Love of Neighbor

            

Today’s first reading from the book of Deuteronomy contains the famous saying that every Jew would have known by heart during the time of Jesus. 

Hear O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone!

Therefore, you shall love the Lord, your God, 

with all your heart,

and with all your soul,

and with all your strength.

How were the Jews to love God, the God who had delivered them from their captivity in Egypt? Moses told them to keep the statutes and commandments which the Lord had given them. We know that after the time of Moses the original Ten Commandments had grown to more than 600, an incredible array of do’s and don’ts that put a great burden on the people.

However, in today’s gospel passage a Jewish scholar asked Jesus  “Which is the first of all the commandments?” As usual, Jesus chose to simplify and get right to the true spirit of the Law. In his reply Jesus combined two verses from the Hebrew Scriptures, the first that we heard above from Deuteronomy, and the second from Leviticus, 19: 18. 

You shall love the Lord your God,

With all your heart,

With all your soul,

And with all your mind.

This is the greatest and first commandment.

The second is like it:

You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

He combined them because his life and mission showed that the love of God and the love of neighbor went hand in hand. One is not possible without the other.

How do we love a God who we cannot see or hear? Jesus insisted over and over again that we love God in loving our neighbor. Perhaps mystics and great saints can see more directly but for ordinary people the more we love our neighbor, the more we love God.

But who is our neighbor? Please notice that Jesus did not tell us to love everyone willy- nilly. I once heard a story of a man who loved mankind in general but despised every individual he ever met. A feeling of love for humanity in general is not what Jesus talked about. On the contrary, Jesus always directed his love at individuals directly in front of him. He really meant it when he said love your neighbor.

Our closest neighbors are those entrusted to our care: our parents, our spouses, our children, our sisters and brothers. If we can’t love them, who can we love? It is really sad sometimes to see people neglect their own families for the sake of some seemingly noble cause. 

Loving those closest to us means helping to lift  the burdens that life has placed on them. As children we often thought that our parents were placing unnecessary burdens on us, but we rarely thought about the burden we placed on their shoulders. How often did we neglect to pitch in and help? Why do husbands and wives often make each other’s life harder when it is so much easier to share the load? Even Seniors, who should know better, often place unnecessary burdens on their grown children.

What are friends for, if not to help us share the burdens of life? What kind of love is it that constantly makes demands on others without lifting a finger to help? Actually, the more we love those closest to us, the more will we be able to love others. 

We know that Jesus extended the very meaning of neighbor. In the famous parable of the Good Samaritan, he asked, “who was neighbor to the man”? It was the Samaritan who cared for the Jewish man who had been beaten and robbed despite the animosity between Jews and Samaritans. It is hard to imagine the Samaritan stopping on the road to help a stranger in distress without believing that he had experienced real love and caring in his own family and neighborhood.

Jesus showed us that the way to love God is through the love of our neighbor. All that we do for those entrusted to our care and protection, we do for Him. 

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Reading 1.  Deuteronomy 6: 2-6

Reading II. Hebrews 7: 23-28

Gospel. Mark 12: 28-34 (The Great Commandments)  

The Blind Man

                      30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

                      B cycle

 

       

Today’s first reading from the book of the Prophet Jeremiah is about the Lord’s deliverance of his people from slavery. He speaks of an immense crowd finally able to return to their native land. 

 

Behold, I will bring them back

From the land of the north;

I will gather them from the ends of the world,

With the blind and the lame in their midst…

 

In today’s gospel reading from Mark we can see that the cure of one blind man by Jesus is a fulfillment of the prophecy. Bartimaeus was the blind man’s name. Actually “bar” means “son of” and so the poor beggar is only identified as the son of his father, Timaeus. Bartimaeus is begging at the entrance to Jericho when he hears that Jesus is passing by followed by a large crowd.  He raises his voice and says, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” 

 

We are told that people tried to stop his shouting but he persisted until Jesus stopped and called for him. Immediately, the man jumped up and approached Jesus who simply asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” His reply is simply, “Master, I want to see.” Mark does not bother with any details but only indicates that a few words from Jesus were enough to enable Bartimaeus to see. “Go your way, your faith has saved you.” 

 

Jesus said that it was the faith of Bartimaeus that saved him and allowed him to see. But Bartimaeus could not see until he encountered Jesus on the road to Jericho. How do we encounter Jesus today in our ordinary lives? If we have faith, we will encounter Jesus at every Mass. Our faith tells us that Jesus is really presence in the sacrament of the Eucharist. Moreover, we also believe that at the Consecration of the Mass, the actual priest is Jesus himself who offers Himself for us in the same way that he offered Himself on Calvary. 

 

If we think about it, we can also encounter Jesus throughout the Mass. So many prayers are directed to him, and we have his own words and deeds in the gospel reading. After the Second Vatican Council the Church revived the Kiss of Peace, an ancient practice that had largely gone out of use. In past times the priest would bow and kiss the altar. The altar represented Jesus and it was understood that the priest was actually being kissed by Jesus. The priest would then turn to a deacon and pass the kiss of Jesus to him while saying, “Peace be with you.” The deacon would then go into the congregation and ask them to pass the kiss of Jesus on to their neighbor. 

 

If we could only see today that when someone offers us the Kiss of Peace or even a handshake, it is actually Jesus offering his hand to us. The Kiss of Peace is a blessing and we are being asked to bless our neighbor. For all we know, that neighbor could be a real saint, or at least someone doing the Lord’s work in their own little way. On the other hand, we might be passing the blessing to someone who needs the healing of Jesus as much as Bartimaeus did

 

Today, many people like to think of Jesus as a good man and a fine teacher. Despite the accounts of miracles like the one above, they find it hard to see that Jesus is something else. Such was not the case with the people who witnessed these miraculous healings as well as with the early followers of Jesus. In our second reading today, the author of the Letter to the Hebrews calls Jesus a High Priest, a priest who by offering Himself enabled us all to be healed. 

 

Whether we realize it or not, we are all at Mass for a reason. We all have problems and need help. Jesus asked Bartimaeus, “what do you want me to do for you?” He wanted to see. We are told that on receiving his sight, Bartimaeus followed Jesus on the way. We can encounter Jesus in the Mass but we can also follow on his way by caring for those entrusted to our care and who need our help.

 

 

 

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Note: Image from St. Joseph Basilica, Alameda, CA.

Reading 1.  Jeremiah 31: 7-9

Reading II. Hebrews 5: 1-6

Gospel. Mark 1Mark 10: 46-52 (Bartimaeus, a blind man)  

Self Sacrifice

                   29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

                  B cycle

 

      

All three readings today deal with self-sacrifice, the central element of our Christian faith. The first reading is part of the suffering servant discourse from the book of the Prophet Isaiah. The words have always been applied to the work of Jesus.

 

If he gives his life as an offering for sin,

He shall see his descendants in a long life,

And the will of the Lord shall be accomplished through him.

 

In today’s gospel reading Jesus obviously applies the words to Himself but then also to all who would follow him.

 

For the son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

 

The remark of Jesus had been prompted by a dispute that had broken our among his followers. James and John had asked for special treatment in the Kingdom of God. It was a foolish request and Jesus told them, “you do not know what you are asking.” After all, to share in His glory would mean sharing in all the pain and suffering He was going to endure.

 

When the other apostles heard of the request of James and John, they became indignant at the two brothers. At that point Jesus calls them all together and tells them that the way of the Gentiles cannot be their way. Their place in the Kingdom of God will not be one of authority but of service.

 

Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;

Whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.

 

Whenever we hear the word “Gentile” in scripture we should broaden our horizon beyond biblical times. In those days, anyone not a Jew was called a Gentile by the Jews, who severely limited their contact with foreigners. Not only did Gentiles fail to acknowledge one God, but also their ways and customs were often regarded as unclean. Although Jesus went out of his way to praise and help virtuous Gentiles, he warned his followers to avoid their bad behavior.

 

You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them,

And their great ones make their authority felt.

 

The Gentiles are still with us today. Our great ones still make their authority felt. Even though we live in a democracy and our leaders call themselves public servants, they often act like the potentates of old. They constantly give speeches but rarely listen to anyone but their wealthy contributors. They take the best places at banquets or gatherings. During the recent visit of Pope Francis to America, leading politicians usually found their way to the front row even at Mass. Sadly, leaders of the Church often act like potentates themselves.

 

A few years ago I found a wonderful example of true service right in my own parish community. “Off the Streets”,  is a small organization formed a few years ago to help the “homeless” find homes. It was created by a deacon of the Diocese of Bridgeport, and one of the deacons in my parish formed the local chapter.

 

“Off the Streets” found that families with children make up about 36% of the homeless population. Single men make up 44% while single women make up about 13%. The remaining 7% are unaccompanied minors. Surprisingly, about 44% of the homeless are doing paid work, but they cannot afford the security deposit on an apartment, or the expenses involved in furnishing the apartment.

 

“Off the Streets” works to meet this need by providing the security deposit and the basic furnishings for an apartment. The organization relies entirely on volunteers who receive no pay. Its overhead is about $20 per month but so far it has managed to find housing for more than 1000 families and individuals. 

 

In the Acts of the Apostles we find that deacons played a very important role in the very beginning of the church. When the Apostles found it difficult to tend to all the physical needs of their growing community, they appointed deacons to assist in the care of the needy. But over the centuries the diaconate became just a kind of temporary step in the process of ordaining a priest. However, after the Second Vatican Council the Church created the permanent diaconate as a way for the laity to take a more important role.

 

Today the deacons and volunteers who staff “Off the Streets” are literally following the words of Jesus to be servants of all. *

 

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* Note In its brief existence, “Off the Streets” has succeeded in providing almost 1000 homeless individuals and families with a place to live. It has a devoted group of volunteers who work year round. In its pamphlet OTS explained how it helps.

 

*OTS generally pays security deposits and other upfront costs.

*OTS’ process can usually provide a fully furnished apartment in as little as two to fourteen days.

*OTS provides basic household (furniture, bedding, etc.) to help give our clients a fresh start.

*A bus ticket can get a homeless person off the streets when family from out of town are willing to take in the person.

The Off the Streets website provides much more information of what it does and on the ways others can help.

 

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Reading 1.  Isaiah 53: 10-11

Reading II. Hebrews 4: 14-16

Gospel. Mark 10: 35-45 (a ransom for many)

The Rich Young Man

                       28^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

                      B cycle

 

Today’s first reading from the Book of Wisdom claims that wisdom is to be desired and sought after more than anything else in the world. Wisdom is regarded as more valuable than power or riches. It is even more to be desired than health or good looks. 

 

Actually, we are told that the attainment of wisdom will provide us with rewards greater than anything else in this life. Wisdom is usually referred to as a woman. The Greek word for wisdom is Sophia. But, what is wisdom?

 

I like to think that wisdom is the ability to make a decision. Sometimes, it can be a clear cut decision between right and wrong. But most times, it might just involve a decision between two courses of action that both appear to be right. Should I take this job or that one? Should I take this course or that one? 

 

It doesn’t take much to realize that wisdom is not merely a matter of brain power. It is obvious that some of the most learned and knowledgeable people often demonstrate a remarkable inability to make proper decisions for themselves or others. I’m not saying that it pays to be ignorant, but that wisdom requires experience as well as knowledge. Often, wisdom involves relying on the experience of others, not just ourselves. 

 

In today’s gospel we have the famous account of the young man of great wealth who asks Jesus, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Today, many of us, old and young, can identify with this young man. A senior citizen might look back and wonder, “What has my life been all about? Why was I put here? A young person might wonder, “What am I going to do with my life, or what will become of me?

 

Jesus initially tells the young man to trust in the wisdom that has been handed down to him.

 

You know the commandments: You shall not kill;

You shall not commit adultery;

You shall not steal;

You shall not bear false witness;

You shall not defraud;

Honor your father and your mother.

 

Jesus was telling the man that living the commandments was all an ordinary person had to do. The young man replied that he had kept these commandments all his life but there must have been something in his voice indicating that something was still lacking. Despite all of his wealth, he had not found happiness. 

 

The gospel tells us that Jesus looked upon the rich young man with love and invited him to become a disciple.

 

Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor

And you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”

 

Mark tells us that at the words of Jesus, the young man’s “face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.” This is probably the only occasion when someone rejects a personal invitation from Jesus. It is one of the saddest passages in scripture. What are we to make of this passage?

 

It would be easy to try and explain away these words but Jesus went even further after the young man left. Turning from the departing young man, he faced the apostles and said to them:

 

“Children, how hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God. It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

 

We are told that the Apostles were amazed at his words. They believed, as many of us do, that wealth was a sign of God’s favor. Poverty was never voluntarily chosen. At best, it was a suffering that had to be endured. There were groups of poor men like the Essenes but they were out of the mainstream of Jewish life.

 

Peter and the other disciples were shocked even though they must have been aware that Jesus often used strong words to drive home a point. They asked, “Who then can be saved?” The response of Jesus was full of hope: “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 

 

I have heard explanations of this hard saying of Jesus but it seems to me that Jesus is just being consistent with the teaching in the Book of Wisdom. There is something more important than the attainment of wealth. The things we possess have the power to possess us. Isn’t it true that the more we have, the more we want?

 

Jesus is not saying that we should cease to provide for ourselves and those entrusted to our care. He always told us to act like good stewards and manage our affairs wisely. Jesus told the young man that he had done well to just follow the commandments. 

 

Thank goodness that most of us are not rich and powerful. But there are still things that we value that we find it hard to give up. What child will be successful in school if they are not willing to give up their games and hit the books? What marriage will be successful if the couple is unwilling to give up their own desires for the sake of each other? How many senior citizens end their lives in bitterness and despair surrounded by the accumulated possessions of a lifetime?

 

In today’s second reading from the Book of Hebrews we are told that the word of God is “sharper than any two edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow.” The hard sayings of Jesus should make us consider what is really important in our lives, and help us decide what we must do to inherit eternal life.

 

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Reading 1.  Wisdom 7: 7-11

Reading II. Hebrews 4: 12-13

Gospel. Mark 10:10-17 (What must I do…?)

Image note. This painting by the Venetian Renaissance master Giorgione is now in the Pitti Palace in Florence. It is labelled the Three Ages of Man but I have interpreted it as the encounter of Jesus with the rich young man of today's gospel.