Archive for February 28th, 2014

Prophetic Perseverance — Friday, 7th Week of Ordinary Time—Year II

February 28, 2014

Readings: James 5:9-12, Mark 10:1-12

Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Indeed we call blessed those who have persevered.

St. James recalls that the prophets endured the complaints, criticisms, and condemnation of their brothers and sisters. The Hebrews repeatedly complained against the prophet Moses in the desert, displeasing God and earning his serious chastisements. Perhaps Moses realized the ‘hardness of their hearts’ would incite them to reject any mandate of God’s original intention for marriage as an unbreakable lifelong union, thereby incurring severe condemnation. Yet, “blessed [are] those who have persevered” in keeping their marriage vows—blessed by God’s granting of needed graces and blessed by accepting these graces—those whose spousal “Yes” means “Yes.” What a prophetic witness their faithful love is to the world!

Posted in Marriage and Family, Moses, Reflection | Leave a Comment »

Cut It Out — Thursday, 7th Week of Ordinary Time—Year II

February 28, 2014

Gospel: Mark 9:41-50

Jesus said to his disciples: “Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.”

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.”

In establishing his first covenant with Abraham, the Lord said, “I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you.” (Genesis 12:3) Likewise, Jesus declares that whoever does the least kindness to those in his covenant will be rewarded, while whoever leads one his own into sin faces dire consequences. Sin is a serious thing.

“If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.”

“And if your foot causes you to sin, cut if off.”

“And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out.”

Of course, Jesus does not want us to mutilate ourselves because our bodily organs are not the real cause of our sins. But let us consider: what actions or material possessions do I take in hand, to what places do I go by foot, what sights do I perceive with my eyes, that are near occasions of sin for me? Let us firmly resolve with the help of God’s grace to cut these things out of our lives, so that we may be a blessing to all and a scandal to none, the salt of the earth and never cast out.

Posted in Abraham, Christian Perfection, Salt and Light | Leave a Comment »

False Presumptions — Wednesday, 7th Week of Ordinary Time—Year II

February 28, 2014

Readings: James 4:13-17, Mark 9:38-40

We must be careful not to cling to false presumptions about God’s activity regarding the present or the future. It is prudent to make plans for tomorrow and also good to strive for the reunion of all Christians into Christ’s one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. However, James warns us not to be presumptuous about our plans (instead of remaining open to God’s will,) while Jesus reminds us that even those who “do not follow us” can ‘perform mighty deeds in his name.’ “Whoever is not against us is for us.” God is never against us, and (unusually) neither are our separated brethren.

Posted in Catholic Church, Unity | Leave a Comment »