Monday Week Three2 Kings 5:1-15Luke 4:24-30
Expectations -- What Should They Be?
Expectations are one of the unavoidable realities of life. Although expectations will differ from person to person and from situation to situation, everyone has certain expectations. This is true in how we view events, material things, specific situations, and especially people. If we are honest, most of the time our expectations are high, especially when it comes to results desired and the usefulness and/or effectiveness of things we need or appropriate. Our highest expectations are found with people and for many the highest expectation is with self.
When our expectations are high this creates a two-edged sword. We look for the best, rather than the worst -- this is good, certainly the best way to go. The problem occurs sometimes when our high expectations are not met or things turn out differently than we expected. Then we become disappointed and miss the possibilities and opportunities which are placed before us. Expectations, if we are not careful, can lead to much needless pain and anxiety.
Our readings today speak of unfulfilled expectations, in action and person. In the first reading from 2 Kings, Naaman has convinced himself that the action needed to cure his leprosy must be miraculous in some manner. Certainly no ordinary action could cure such a dreaded disease. Moreover, since the prophet of Israel is quite famous, the actions he performs must be grand so that all can see and, therefore, believe. Naaman is disappointed with Elisha to the point of anger. The prophet did not even come out to Naaman. He only sent word that Naaman should plunge seven times in the Jordan and from this action be cured. Naaman wants a grand sign; he has a preconceived notion of what must happen. Fortunately for Naaman his servants convince him that he should do as Elisha has instructed him. In the process he is cleansed of his leprosy.
From the Gospel it is apparent that the audience in the synagogue was disappointed with Jesus. We know that Jesus was reared in Nazareth. In such a small community it is probable that all those present that day in the synagogue knew him from boyhood. Some of them may have been his companions. The people of Nazareth had expectations of the role of prophet and the role of Jesus. The expectations were not met. Jesus was not what they wanted him to be. Jesus was rejected and he told his sisters and brothers (in so many words) that he was disappointed in their attitude. The people in turn were angered at Jesus' words. They expelled him from the town with the intent of killing him.
Expectations are part of our daily life. Expectations can be very good. We look forward to our vacation; we expect to have a good time. We expect to find some relief from our pain through the doctor's advice and our hopes are fulfilled. Expectations, however, can be destructive when we will accept nothing other than that which we expect. When an idea does not pan out the way it was planned, when a situation does not bring the hoped for result, when a person does not measure up to the standards we have set -- then we set ourselves up for disappointment. The problem is not with the idea, the situation or the person; the problem is with our level of expectation. Certainly we can expect a certain level of courtesy from people; we can expect others to be Christian in their attitudes and actions. But we set ourselves up for disappointment, frustration or even anger if our expectations cannot be changed when things don't go as planned.
Accepting people for whom they are, situations for what they bring and ideas for their possibilities in the attitude which will take us where we want to go. It is a good and positive attitude to have high expectations, to want things to go well. This is especially true for ourselves. But if we cannot accept what happens on a day-to-day basis, if we cannot accept others, if we cannot accept ourselves, then we should re-think what expectations we have set and, most especially, our reactions to the reality that we receive, see or feel.
As we spend this day, let us think how we can better accept that which God gives us this day. Some things will go just right; others will not work out at all. If we can accept the people, the situations and the ideas that God sends us this day, then we will be better able to see the presence of God in all things, a vision of the Kingdom now and to eternal life.
Tuesday Week ThreeDaniel 3:25, 34-43Matthew 18:21-35
Agents Of Reconciliation
Few people today would question the statement that Augustine of Hippo was one of the greatest saints who ever lived. Augustine was a bishop, a great theologian, a prolific writer, and certainly a defender of the faith against the Pelagians and the Donatists. Augustine was a great Christian and through his ministry, life and writings has become the vehicle by which many have come to conversion and greater faith. Augustine, however, only came to his Christian greatness after many trials; he needed a second chance.
Augustine was born in the 4th century to a pagan father and a Christian mother, St. Monica. It was clear from childhood that Augustine was exceedingly bright. In his early years he wandered trying to find himself. He was involved in a relationship which produced a son, Adeodatus. His inquisitive mind led him to become a follower of the Manichaees, a highly rigoristic sect that was popular in the Patristic Church. The group must have had a powerful attraction to interest someone of the stature and intelligence of Augustine.
God, however, had other plans for Augustine. His mother Monica never ceased in her prayers for his conversion. Augustine was lucky; God gave him a second chance to get his life together and make the best of what God had given him. Augustine made good on the second chance. He realized that he had come late to God. As he wrote so beautifully in his autobiography The Confessions, "Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you. ... I have tasted you, now I hunger and thirst no more." Augustine's second chance became the second chance for many of us who follow his lead.
Our readings today on the Lenten journey speak clearly of forgiveness. They also clearly speak about how God has given us a second, a third, a hundredth chance. Now God asks us to do the same in our relationships with others. When one reads the Hebrew Scriptures the recurring story of God's people falling into and out of favor with God is ever present. Azariah, as a faithful Jew, was aware of the history of his people. In today's First Reading he prays that God will again have mercy on his people. Generation after generation God has been present for the Hebrews and has always forgiven them. The Hebrews have received the second, the third, the hundredth chance from God. Azariah has complete confidence that God will again forgive the people and return them to Israel from their captivity in Babylon. All Azariah can offer God is a contrite heart and a humble spirit. Still, Azariah believes that this is all that God truly wants. God wants a forgiving spirit in our attitude toward others as well.
The confidence which Azariah displays is brought to fruition in the parable of the forgiving king. The king gives the servant a second chance. The debt is written off; it seems that nothing more is required. But as the story continues we see that there is one more very big item that is required -- namely the servant must be an agent of forgiveness to others. This he is unable or unwilling to do. Thus, the king has the servant thrown into prison until all the debt is paid.
Each of us knows people who have been given a second chance on life. There are the dramatic stories of people like St. Augustine; there are the simple tales of ordinary people. Each of us in our lives as well have received numerous chances from God. God is true to today's Gospel and has forgiven us seventy times seven times. The question remains for us, have we been as forgiving to others as God has been to us? Have we been agents of reconciliation in a manner similar to how God has treated us? We have all received many opportunities to show forgiveness. Many times, if we are honest, we have not been welcoming to the one who has hurt us. Possibly the pain is still too deep; maybe we are hard of heart and refuse to recognize the sincere sorrow and desire for reconciliation on the part of others. Jesus' warning in the Gospel is a powerful message: "My heavenly Father will treat you in exactly the same way unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart."
Forgiveness is part of Lent; it is part of our spring training. We must seek forgiveness from God and God's people. We must also be ready and willing to extend the hand of reconciliation to others. Let us listen to the challenge to forgive others; let us be agents of reconciliation this day!
Wednesday Week ThreeDeuteronomy 4:1, 5-9Matthew 5:17-19
The Spirit Of The Law
To a non-lawyer like myself the law seems to have two parts, the letter and the spirit. The letter of the law is what you see, what is printed; there can be no arguments as to what it contains. For example, the United States Constitution states that there are three branches of federal government: executive, legislative and judicial. Furthermore, in the legislative branch there will be two separate houses with representatives elected in a prescribed manner. The spirit of the law is different. For me, the spirit means the intent of the law -- what the framers of the Constitution intended when they wrote the document. In the Bill of Rights citizens have been given the right to bear arms. For 18th century society this was not only common, it was necessary for the many daily needs that required such a weapon. Today the need is much different. One might ask: What was the intent of the law? How should it be applied today?
Today in our readings we hear about the law, both the letter and the spirit. The Hebrews were, as we know from our reading of the Old Testament, a people of the law. In fact, the Pentateuch or first five books of the Bible contains 613 laws of greater or lesser importance. The law governed the whole lives of the people. If one followed the law as it was given in the Scriptures, if one followed the letter of the law, then all was fine. A member of the Hebrew community knew if she was in or out by how she conformed to the law as it was written and handed down from generation to generation.
In today's first reading we hear how Moses gave the people the law. They were instructed to observe the law in the new land which God would provide for them. Observance of the law is equated with wisdom and intelligence. Other nations will observe the law of the Hebrews, the law of Israel, and will be amazed. Finally Moses says that the people are to pass on the law to their children.
In the Gospel we hear more about the spirit of the law. We remember from our reading of the Scripture that Jesus was criticized on several occasions for his failure to obey the letter of the law. When he cured on the sabbath or his apostles did not properly purify themselves before eating, they were in violation of the law. The Lord always discounted these incidents. Yet today he says that not one part of the law will be done away with until it all comes true. What does Jesus mean? I think the answer is found in understanding what Jesus means by fulfilling the law. When we hear fulfill we think carry out, but Jesus must mean here that his mission is to bring the law to perfection. Jesus is saying that the letter of the law is only part of the law. The spirit, the intent of the law, is equally important. The spirit of the law for Jesus is submission to God's will. What we are to teach according to the Gospel, "the least significant of these commands," is the perfection and completion of the law, its spirit. The letter of the law is finite, it needs the spirit, the infinite, to be complete.
How can we bring the law to perfection; how can we carry out the spirit of the law? One way would be to release ourselves from slavery to the past. What we learned in past times is good and important, but it need not be the end of our education. Can we broaden out and see ways to bring our knowledge to greater completeness? We need to reflect, to pray and ask, what would Jesus say or do? What is the intent of the government, the Church or the community? How can the letter and the spirit work together to form a more complete understanding?
Vatican II gave us, among other things, a fresh way of looking at the law. As mature Christians we are asked to reflect on the law and God's will in our lives. Let us try to better submit to God's will as we know and understand it. Let us live the intent, the spirit of the law in imitation of Jesus, the one who brings all things to perfection.
Thursday Week ThreeJeremiah 7:23-28Luke 11:14-23
Union With God
Unity and disunity, wholeness and division -- these terms seem to be self-explanatory. Unity and wholeness are the ideas of being together. Disunity and division are the concepts of being separated. There is more to these concepts, however, that must be understood. Unity is something that is natural in the world. Whether it be atoms seeking other atoms for stability or humans seeking togetherness in community, it is common and normal for unity to be sought and found. Disunity, on the other hand, is not natural to our environment. In general disunity or division is to be avoided.
Since unity is that which is normative we need to look at some models, some images to help us better visualize this idea. One good image of unity in the environment is the concept of alloy metals. Alloys are substances which are compounds consisting of two dissimilar metals. Through a special bonding process the alloy, or resultant metal of the union, is stronger, longer lasting and more durable than either of the two metals from which it is made. Rivers are another example of unity. Tributaries feed into the larger river. The resultant river is wider, deeper and more useful than any of the tributaries from which it is formed. People demonstrate the greatest example of unity. Nations are independent sovereigns, yet it is quite normal for individual nations to be a union of smaller groups. The United States, a union of 50 independent sovereigns is a good example. Nations bind themselves together as well in such organizations as NATO or the Common Market.
The readings today speak of unity as a need in our relationships with God and one another. It seems in both readings that God has been disappointed by the lack of unity in the Hebrew people. In Jeremiah it is clear that God is frustrated with the Hebrews. God has worked untiringly for the people. God rescued the people from bondage in Egypt. The prophets were sent one after the other in order to bring the people to greater faith and unity as a community, as God's people. God's faithfulness has been answered with disobedience. The people have turned their backs on God. The nation of Israel no longer listens to the voice of the Lord.
In the Gospel we hear more frustration, this time on the part of Jesus. The Lord has just healed a dumb man. Additionally, the people are well aware of Jesus' message and his many miracles. Yet he is accused of being in league with Satan and possessed by Beelzebul.
Jesus realizes that there is a need for unity in the community. The ever-wise Jesus says that a house divided against itself cannot stand. Jesus' message is an appeal for greater unity. This unity is two-fold: the people must seek greater unity with God and stronger ties within the Jewish community itself.
Where do we stand in our personal relationship, our unity, with Jesus? Are we waiting for some special sign from heaven, as Jesus says in the Gospel? Are we waiting for some special invitation? Are we estranged from God by our attitude or action? What do we need to bring ourselves closer, in greater union with God?
How are we doing with our relationship with God's people? Have we kept others at a distance? Do we, in word or action, create more discord than harmony? Are we builders of ties that link others or do we break them?
Lent is a time to come to greater harmony, to a greater sense of unity in all aspects of our lives. We must begin with ourselves and settle what may be troubling us inside. We can then make greater efforts in building unity with family, friends and business associates. Lastly, we need to review our relationship with God and see how greater bonds can be forged in this most important of all relationships in our life.
Unity makes us stronger; it is something we as humans need. Let us continue our spring training by seeking greater unity in our lives. Let us reflect upon our need for reconciliation as the Lenten journey continues this day!
Friday Week ThreeHosea 14:2-10Mark 12:28-34
Love Is The Binding Force
As expressed in yesterday's readings, the concept of unity is very important. Unity is natural to our world; it is that which we seek. In order for things to be united there must be a binding force that keeps them together. Ancient peoples learned the usefulness of combining two metals to produce a third which was more durable and longer lasting than its original component metals. Only recently, however, did scientists discover that the binding force for this third alloy metal was energy. In a unique way energy binds the various atoms together so that the metal which they compose will be the useful product which we need and desire. Human society has its binding forces as well. For those of us who live in a democratic system of government, the law of the land, the Constitution, serves as the binding force. All peoples recognize that this document is the system by which we operate in generating laws which help society to function smoothly. All public officials take an oath that they will uphold the law of the land in their duties.
The binding force for human relationships is more fundamental, yet much more complicated. The basic binding force for us must be love. Love serves as the glue which joins people to one another; it serves as the unifying principle for our relationship with God as well.
Our readings speak about love as a unifying principle for human relationships. The sometimes stormy relationship between God and the Hebrew people is a story of falling into and out of love. God's fealty was always present, but that of the people of Israel sometimes faltered. Hosea preached to the Northern Kingdom of Israel before its capture by the Assyrians. In our reading today the prophet exhorts the people to return to the Lord before it is too late. God, the one who is ever faithful and true, will heal the defection of the people. God will always love them. It is the love of God that allows the relationship to continue despite the periodic faithlessness of the people.
In the Gospel we hear the famous "Golden Rule" of Jesus. We are to love God first with all that we are. We are also to love others as we love ourselves. It is significant that when asked by the scribe to state the "first of all commandments," Jesus gives two laws, bound together with the common theme of love. Certainly Jesus is asking the scribe, and all of us as well, to see that it is impossible to separate the love of God from the love of neighbor. Love must be the binding force in the way we conduct our lives; it must be the glue that keeps us close to God and one another.
Love is a complicated concept -- this is nothing new for any of us. Today's readings show that love must be manifest in the respect we have for others. God gave free will to humans, the ability to say yes or no. God does not command love from the Hebrews or from any of us; God has total respect for people, his greatest creation. God lays out the options and allows people to choose their response. Certainly there is a response which leads to life, this is the response of love. As Jesus says to the scribe, "You are not far from the reign of God." As the Lenten journey continues and we seek new ways of unifying ourselves with God and others, let us always remember the need to love as the perfect response to our God who has always loved us!
Saturday Week ThreeHosea 6:1-6Luke 18:9-14
No Need To Impress God
Making the right impression is something of high value these days. We learn this "necessity" from the earliest times of our life. We need to make the right impression in school so that others will like us. The proper impression is essential if a young person wants to go on a date, anything less will cause much embarrassment. Making the right impression in business is essential as well. We wear the best three-piece suit or the most attractive dress we own for the all-important interview. The more people notice us the greater our chances for the job.
The impression we make upon others, unfortunately, is important in this world. With competition for jobs, schools, programs, almost everything, as strong as it is, a positive impression must be made. Since our competitors will not tell others about us, we need to do it ourselves. How we look, the words we use, the habits we maintain -- all of these create an impression upon another. Many times the impression that we give is a false one. The real person lies buried beneath the coating that must surround us so as to appear acceptable to others.
At times the impression we need to make in the world of society carries over to our relationship with God. We think that God will not accept us unless we have done something great or can boast that our name is known by many. We need to remember, however, that God does not ask for our resume when fostering the relationship he has made with us personally. No, God asks nothing other than we be ourselves, the true persons that he created.
Today's Gospel is perfect evidence that God does not care about lofty position or household names. The attitude that one brings is all important to God. The Pharisee is one who wants others to know that he is important. His acts of fasting and payment of the tithe are good actions. Certainly God is pleased with people who sincerely fast or support the Church so that God's work can be furthered in the world. But if one does not engage in such works, that one is no less acceptable. It's the attitude that one takes which matters. The Pharisee is trying to impress God. God, however, is not impressed. God knows the Pharisee; he knows us as well, better than we know ourselves. God knows the heart; he knows our intent.
The tax collector is a sinful man. He is broken and realizes the errors of his life. This man, as Jesus says, went home justified, because he was honest and made no attempt to impress God. Hosea says in the First Reading that there are only two things that God is looking for in us, love and knowledge of God. If we fill ourselves with these ideas then we have all that we need. An attitude of haughtiness, one that tries to make an impression on God, leads nowhere. As Jesus says, "Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled while he who humbles himself shall be exalted."
The Christian has the tall task of living in the world, but not being of the world. In living in this world it many times becomes necessary to make the right, proper and favorable impression on others. This reality of the world in which we live must not dominate the way we live in our relationships with others. Some of the most humble people have made the greatest impressions. St. Theresa of Lisieux and Mother Teresa of Calcutta are only two of the many examples that we could all name. In our relationships with God and one another the attitude of humility will get us where we want to go. Making a positive impression is important, but it need not mean being who we are not or wish to be.
Lent is a time to seriously consider our relationship with God. The season is dedicated to prayer, fasting, almsgiving and other works that allow us to rethink our need to impress our God as we many times try to impress our world. The world asks us to make a name and seek a position; God, as Hosea says, asks only for love and knowledge. Let us try the humble route confident that God knows our hearts and intent. Let us seek God this day!