Be Salt. Be Light

Some days ago I was watching a video of an evangelical tent revival.  On the stage were many very well known and popular evangelists.  The vid itself, lasting about seven minutes, was of a woman, with a powerfully beautiful voice, singing "Precious Lord Take My Hand."  After her rendition, the ministers; then the congregants sang.  It was outstanding.  What was fascinating to watch was these people swaying back and forth with their hands waving freely in the air.  The environment was certainly charged with the spirit, and people were really moved.

As Jesus speaks about being salt and light today, I think that it is that spontaneous joy and witness that he is suggesting.  Our faith should demonstrate itself in powerful ways so as to positively affect the hungry, naked, homeless, and all of those afflicted by the darkness of Sin and Evil.  To be sure the Vatican II document of the Constitution of the Church in the Modern World, would recommend that our profession of faith be bold and clear.  As the Gospels relate, all men and women should see our good works and give honor and praise to the Father.

Back in the 60s we sang "They will know we are Christians by our love."  That was sort of the theme song of the sixties and early seventies.  While we did not have much in theology or ecclesiology we did understand that our profession of faith needed to be accomplished outside of church and in addition to the Mass.

When I came to this parish several months ago, and had asked about the RCIA program, the program leaders had stated that they put information in the bulletin so as to attract candidates.  Certainly we should be going out into the highways and by-ways, but the community of faith, in the manner it serves and worships in spirit and in truth, should draw peoples into the Body of Christ.  Like the Christopher West song, we can no longer simply go through the motions.

While Vatican II alluded to full and active participations being mainly in regards to the Mass, Our entire faith life asks that we take responsibility for the mission and ministry entrusted to us.  We are to be salt and light in the world today.

Presentation at the Temple

In the film "The Lion King," Simba is lifted up by his father.  The future 'King of the Jungle' was to become a sign of hope and promise.  There is something very powerful and prophetic in this scene and many like it in movie and animation.  The child is shown to the people as someone who would become the leader and shepherd; heralding a new time and season.  To be sure Simeon's gesture of proclaiming the child is a moment of revelation for the hearers to understand that the Christ-child was not merely a nicety bestowed on us by God, but a communication to us of God's divine plan of salvation.

Simeon and Anna are presented to us as righteous people.  Their longing for the fulfillment of the Kingdom of God, their prayer and devotion are presented to us as evidence that these are indeed holy people.   To be sure because of their connection to the covenant, in addition to their understanding of God's love and mercy, they have the ability to recognize Jesus as the Christ.  And this is certainly good news for all of us.  Even in the midst of chaos and frustration they are still able to proclaim the 'greatness of the Lord,' helps us to understand the demeanor we need to undertake.

The experience of this small faith-filled communion saw the same pattern in Jesus’ earthly ministry – proclamation of the good news of God’s salvation followed by acceptance and belief by some and by opposition and crucifixion by others (the civil and religious establishment). But then God triumphs, raising Jesus to new life.

Our encounter with the Christ is a challenge and a call for conversion and discipleship.  This story is no exception.  We must as Christians to proclaim God’s salvation, by deed and in word, being mindful of the response we will evoke, and remembering that the crib of Bethlehem lies in the shadow of the cross at Calvary.

Thomas Aquinas - Priest and Doctor of the Church

Known for his outstanding writing and commentaries, St. Thomas Aquinas is foundational in understanding Catholic theology and philosophy.  We also encounter a wealth of spiritual and practical advice in his Summa, and commentaries on belief in God.  From his definition of the study of God, we understand that Faith is seeking understanding.  For Thomas Aquinas our belief is strengthened by a moral and intellectual understanding of God, in addition to creating a relationship with God through his Son Jesus the Christ. 

In discussing the cross, the crux of the mystery we celebrate as Christians, Thomas Aquinas proposes that Jesus suffers for us because of the immensity of our Sins, but also as an example of how to act.  In pondering the Cross, and the entire paschal mystery, we enter more deeply into the love of God and of our own humanity as well.  The whole of our life as disciples is coming to know Jesus and grow more in love with him.

Growing up the religious women who were our teachers took time and effort to explain the actions and rituals we undertook as catholics.  The gestures and actions performed had meaning and purpose.  To be sure we were (and are) to reflect on the words, response, and ministry we undertake.  In wisdom and charity we have these incredible enlightening moments in which we increase our understanding of our relationship with God within the Church. 

Our prayer is that his holiness continue to inspire, strengthen, and encourage us.  More over that we, like Thomas Aquinas, ask good questions in addition to seeking understanding in regards to our faith.  So that as Jesus is our shepherd we might strive to obey the will of the Father in heaven.

Come Follow Me

At one of his Wednesday audiences, Pope Francis challenged his listeners to be less self absorbed, and to take on the identity of Christ.  He went on to say that we are to proclaim the Gospel message with such a joy, which originates from God the Father.  Our exhilaration should be contagious.  In St. Paul's letter today, he reminds the Corinthians that the Gospel message is about Jesus Christ.  It does not center itself on personalities or egos or the like.

Some of the most holy people that I have ever met exude a prayerfulness and piety which always centers itself on the person of Jesus.  Perhaps this is why I like the martyrs.  They do not tend to their days hoping that they can die for their faith someday.  Rather these are men and women of faith and righteousness  who spend their days standing on their convictions, nurturing faith, and sharing what they have come to see and hear.  They do not back down to Sin and Evil, but challenge the vestiges of un-God-likeness.

Christians can make folks uncomfortable and uneasy.  When we live according to the values of the Gospel, and speak about 'Good News,'  our light shines in the dark and dank of the world.  Blessed John Paul II was so right on when he called our culture, a 'Culture of Death.'  I am quick to repeat the story of the young girl who wondered why the Church could not just believe like everyone else.  Mostly because our faith understands that we are created by the God of life, and the dignity and integrity of the human person are more important that the values of this life.

I am often reminded that on ordination day, during the Rite of Ordination, the Bishop hands the newly ordained the paten of bread, and the prepared chalice, instructing him to "Know what you are doing, and imitate the mystery you celebrate."  Some fifty years ago the Second Vatican Council, in its document, The Church in the Modern World, reminded all believers that we are firmly planted in the profession of faith of the apostles.  We have the responsibility of sharing Good News and continuing the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ.

When we go to Church on Sundays we bless ourselves with holy water.  To be sure we do so because we are entering a holy place, but more so as a reminder that we have been baptized into the Paschal Mystery.  We are children of the light.  May our light guide peoples out of the darkness of Sin and Evil, into the marvelous light of Christ Jesus.

Conversion of St Paul

Saint John Chrysostom praises the Apostle St Paul, as he speaks about his conviction of faith, and strength in the face of danger and evil.  Paul, a forceful teacher, feared only one thing; offending God.  We are well aware of the story of St. Paul's conversion,  A blinding light throws him to the ground, as a voice demands to know why he persecuting the Christ.  A righteous man Paul hears the voice of Jesus for the first time, and follows him faithfully.

As we celebrate the transformation of this follower of Christ, his conversion and discipleship, we also pray (as in the Collect of today Mass) that the same "Spirit who helped St Paul to preach God's power and glory, fill us up with the light of faith."    Sadly many of us still reside in a 'service station' mentality of faith.  We approach God when we are empty, or are rattling a bit, and get our fill of holy stuff.  Then we go on our way.  St Paul's entire life becomes centered on the Gospel he preaches.  To be sure, holy people are not always kneeling, nor are our eyes rolled up constantly, but we recognize the love of God, the integrity of our neighbor, and our own dignity. 

We are in a scary culture which does not always contemplate a universal moral law, nor value the sacredness of human life.  So often decisions are made according to ones immediate desires and superficial values.  Faith calls us into a relationship with God and the values espoused in the sacred scriptures.  As St. Paul reflects on the cross, he helps us understand that this faith life is an ongoing progress of suffering, death, and resurrection.

In our Church today we talk a lot about evangelization.  We are always trying to create a program.  But the best programs seems to be one in which there is an ongoing conversion in our own faith life, and sharing 'Good News.'  In particular this applies to the lost and floundering members of our world today.  The Beatitudes and corporal and spiritual works of mercy outline some of the best responses that we can have.

St Paul's letters leave us with a theology and a practice of faithful discipleship, and being good stewards of what we have received.  We just have to listen for the voice of Jesus, and follow his direction.

The Lamb of God

I was back talking about bell-buttons again today.  I like the image, and today I did not include navel lint analogies.  I figure when we are so self-absorbed, so narcissistic, self-focused, we are, as it were, curled into ourselves, and the only thing that we can see is our navel.  So we spend a lot of time contemplating our belly button and miss most of the joys and concerns of the world today.  Paulist Father Frank DeSiano speaks about the post modern culture in which we live in is so self-focused, that it cannot contemplate the possibilities of a 'natural law,' or an objective truth.  Every one's morality is the "correct" morality.

So when it comes to life or justice issues, we have many peoples, or groups of peoples, declaring their version as the proper possession of truth.  What often occurs is that the loudest person(s) carries the day.  The understanding of 'right' or 'wrong' is always an opinion.

So here we have John the Baptist who is a witness to the events of Jesus' Baptism, but also most importantly an observer of the mission and ministry of Jesus.  Like the prophets of the Old Testament John recognizes the absolute value of seeking and adhering to the to the covenant of God.  The ability to recognize Jesus as the suffering Messiah indicates that John has in his life pondered the relationship of love and mercy which God has with us.  His insistence on conversion and transformation would suggest that his faith is beyond just the basics. 

Pope Francis has ruffled more than a few feathers, and pulled a few chains as well.  Right now most everyone is in love with him.  But Francis is blunt that our Christian lifestyle needs to be profound.  The ongoing acceptance of violence, poverty, and the destruction of life is beyond deplorable.  Discussion boards and political rhetoric are more often that not hate-filled and disrespectful. 

Not only do we need to have the ability to recognize the Lamb of God, but by our witness we also point him out to the world.  Our lifestyle celebrate the joys of life, and offers solace and compassion to the hurts and neediness of a Sinful world.  The signs and symbols at our own baptism challenge us to look beyond our belly-buttons, to see the beloved children of God.

Baptism of the Lord

Matthew has a rich description of the Baptism of Jesus Christ.  John is understandably confused by this exchange but comes to understand that this moment has a significant implication in the mission of Jesus Christ.  In receiving Baptism, Jesus is obviously not moving away from sin, nor does he need to draw any closer to the Father, but reveals a solidarity within humanity.  St. Paul will theologize for us that Jesus did not grasp at divinity but was emptied out into our human form.  As Jesus becomes one with us we are thus challenged to become one with God through the mission and ministry of Jesus. 

There is a radical exchange here.  We must come to understand that Jesus is not simply 'nice' to us, no are we to merely to be 'nice' to those around us.  Like the early believers our profession of faith must be profound in word and in deed.  Even in the Gospel Jesus urges his hearers to go beyond doing good for family and friends.  With courage and faith we share the Good News with those within, and outside, of our community.  In the Rite of Baptism the parents and godparents are asked whether they are ready and able to accept the responsibility of passing on our faith.  People should see our faith in our response to men and women, moments of calamity, and at times of joy.

More so whenever we speak about holiness, we come to think of the realm of monks and nuns.  In reality we are all invited to be holy.  The martyrs, saints, and holy men and women, did not set out for notoriety and fame.  As life unfolded they responded with faith and trust.  For these folks the baptismal call to be in communion with God, and humanity strengthened them to forge against Sin and Evil and to stand opposed to injustice and unfaithfulness. 

As Jesus comes out of the water he is pronounced beloved.  Hopefully we can hold on to the truth and be seen as a sign of enlightenment.