Sept. 21. Three meditations

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Scripture: Lectionary # 643: St. Matthew, Evangelist. They symbol for Matthew in Christian art is that of a man. It stems from the figures of the “creatures” spoken of by the prophet Ezekiel and from the same symbolism taken up in the Apocalypse of John of Patmos (not the apostle John). In the Gospel excerpt for his feast the first word used to describe him is a “man” whom Jesus saw sitting at his post as a tax collector. He is very prompt in leaving the post and following Jesus. He then invites the Lord to a banquet to which he invites his friends—other customs officers, tax collectors, and sinners (Gentiles). Our Catholic tradition considers this same man as the author of the Gospel of Matthew. This is the best and closest we can come to knowing who actually wrote the Gospel of Matthew. The Tradition confirms the name and this scene has a person with the same name Matthew. It is best to trust our tradition for nothing better has ever been proposed.

In the passage from St. Paul there is also a reference to the perfect man who grows and is configured into Christ as a devout and persevering follower of the Lord. Paul exhorts us to become one with Christ. We are to become Christ through our maturation in living the mysteries of Jesus in our own lives. Paul develops the passage by referring to different roles of service within the Church; Matthew has the role of Evangelist, Apostle,Pastor, Teacher, and Martyr or witness to the faith. This is how he comes to full stature in the conforming himself to Christ.

This Gospel is considered the first in the Western order and was used extensively in the liturgy throughout the history of the Church. It is not chronologically the first Gospel, but does have a certain priority in the orderly and liturgically helpful way in which its passage can easily be seen as units making up the whole picture or image of the Christ in its twenty-eight chapters. It is the only Gospel that gives the name Emmanuel to Jesus (meaning God is with us) and hints at this in the middle and at the end of its Good News. Matthew follows the Gospel of Mark quite closely but has a common source of sayings that Mark does not use, but Luke takes up in his Gospel. This is known as the “Two Source Theory” and it makes sense for those who study the Gospels with literary and compositional interests.

Our Psalm 19 is perfect for celebrating a feast in honor of an Evangelist and Apostle in that it unfolds the announcements of God throughout the universe. There are two parts to the psalm. The first part fits our Evangelist and his proclaiming the Good News; the second part is the source for the Psalm that praises the Torah for 176 verses while using the letters of the Hebrew alphabet to compose the stanzas. Immanuel Kant may have been inspired to write these words after pondering over this psalm: “There are two things that fill my soul with holy reverence and ever-growing wonder—the spectacle of the starry sky that virtually annihilates us as physical beings, and the moral law which raises us to infinite dignity as intelligent agents.” The last verse of the Psalm puts us into the heart of Matthew who could easily have taken this as his inspiration for writing his Gospel besides the primary one of handing on Jesus to us through his Good News: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable before Thee, O Lord, my rock, and my redeemer. “ Amen.

Scripture: Lectionary # 451: Ezra 9:5-9. Tobit 13:2.3-4.6.7-8.6. Luke 9:1-6:

Luke is the Evangelist of journeying with J esus. He is always conscious of the way Jesus travels and invites his followers to do the same even while he is with them and when he is not with them. This occurs during his time with them in history and then after his resurrection when they carry on the journey and invite us to be both disciples and pilgrims on the way with Jesus. The Gospel begins in Jerusalem and then journeys throughout the holy land and comes back to Jerusalem in the final chapter.

Jesus calls the Twelve and then sends them out as his “apostles” (the ones being sent) to all the villages and towns that much be evangelized and given the opportunity to experience the healings, exorcisms, and the consolation of the Good News. Later in the Gospel we will hear that seventy or seventy two according to some manuscripts are sent out to do this journeying while preaching the Gospel to everyone. Luke wants us to know that the Gospel is a universal announcement and proclamation for all peoples and nations. No one is left out and the apostles and disciples must continue to bring this good news to everyone.

We are told of the simplicity and ascetism of the Twelve and the Seventy. Only hospitality is emphasized for they are to stay and refresh themselves in those homes and with those families that offer a warmth of welcome. Otherwise, they move on without any possessions of their own. How can they do this? Luke helps us to understand the calling of discipleship by concentrating on the teachings of Jesus in his Journey Narrative (chapters 9:51-19:28). They will learn the cost of their following the Lord but they will also be given the gift of the Holy Spirit to do the works of Jesus and to proclaim him as the Christ. Luke loves this theme so much that his second writing is called the “Acts of the Apostles”, that is, the missionary works that those who are being sent must do. They will be led by Stephen, John, Peter, Philip, and Paul.

We have seen that holy women follow Jesus and minister directly to him and his apostles. They are disciples of Jesus and make the journey with him before and after his resurrection. Their names are mentioned and they offer us real examples of what it means to be a follower and disciple and apostle of Jesus. His mother is among them and is the star of evangelization in her own unique way. We are therefore never alone. Theses holy ones are with us on our journey spurring us on not to lose heart. Amen.

Scripture: Lectionary # 452

Haggai 1:1-8. Psalm 149:1-2.3-4.5-6.9 Luke 9:7-9:

Questions are found in the New Testament quite frequently. In Mark Jesus is always asking questions of his followers to help them and us to grow in becoming more and more like him. These questions are not like our doubt filled ones but rather living and inspired questions coming from the mouth of the Son of God. We all are familiar with the great one Jesus asks of his apostles: “Who do you say that I am?” We can spend hours on that question and discover that there will be many answers from those who believe in Jesus and those who do not.

In the passage Luke gives us, we learn of a persecutor and a wily old fox named Herod Antipas. He was asking questions as he heard about this man named Jesus who seemed to be so similar to John the Baptist but even did miracles. Herod was always curious and his questions attest to that human propensity. His friends ask the same questions and come up with the answers they are hearing about who Jesus is. Some say he is John the Baptist, others Elijah, or one of the prophets. Or maybe he is a John the Baptist who is risen from the dead. Herod’s ears are itching and his curiosity resembles that of a cat or better a wily old fox as Jesus was wont to call him. He is perplexed. So are the questions we hear about who Jesus is and the answers that are given to us.

Herod realizes that he has beheaded John the Baptist but he still wants to hear and see this man who is making such a stir among the hoi polloi (the ordinary people). Jesus will make every effort to avoid Herod except when he is bound and brought to him from Pilate during his last day on earth.

How about my questions? Am I only curious about who Jesus is? Am I perplexed and doubtful about his divinity or his humanity? Or both? Am I shocked at what he calls me to be? Do I realize it is only through a deep faith of the heart in the person of Jesus am I able to experience who he is and even know who he is? Bible study and reading commentaries about him give us some necessary background about him but it is only our faith that will lead us to experience who Jesus is. Then we begin to understand why he can perform miracles and be resurrected by the Father. Our faith will probe the paradox of his death and resurrection as a foundation for our continued growth into Jesus. The gift of faith is a free gift from God, but it needs to be developed if we are to experience God and Jesus. Am I to line up myself with the sly fox or am I going to follow Jesus as a little child would? The choice is ours. Amen.