June 28, 2015

13^th Sunday in Ordinary Time B

Wisdom 1: 13-15, 2:23-24; 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15; Mark 5: 21-43

How do I get closer to the Lord? How do I realize how close the Lord is to me? How do I realize that it doesn’t matter who the person is: rich – poor, starving – well-fed, from what hemisphere or social strata, at every period in history and in the present – God views each person as important and wants to be with that person in an intimate way? Spending time with the Gospel today gives tremendous insight into Jesus’ interaction with people, touching them not only with healing but with His love.

I remember a Scripture professor in the seminary saying that this gospel was a great example of a ‘Marcan sandwich.’ I had never heard this phrase before and initially it didn’t sound very reverent. In this case it means that one story is begun, then interrupted by another and then the original story is picked up again. There is suspense in this since Jairus comes to ask healing for his daughter. Jesus starts out and is interrupted by the woman with a hemorrhage. What was going through Jairus mind – was he anxious over this interruption? Didn’t Jesus know that this was a life and death issue? This woman could certain wait; and he was an important person, wasn’t he? And this woman was ‘unclean’ and excluded from the community.

Who was this Jairus…Mark says that he was “one of the synagogue officials” which meant that he was an administrator and probably not a spiritual figure. He came and “fell at Jesus’ feet and pleaded earnestly with Him.” He certainly knew of Jesus’ reputation as a healer. This story might have seemed very sympathetic to Mark’s readers and even more so for in that culture sons are valued over daughters. Does it also tell us how much love this father had for his daughter which had to be very noticeable in his ‘pleading earnestly?’ Jesus went off with him and Mark tells us that there was a large crowd that accompanied them. Why? Did they just want to see some ‘magic’ or healing? Were they friends of Jairus or family? Did they want to find out more about Jesus? Were they doubters or in opposition to Jesus and wanted another opportunity to show that He was a fraud? More important than these questions, was the fact that the woman with the hemorrhage accompanied them? Who was she?

The woman’s suffering is vividly described: she had suffered this bleeding for twelve years. She had spent all her savings on doctors to try to find a cure. I’m sure this was very humbling and embarrassing. It was even much worse in their culture: not only did they feel that any sickness or disease was a punishment from God for their sins or the sins of their parents, but also meant that this woman’s affection made her ‘unclean and defiled’ and ostracized her from any contact with her family and the community and even sexual contact if she was married. What courage she had…do I have the courage to approach God? Am I afraid? Why would I be afraid?

She reached out her hand as fearfully and anonymously as she could thinking that the clothes were an extension of the ‘healer’, they had power too. She touched Jesus’ robe and was immediately healed. Jesus turned and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” She was afraid and trembling. The disciples are saying, ‘Are you kidding…the crowd is huge.’ Was Jesus upset? No…It would seem that he was from the exchange but look at Jesus’ next words…”Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.” His first word ‘daughter’ is a welcoming word. She is not excluded; she is recognized as a daughter of Abraham and a member of Jesus’ new family of faith. Her healing is a result of her faith. Jesus gives her a blessing “Go in peace” and sends her on her way. A great New Testament scholar, Pheme Perkins in New Interpreter’s Bible says, “The exchange between Jesus and the woman removes any suggestion that Jesus’ clothes were endowed with magical power, nor does Jesus condemn her for attempted ‘theft’ of His power. Jesus does not possess a magic force that accounts for His ability to heal. Instead, healing reflects the presence of God’s saving power … and Jesus’ saving and healing presence demonstrates that the kingdom of God is near.” AND it showed the crowd that women are important…a Jewish man never talked or carried on a dialogue with a woman in public. She is important; she is listened to; she is healed; she is loved by God.

Then Jesus continues His trek to Jairus’ daughter. Is she dead…Jesus ignores this report and says, “Do not fear, only believe.” Probably much of the crowd had remained and now the professional mourners are present. They had laughed when Jesus had said the little girl is not dead. Jesus takes the child’s parents, Peter, James and John and both touches the child and speaks to her. The Aramaic word Jesus used literally means, “Lamb, get up” which is a kind and gentle term of endearment.

Two healings…two love stories…two meditation stories of God’s attentiveness and care. The woman was desperate she had done everything she could. She was so humbled that the only hope she had was to touch Jesus…and JESUS wants to touch her. Jairus came to Jesus with deep humility too. Although he was an official, his love for his daughter took away any need for status. ILLNESS led these two people to complete and utter reliance on Jesus.

How many times I have been hurting; worrying about the outcome of a visit with my doctor or about what I am facing. Maybe even asking the question, ‘If God is a God of the living, why is there suffering, illness and death? Why do some die and others get a reprieve? Why does God allow people to die? And Jesus says, “Fear is useless, what is needed is trust.”

Jesus is telling me how to face reality. Msgr. Eugene Lauer in Sunday Morning Insights helps with these words: “Fear is useless, says Christ. Therefore, trust must be very useful. Fear is not to have control but to want it desperately. Trust is to yield control to God and to know that it’s okay not to be perfectly in charge of everything. Fear is to experience great upset over the ‘unknown.’ Trust is to recognize that God knows, even if I don’t and that’s sufficient. Fear is rooted in the conviction that my conclusion, my result is the only good one—nothing else will do. Trust is of the conviction that my efforts are of great importance—and God’s result will be just fine. Fear worries constantly about other living forces that have power over me to harm me. Trust has a final concern only for the one force who is stronger than all, who will care for me. Fear makes me shrink and constrict. Trust in God and in other trustworthy people allows me to open myself and expand. When Jesus opens many conversations with His apostles with ‘Fear not,” He isn’t being poetic. He is being practical. Fear is absolutely useless, produces nothing, contributes nothing to one’s growth and spiritual development, does nothing but ruin our experiences. Trust deeply and see your fears vanish.”

So I reflect on:

Jesus wants me to trust in Him! To do this I have to put off my own ‘old attitudes and mind sets’ and take on a ‘new mind’ that is formed in His image. I have to come in humility each day and say, help and to renounce what the world says and beg the Holy Spirit to fill me with His love.

June 21, 2015

12^th Sunday in Ordinary Time B

Job 38:1, 8-11; 2 Corinthians 5: 14-17; Mark 4: 35-41

After looking over today’s readings, I’m sitting and asking myself the question, ‘What am I afraid of?’ Immediately things come to mind: I’m not crazy about heights, but after my dad died and mom moved to a Senior Citizens complex that was 23 stories high and she moved into the 21^st floor, I guess you can say I got used to heights. Not saying I was unafraid, but I could ‘live with heights.’ When I was young, I was at Coney Island beach and was waving to my sisters on the shore when a huge wave swept me underwater and after a scary moment or two I surfaced right at their feet. I remember a lecture or two, but I got hugs too, delivered with warnings, ‘Don’t ever do that again.’ A few plane rides through lightning storms, increased my pleas and prayers to God. There always is that ‘fear’ when natural disasters come: hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados. Am I afraid of dying; not really. Am I afraid of God; no. Am I afraid of the storms that come up in my life? Sometimes.

Today’s readings continue the topic of last week’s readings about faith and trusting in God and God’s plan for me. Put into a statement it would be something like this:

• When life tosses me about, I only need to turn to God when seeking calm and safety. Do I?
• Where do I see chaos operating in my world today? What do I do?
• What part of my life is chaotic? What am I doing about it? Can I handle it by myself? Am I open to asking for help? Do I ask God?

I spend time with today’s gospel from Mark my purpose is to admit that I will continue to be threatened with life choices…will I react in fear or in faith? Mark presents the story of Jesus calming the horrific storm on the Sea of Galilee. Why did he share this story: perhaps it is to tell Jesus’ followers that fearful situations come up in life’s journey, sometimes far too often. Yet, our faith tells us that God is always present in those moments when we cannot handle things on our own. So do I turn to God during them?

This account is from the fourth chapter of Mark; already he has presented grueling life situations. Right off the bat in the first chapter after Jesus’ baptism by John, “At once The Spirit drove Him out into the desert.” “At once” what a thought-provoking phrase. The footnote in the New American Bible says, “The same Spirit who descended on Jesus in His baptism now drives Him into the desert for forty days. The result is radical confrontation and temptation by Satan who attempts to frustrate the work of God.” Jesus is telling me and His followers that Satan is real; Satan wants to put up road blocks to God’s His love and my understanding and being touched by His love. Do I allow that to happen? Am I caught up in the ‘poor old persecuted me’ or do I ask for help?

Mark continues and presents a ‘day in the life of Jesus’ starting with the cure of a demoniac, a person with an “unclean spirit.” The footnote says “An unclean spirit: so called because of the spirit’s resistance to the holiness of God. The spirit knows and fears the power of Jesus to destroy his influence.” What was it like to be totally under the influence of this evil? Next came the cure of Peter’s mother-n-law. She was sick with a fever; what fear goes with an elderly person when confronted with this? Then people came to the house and Jesus cured many who were sick with various diseases and He drove out demons too. How did these people feel? They were taught that diseases and sicknesses were from God who was punishing them for their sins or the sins of their parents. Had they given up hope? How did they feel being rejected by all around them? Then there was the cleansing of a leper and the healing of a paralyzed person who was lowered through the roof. In chapter three came the cure of a man with a withered hand and then in chapter four, today’s gospel, the storm at sea. Jesus had fallen into a deep sleep, He had really been busy. A “violent squall’ came up and they cried out, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” In stressful or fearful times, I too cry out, ‘Don’t you care about me and those I love’…why are You allowing this? Then Jesus “woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then He asked them, ‘Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?’ They were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?’”

Fr. Jack Clark Robinson, OFM in Sunday Homily Helps shares this reflection: “Fear versus faith. The ancient struggle between the chaotic powers of Satan versus the creative powers of God has unfolded right before the eyes of the disciples. And they do not know what they have just experienced. Jesus challenges the disciples directly about their fear. The challenge of fear versus faith is a theme that runs throughout the Gospel of Mark. The people who should manifest faith tend to be overcome by fear, while those who have every reason to fear respond in faith. The disciples have heard Jesus teach, and they have seen Him heal. One would think that by now they would have ears to hear and eyes to see. Instead, they appear to be deaf and blind. At the end of the narrative, the disciples are left scratching their heads and wondering who that person is who just calmed the stormy sea.

Hopefully, the reader knows the answer.”

Then Fr. Robinson concludes: “Fear or faith? That question will always be with us, and the truth is that we need the help of others to face that question. Things are never as frightening if we are not facing them alone. Faith is always stronger when it is shared. Gathering around the table of the Lord, gathering together to break open the stories we share, reminds us that we are never truly alone. In faith, we can say,

‘God is with us,’ and we can know that our fears can be overcome.”

I reflect on:

• When have I experienced anxiety and doubted the love of God? Who was Jesus for me in this event?
• As parents set limits over their children, what limits has God set over me? Do I observe them? Do I do what I want even if these choices bring me into ‘troubled waters?’
• The poem ‘Footprints’ provides a sense of peace to many in the midst of suffering; do I read this then?
• What ‘storms are threatening my life now? Do I cry out to God for help? Why or why not?

Frederick Buechner writes in his book Secrets of the Dark: “Christ sleeps in the deepest selves of all of us, and whatever we do in whatever time we have left, wherever we go, may we in whatever way we can call on Him as the fishermen did in their boat to come awake within us and to give us courage, to give us hope, to show us, each one, our way. May He be with us especially when the winds go mad and the waves run wild, as they will for all of us before we’re done, so that even in their midst we may find peace, find Him.”

July 14, 2015

15^th Sunday in Ordinary Time B

Amos 7: 12-15; Ephesians 1: 3-14; Mark 6: 7-13

After reflecting on the readings today, I came up with a question that is good for me to spend time with:

I am called by God to be …………….!

I could immediately fill in this blank and then go on to the next question…but this is the only question! Then in realizing it is the only question I would come to the apparent response for me which would be ‘a priest.’ Others may take this question and respond that they are called by God to be a parent…a mother…a father…a spouse…a doctor…a nurse…an engineer…a designer…a computer programmer…a teacher…a student…a neighbor…a friend…a brother…a sister…a deacon…a religious…and the list continues. Some may stop and think that they have to be multiple ‘people’ depending on the situation and circumstances. Yet each of us is called by God to be one thing before all the rest.

The readings today present different situations for the individuals involved, each one being ‘called’ by God. Amos had no intention of being a prophet. He already had two jobs, one as a shepherd and the other as a tender of sycamore trees. I imagine he needed both jobs to support his family. He presents the situation to Amaziah a priest of Bethel saying that he rejects the title of prophet. He did not belong to the ‘professional prophet class’ and he received no money or stipend He is not a trained seer. He was called by God to announce devastating oracles against the northern kingdom of Israel. He was not at all popular in that region. He felt overwhelmed with this task. Which leads to another searching question for me:

What criteria do I use to discern when to accept or reject a call to service?

Down through the years, I have been asked to do many things: serving on committees, talking on a responsibility, etc. My problem is that I almost always say, ‘Yes’. I don’t feel I’m alone in this: you have been called to a volunteer part-time (it’s never part time); to be on a neighborhood committee, to take a new place at work in a new division, to baby sit the grandkids, to watch over a neighbor’s house, etc. So often ‘yes’ is given because we feel it is a summons from the Lord.

The time has arrived for the apostles. They had been listening to Jesus, watching His miracles, seeing how He cares for all people and is delivering God’s message. They had already been specifically chosen to be ‘apostles’. Now Jesus is sending them out to preach repentance and to anoint with oil those who were sick and to cure. And they were to take no food, backpack, or money. Did they feel qualified for this? I’m sure they didn’t. Mark doesn’t tell this but I’m sure there were loads of questions: how do I do this…what if there is opposition…what if the authorities interfere…what if…what if….and I’m really uncomfortable with this. The good part is that they go out in two’s…but did they like the one they were going with? Who did Judas go with…how about Thomas who always doubted things…or Peter the impetuous one. Today’s question is a direct question for each of them: I am called by God to be....!

Paul is sharing with the Ephesians how he and each person has been blessed with every spiritual blessing. And Paul helps each one of us with ‘our question’. God has chosen each one of us. God has chosen each one of us before the foundation of the world. He has chosen each of us to live at this time in this place. He has gifted each one of us and continues to gift us with everything that we need to be His people of love. He gave us Jesus to be our model and the Holy Spirit to continue to grace and help us. And Paul answers our question:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with very spiritual blessing in the heavens, and He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to BE HOLY and without blemish before Him.”

Alice Camile in Exploring the Sunday Readings shares these words, “Maybe you’d say no to being a prophet, if the celestial text inviting you to the role arrived on your smartphone today. (Perhaps you’d say yes if you got the text despite the fact that you have a rotary phone!) Not everyone is summoned to prophecy, as St. Paul notes in describing the spiritual gifts in the twelfth chapter of First Corinthians. So most of us can breathe a sigh of relief for being spared.

But every person who bears the name Christian is called to be holy. Before the dawn of creation, according to Ephesians, God anticipated that life in Christ would sanctify us in a way that would make our identity apparent before the world. How are we doing so far?

‘In Him’ -- that oft-repeated phrase in this letter which leads us to recognize that life in Christ is a whole new state of affairs – we’re blessed, chosen, destined, redeemed, forgiven, enlightened, and sealed with the Spirit. All of us are ‘in Him,’ included in this vital citizenship, by virtue of our baptism. You’ve already said yes to the call to holiness.”

Each of us is called to be HOLY! As we live our daily lives we sometimes find ourselves in tasks that we are completely unprepared for. We can even feel overwhelmed but if these are tasks God has called us for and which He has called us to then HE GIVES us all we need to do them. What do I need in these cases? Faith in God. Faith is not that easy but it is a gift from God. And as Paul starts out,” Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ WITH EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING IN THE HEAVENS.” God does not lie. His promises are forever.

So I reflect on:

• What does it mean to live a holy life? Do I consciously embrace the vocation to holiness?
• Do I give into the devils’ temptation to start working on my holiness when I get older or have more time?
• St. Ignatius the founded of the Jesuits said, “There are very few people who realize what God would make of them if they abandoned themselves into His hands and let themselves be formed by His grace.”
• God is speaking to me individually and to each person. I need to listen to what He is saying…Take time and listen.

Our Prayer:

Lord, you call me to take up my cross and follow You. But each time I start on the journey something gets in the way. I am afraid, Lord, of what the future might bring. Yet I read about the disciples and how they laid down the things of this world in order to follow You. Give me courage, Lord. Amen.

June 14, 2015

11^th Sunday in Ordinary Time B

Ezekiel 17: 22-24; 2 Corinthians 5: 6-10; Mark 4: 26-34

When I look at myself and my life, I tend to remember what happened in the past and of course what I project to happen in the future; what are my hopes and dreams, yet I only live in the present one day at a time. The readings are reminding me of this and at the same time have an important message…God is in control and it’s all about God’s plan…and me living that plan.

Ezekiel fits into this mold: he is member of the priestly family and had been a priest in the temple in Jerusalem for close to thirty years. I imagine that his dream was how he could continue to serve God and His people. Then came the conquest by Babylon and Ezekiel was one of the most important exiles deported by Nebuchadnezzar in 597 BC. His ‘job’ now changed: he now is called by God to be His prophet and his first task was to prepare the exiles for the inevitable destruction of Jerusalem (chapters 1-24) which the people thought would never happen. How could God ever allow this? The first part of his writings concerned themselves with criticisms for Israel’s past and present sins which amounted to not believing in God’s ways and not trusting in God’s plans. The people felt they knew what God wanted and what He would do to fulfill His plan. Ezekiel told them that it is only by placing trust in the Lord God will people gain true peace. His bottom line message: human efforts have their limitations, reliance on God will bring about dramatic changes. In today’s reading God will take a ‘tender shoot’ and replant it on a mountain of Israel, symbolizing a rebuilding of the Davidic dynasty. The ‘messianic king’ will do this and God’s plan all along was for Jesus to come and tell us of God’s love and how each person is loved and needed to be His love. I remind myself…it’s all about God’s plan…not mine…as the Psalm Response states today, “Lord, it is good to give thanks to You.”

Would I like to be with the Lord now…yes! Would I like the pains and craziness of this world to be ‘past history’ and I can be with the Lord where there are ‘no more tears, no more sorrows’…definitely! Am I ready to go to the Lord…well maybe I could wait a little…? God’s plan is for me and each person to be with Him. Paul is ‘dreaming’ of this today and says that while living here each person receives grace…help from the Spirit and is thereby ‘courageous.’ Paul is telling that each will be judged by God but that is something not to fear but to rejoice in. Faith and trust in God is what guides each person each day to the choices that are made. Will I be selfish and choose me…many times, yes…does God give up on me…no…does He continue to help me and with each choice toward Him I grow stronger and more filled with His love and comfortable in living His way…definitely.

Jesus is teaching this in Mark’s gospel today: I do not see the ‘reign of God’ growing. Jesus uses the example of a seed growing: I can’t see it grow in the ground…but it is growing. I won’t see it until a ‘green’ shoot peeks through the dirt. I am responsible for ‘my growth’ in the Lord. I am responsible for nurturing my growth. Am I alone in this nurturing…no. Am I to think that ‘I can know the way all by myself’…no. The wiles of the devil always want me to think that it is about me and I can do whatever I want, God is not to be a factor. How does God know what will make me happy…if I want it, it’s OK.

Mark, A Devotional Commentary gives meditations on today’s Gospel. In an appealing and reflective way it has helped me probe the depths of today’s readings. I quote:

“It is possible to understand a bit more about faith in God by considering how farmers live. To ensure a good harvest, they need to plant good seed at the right time, keep their fields free of competing weeds and harmful insects, and gather their crops properly when they ripen. As much as they try to control these factors, farmers are ultimately dependent upon for more fundamental things – the land, good soil, rain, sufficient light, and warmth.

Farmers know they must work hard, but they also know that growth is something that takes place almost independently of their efforts. Until the advent of powerful chemical fertilizers and irrigation to enhance growth, all farmers could basically do was cooperate with life and growth. The fact that it happened was a mystery in which they trusted, but which they could barely speed up or force.

The farm-oriented parables in Mark teach us to recognize these things as we consider growth in our spiritual lives. Growth depends on God; it is usually gradual and is sometimes imperceptible to us. Because God Himself is concerned about us, however, we should expect that He will lead us in paths that promote genuine and abundant fruit. Our expectancy should be based on our knowledge that growth is something God Himself desired and attends to.

Once the seed is sown, God cares for the growth. Through the work of the Spirit, growth comes from within us. Like the farmer, we can nurture this growth by removing the thorns and thistles in our lives. We can make the decisions to avoid the things that hamper God’s work in us – certain books and television programs, angers and festering resentments, concern only for ourselves and our interests, indifference to the poor and suffering. We can nourish the seed of our faith through reading God’s word, prayer, and the Eucharist. Gradually, with sufficient time, we will see this seed spring to life – perhaps without really knowing when it happened.

If we allow God to work in us, we will grow -- even though we may not be aware of it at the time. The seeds in these parables are meant to show that great things come from small beginnings. This is God’s promise from all time”

(From today’s first reading Ezekiel 17:23)

“…on the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it. It shall put forth branches and bear fruit, and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind shall dwell beneath it, every winged thing in the shade of its boughs.”

So I reflect on:

• What is Jesus telling me when He says the reign of God is like a mustard shrub, an ordinary and ugly shrub that grows to about seven feet and multiplies readily?
• How do I put myself on a straight path with the Lord?
• I reflect each day on: What is the ‘right thing’ I am being called upon to do today? Do I realize God’s grace is there helping me totally?
• How do I get out of the way of the operation of grace? How do I sometimes stand in the way of the operation of grace?
• During most days I meet individuals who radiate an inner light. They make me feel respected and valued. They listen with concern and compassion and care for me and others. Do I ever feel that they are sent specifically by God to me that day?

LORD HELP ME TO SEE…TO LISTEN… TO TRUST and TO LOVE!

June 7, 2015

The Most Holy Body and Blood Christ B

Exodus 24:3-8; Hebrews 9: 11-15; Mark 14: 12-16, 22-26

Today is the feast of Corpus Christi, The Body and Blood of Christ…I find it interesting to go back in my life and try to remember my First Holy Communion and the thousands of Communions I have received since them. Do I remember all of them…no…was I aware of what was happening each time I received…no again…did I receive all of them ‘worthily’…my Irish ‘guilt’ background would say no. I have been gifted and honored to be a priest for these 48 years and I have always felt a tremendous attachment to the Eucharist. It has always been the highpoint of my day. With that in mind, I am going to go a little deeper into this feast.

The readings today go back to the imagery of sacrifices that were used in the ancient Middle East covenants. The Hebrew word for covenant was berit which comes from another word which is best translated as to cut. When individuals entered into an agreement, both parties cut themselves and mingled their blood together making the covenant solid and solemn. I imagine this is much the same as from the ‘old west’ tales of having a ‘blood brother’ ceremony. This practice then developed covenants between parties and animal sacrifices. The sacrificed animal would be split in two and both parties would pass between the two halves symbolizing a ‘joining together’. Then the animals would be eaten; this represented the sealing of the covenant. Today’s first reading from Exodus gives the elaborate ritual sealing the covenant between God and His people. “I will be your God and you will be My people.” Moses sets up an altar at the foot of Sinai Mountain. It has twelve pillars representing the 12 sons of Jacob which had become the 12 tribes. Moses collects the blood of the animals and throws half of it on the altar; the remaining half he sprays on the people. This ritual binds God and the people as long as the people remain faithful to the covenant.

Paul’s letter to the Hebrews explains how Jesus by sacrificing Himself, establishes a new covenant. Mark’s Gospel completes the explanation by calling attention to the timing of the Last Supper, ‘”On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover Lamb” which brings to mind the covenant rituals of the Israelites. Here Jesus takes bread and wine and offers them to His disciples. Like the ancient covenants they were sealed with a meal, Jesus offering Himself as the sacrifice to seal this new covenant with His blood. This meal is the preparation for each person culminating in our celebration home to heaven.

This is the background; do I remember these each time I come to the Eucharist, not really. But I am aware that I am loved and called to receive Love and then sent to be love.

This reading is taken from Fr. Henri Nouwen’s book, The Road to Daybreak: “Berkley, California, June 1, 1986: ‘Today is the feast of Corpus Christi, the Body of Christ. While Edward Malloy, a visiting Holy Cross priest, Don, and I celebrated the Eucharist in the little Chapel of the Holy Cross house in Berkeley, the importance of this feast touched me more than ever. The illness that has severely impaired Don’s movements made him, and also me, very conscious of the beauty, intricacy, and fragility of the human body. My visit yesterday to the Castro district, where physical pleasure is so visibly sought and bodily pain so dramatically suffered, reminded me powerfully that I not only have a body but also am a body. The way one lives in the body, the way one relates to, cares for, exercises, and uses one’s own and other people’s bodies, is of crucial importance for one’s spiritual life.’ The greatest mystery of the Christian faith is that God came to us in the body, suffered with us in the body, rose in the body, and gave us His body as food. NO religion takes the body as seriously as the Christian religion. The body is not seen as the enemy or as a prison of the Spirit, but celebrated as the Spirit’s temple. Through Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection, the human body has become part of the life of God. By eating the body of Christ, our own fragile bodies are becoming intimately connected with the risen Christ and thus prepared to be lifted up with Him into the divine life. Jesus says, ‘I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world.’ (Jn 6:51)

It is in union with the body of Christ that I come to know the full significance of my own body. My body is much more than a mortal instrument of pleasure and pain. It is a home where God wants to manifest the fullness of the divine glory. This truth is the most profound basis for the moral life. The abuse of the body—whether it be psychological (e.g., instilling fear), physical (e.g., torture), economic (e.g., exploitation), or sexual (e.g., hedonistic pleasure-seeking)—is a distortion of true human destiny: to live in the body eternally with God. The loving care given to our bodies and the bodies of others is therefore a truly spiritual act, since it leads the body closer toward its glorious existence.

I wonder how I can bring this good news to the many people for whom their body is little more than an unlimited source of pleasure or an unceasing source of pain. The feast of the Body of Christ is given to us to fully recognize the mystery of the body and to help us find ways to live reverently and joyfully in the body in expectation of the risen life with God.”

So I reflect on:

• If I really believe that Christ’s blood was shed for all, what day-to-day differences would this make in how I treat people?
• What does Jesus ask of me today? He says it simply in John 15:12, “This is my commandment. Love one another as I love you.” This is a daily, hourly reflection…how am I doing…where do I need God’s help?
• Alice Camille in Exploring the Sunday Readings asks three searching questions: “1) How many forever commitments have you made? What is their cost? 2) Jesus Christ is fully present to His Church. How present are you to Him? 3) How do you decide what to keep and what to make available for others?”
• Am I letting God nourish me? Am I nourishing others with me or with what comes from God?

John Henry Cardinal Newman has a prayer that helps me: “God has created me to do some definite service; God has committed some work to me which has not been committed to another. I have my mission—I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. God has not created me for naught. I shall do good. I shall do God’s work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place. Whatever, wherever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve the Lord; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve the Lord; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve the Lord. God does nothing in vain. Therefore I will trust in the Lord.”