print.
Woven among the threads of practical advice in these proverbs are many other strands that alert us to the presence of evil in our lives. The alarms are not strident and can be easily missed – just as evil itself can approach us disguised as goodness. Evil is seen as being present everywhere: in nature as well as humans.
Friendship is feigned in order to gain some end, intimacies are betrayed, decency is imitated. Only the crucible of life can test the value of the silver and gold we see before us; and only the passion of living life honestly will save us from the fire of life’s furnace. Fools are portrayed as both perpetrators and receivers of evil.
Where do we turn in a place where so much evil abounds? What do we do about evil that knows no limits or boundaries?
Good stewardship is praised and seen as a worthy foil for evil’s assault on the faithful. Striving for unity rather than putting up with division is another antidote. Honesty is encouraged, as is the nurturing of relationships.
But perhaps the most telling piece of advice that speaks to the power of evil is this: The shrewd man perceives evil and hides; simpletons continue on and suffer the penalty. And we are reminded that: As one face differs from another, so does one human heart from another . . .Though you should pound the fool to bits [with the pestle, amid the grits in the mortar], his folly would not go out of him.
Fools and evil keep ready company. So do the faithful and their God. As we near the end of this Book of Common Sense, we might return to earlier chapters where Wisdom is praised for her instruction; power of God is seen as the only vaccination against evil – and these are tools which only work as well as we able to implement them. This is why it is essential to spend time with God each day – because evil is everywhere. It is why it is imperative that we seek God’s counsel in all we do – because only God can deal with the kind of evil that imitates goodness in order to take over the soul.
Evil is described as being omniscient – and even hiding in the most intimate and most cherished places: families, neighborhoods, the closest of relationships. The only surety we have against being invaded by this silent intruder is the defense we are offered by our God. We do well to remember this and to take the proffered gift gladly.
The Noontimes 