CODE OF CANON LAW

[1]While stationed in Hawaii, Judy and I were very engaged in the base parishes and local sports for our children. We’ve always taught our children to play by the rules, to be a gracious winner and loser. Hawaii was beautiful, all year you could leave the windows open and let the trade winds cool the house. It also allows you to hear a lot of what was going on outside. One day the boys were playing a pick-up football game with other local children. I could hear voices being raised in dispute, this loud discussion over the rules of the game. The last thing I heard was a loud acclamation by the neighbor’s son “Hawaiian rules!” In other words, while in Hawaii, in my backyard, we get to change the rules to suit the home field or the one who owns the ball.

Today Jesus quotes the prophet Hosea, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice” (Hos 6:6; Mt 12:7), as a response to the Pharisees’ severe insistence on putting sabbath law above human need. Matthew adapted his gospel story from the earlier Gospel of Mark, adding, “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath” (Mk 2:27).

The Jewish religious leaders added 613 clarification laws to the Torah (the Law of Moses) and they slavishly were followed by the Pharisees and imposed on the Jewish people, which draws today’s challenge by the Pharisees to Jesus. Seems to me, we can be as rigid, forgetting why our religious, moral, and liturgical laws exist in the first place? Let us be reminded, the New Testament upholds the law of Christ as absolute within our faith. We must never forget this law of Christ is one of love.[2]

So, the Torah has 613 clarification laws, how many laws are in the Code of Canon Law? 1752. The Canon’s opening line sets the tone for the Law saying, “During the course of the centuries, the Catholic Church has been accustomed to reform and renew the laws of canonical discipline so that, in constant fidelity to her divine Founder, they may be better adapted to the saving mission entrusted to her.” Prompted by the same purpose Saint John Paul II promulgated the revised Code on Jan. 25, 1983, the same day Pope John XXIII did in 1959.

As interesting as all the canons are, in every canon law course I’ve participated, it’s the last canon that is heavy emphasized. Which in part says, “the salvation of souls, which must always be the supreme law in the Church, is to be kept before one’s eyes.” (can. 1752) The Passover meal, which is part of the law of Moses, was a liturgy ritualizing the complete, mutual dedication of God and the Israelites to their covenant. The lamb’s blood applied to their houses shows their compliance. In our time, it’s our participation in this Mystery, established in the law of Christ, through the blood of Jesus, ritualizes our complete, mutual dedication of God in the covenant with all His children. Our Amen, in receiving the gift of his body and blood shows our compliance to the law of love.

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[1] Scripture (NABRE), Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30; Matthew 10:16-23

[2] Weekday HomilyHelps. Exegesis by Mary Ann Getty, PhD; Homily Suggestion by Tim Cronin.

METANOIA

[1]The expression “familiarity breeds contempt” is all too familiar. Yet, as is the case with many common sayings, we might benefit from looking at whether or not it truly makes sense. When we don't examine these beliefs, they tend to become self-fulfilling prophecies. Ordinarily, the expression “familiarity breeds contempt” refers to what often happens in long-standing relationships. Regrettably, over time too many relationships begin to see their happiness and commitment wither. Yet, the question remains: Is it familiarity that causes this disappointment?

We might consider whether it's familiarity that's the culprit, or whether something else is provoking the contempt. At times, familiarity may, in fact, pave the way for greater intimacy and love. After all, when the relationship begins, and we’re open to emotional intimacy, we set the stage for falling in love.[2]

Yet, the line “familiarity breeds contempt” can apply to scriptures. Today, Jesus speaks as a prophet, reversing the ancient judgments against two Phoenician cities traditionally known for their sinfulness. Tyre and Sidon become witnesses against the cities where Jesus has performed “mighty deeds.” Even Sodom “would have remained until this day” (Mt 11:23) had they witnessed the miracles Jesus worked—whereas towns of Galilee, where Jesus has gone about performing miracles, have not reformed.

Villagers became so used to hearing the Good News preached by the young rabbi from Nazareth that they stopped listening and eventually even shrugged their shoulders over his miracles. They took Jesus for granted. Preaching and miracles had as their goal conversion, the change of heart of the villagers, to have them experience metanoia.

Early Church fathers translated metanoia as “penance.”[3] It is a fundamental change in character, repentance. But metanoia is impossible when recipients feel they deserve grace, without changing their hearts or behaviors. Are we any different? We hear the same scriptures in cycle year after year, (sometimes even the same homilies in cycle, year after year). We participate in the same rituals, daily for some of us. Has familiarity bred contempt even complacency within the community of faith? To the point we no longer hear the scriptures proclaimed, or in many cases don’t even come to Mass any longer because it seems to have become irrelevant?

 

Our familiarity with scripture, the prayers and ritual praxis, the Sacraments, even believing what we participate in, at this table, the communion we share, needs to pave the way for greater intimacy and love. Our familiarity needs to breed metanoia. First within ourselves, so we become what we receive. Then in our daily lives, be witnesses of the mighty deeds of Jesus, setting the stage for others to fall in love and experience their own metanoia.

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[1] Scripture (NABRE), Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30; Matthew 10:16-23

[2] Psychology Today, “Does Familiarity Breed Contempt?” by Mel Schwartz, L.C.S.W. Posted October 24, 2010.

[3] Weekday HomilyHelps, Exegesis by Mary Ann Getty, Ph.D.; Homily Suggesting by Tim Cronin.

UNIMAGINED PLACES AND POSITIONS

[1]There are many times in my life where I’ve ended up in places and positions, I never would’ve ever imagined. Standing before you, at the pulpit and preaching, tops the list of these unimagined places and positions.

The story of Jacob’s encounter with God in a dream continues the development of the theme of promises. Jacob, the son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham, receives several promises made earlier to his father and grandfather. God now delivers the promises to him directly,[2] all Jacob has to “do is not be afraid to go down to Egypt. [God promises], I will go with you and I will bring you back, after Joseph has closed his eyes.” (Gen 46:3-4)

Faith, Trust, and Hope, sounds like the strange pep-talk Jesus was giving to his Apostles. “I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; you’ll be handed over to the courts, scourged, paraded before governors and kings. When this happens don’t worry about what to say, let the Spirit speak through you.” (Mt 10:16-20) “When one town persecutes you, flee to another” (Mt 10:23) and repeat. Again, and again, frankly you won’t be able to finish.

As Christians, we hold that the Creator, who gave us life, always wants to restore us to fullness of life, our eternal destiny. Today’s Gospel suggests that a deep faith and trust in Jesus can give us a foretaste of the glorious life awaiting us. This is a core hope surrounding today’s feast commemorating 120 martyrs, killed in a long trail of blood from 1648 to 1930. This roll call of martyrs includes lay women, catechists, seminarians, bishops, priests, a cook, a farmer, a widow, a 79-year-old man and a child of 9. Ordinary people, many of them, whose faith and trust in Jesus led them to unimaged places and positions.

The one saint the Church names on this feast is Saint Augustine Zhao Rong. Like so many other saints, he began his professional life as a soldier. As part of his military duties, Augustine was assigned to escort a French priest in China. The priest’s holy example made such a deep impression on Augustine that he decided to convert to Catholicism. After his baptism, he entered the seminary and became Father Augustine. Shortly after his ordination, Father Augustine was jailed, tortured, and left to die in prison.

Jacob, the Apostles, Fr. Augustine and his companions most likely never imaged themselves in the places and positions they found themselves. Even today, we may have never expected the state in which we find our society so easily choosing death as free will choice, for the unborn, the elderly, and means of resolving conflict. Yet, remaining faithful in our charge to witness to the Good News and bravely keeping a tight grip on the pearl of great price, the promise for our eternal destiny, our true promised land. May we, and all Christians, value our faith in easy times, so when times of persecution come, we may stand upright[3] in unimagined places and positions.

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[1] Scripture (NABRE), Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30; Matthew 10:16-23

[2] Weekday HomilyHelps. Exegesis by Sister Carol Dempsey, OP, PhD

[3] mycatholic.life Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, Source: Vatican

BE A SIGN OF CONTRADICTION

[1]Often people in leadership find it difficult to lead in ways others might disagree with. They find it much easier to deliver smooth agendas and statements that won’t “rock the boat.” This happens time and time again because many leaders want to maintain a certain level of popularity with the people. However, this course of action couldn’t be farther from ideal.[2]

Two years before he was elected pope, Cardinal Karol Wojtyla preached a Lenten retreat to Pope Paul VI and his staff. Subsequently, these meditations were turned into a book called Sign of Contradiction, a title echoing Simeon’s words to Mary and Joseph: “Behold this child is destined…to be a sign that will be contradicted.” (Lk 2:34)

Today’s Gospel might be viewed as one example of this prophecy’s fulfillment, for Jesus clearly provokes contradictory reactions. After seeing Jesus cast a demon out of a mute person, some people were spellbound by Jesus’ power and proclaimed him the greatest thing ever seen in Israel. In this very same audience, however, others labeled Jesus a fraud, charging he was, literally, in league with the devil.

We are left asking, “How can people witness the same event and come to such dramatically different conclusions?” Pastor Chan Kilgore offers this insight: “True Gospel preaching always changes the heart. It either awakens it or hardens it.” This captures the sign of contradiction concept pretty well. One way or another, the message of Jesus should provoke a strong reaction.

In our efforts to spread the Gospel, if we are being met with a “eh, so what?” attitude, then we may not be witnessing properly. In fact, even outright rejection would be a better response than apathy, for at least this would tell us we haven’t taken the sharp, contradictory “bite” out of Jesus’ message. Saint Maria Goretti, in her short life, she may have had trouble with catechism, but she had no trouble with faith. For her God’s will was holiness, decency, respect for one’s body, absolute obedience, total trust. In our complex world of individualism, these values and behaviors may seem to be a sign of contradiction. St. Maria’s faith was simple, she recognized: It is a privilege to be loved by God, and to love him—at any cost.[3] Hence the command of the Mass dismissal to “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” Be a sign of contradiction in your everyday life. It may not make you the most popular person in the world, your community, or your family; but it may start a wrestling match that brings others face to face with God.

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[1] Scripture (NABRE), Genesis 32:23-33; Matthew 9:32-38

[2] SAMONNA WATTS, Empowerment Coach. “Good Leaders Aren’t Always Popular” by SaMonna Watts © 2021

[3] franciscan media, Saint of the Day / Saint Maria Goretti, posted July 6, 2020

IS THE STUDENT READY?

[1]“When the student is ready, the master will appear.” It’s a quote Judy often uses on men discerning their call to the permanent diaconate, I’ve used it numerous times myself. Both the origin and context of this quote are somewhat obscure and open to both interpretation and nuance that changes over time. When I first heard this quote years ago, I took it quite literally. Thinking of it along the lines of, “When I mastered a certain skill level, I’d need to find the right teacher.”

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how I learn things, how much and to what extent I really pay attention, or maybe I should say, it’s more about when I learn new things. It’s interesting how we can be presented repeatedly with the same content, but fail to grasp many aspects until some later date. It’s all a matter of where we are at any given time and what we are open to understanding or accepting.[2]

Abraham’s wife, Sarah, died after a long life. A life likely filled with many challenges and blessings, moments of human weakness and of faith. The longevity of her marriage to Abraham reminds us that relationships take communication, commitment, humility, and sacrifice. This applies to our relationship with God, as well.

Today’s Gospel, is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the experience of being called to follow Christ and our response to humbly commit to that call. When Jesus said to Matthew, “Follow me,” he immediately got up and did just that. In Greek, the name Matthew means “learner” or “disciple.”

Ironically, the Pharisees address Jesus as “teacher,” but they appear unready or unwilling to learn from him nor follow him. Therefore, it’s difficult to imagine that these leaders, who are “teachers” of the Law themselves, would risk their own scandal by putting themselves in close enough contact to converse with Jesus as he shared a meal with “tax collectors and sinners.”

From Matthew’s call, we learn that God doesn’t seek perfect followers; he seeks very human, imperfect ones—just like us. God seeks those willing to act, to step outside our comfort zones to reach out to the poor and marginalized people with love and joy.[3]

God doesn’t need disgruntled or resentful followers, nor does He need death dealing followers who judge and reject the sinner. He needs and wants disciples, learners, to be full of joy and mercy, willing to be in a lasting relationship with Him, who is the teacher, and humbly commit to carrying out his work in a world where people are desperately need of both joy and mercy. The teacher is ever present; are we, the student, ready and willing to learn?

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[1] Scripture (NABRE), Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22; Matthew 8:1-4

[2] Psychology Today. “When the Student is Ready, the Teacher Will Appear” by E. Paul Zehr Ph.D. posted June 23, 2015.

[3] Weekday HomilyHelps. Exegesis by Mary Ann Getty, Ph.D. and Homily Suggestion by Sister Eileen Connelly, OSU