Fifth Sunday Lent_C - Old Problem - New Solution_040322

Deacon Tom Writes,

“Old Problem – New Solution”

Fifth Sunday of Lent, Year C

Today’s readings tell us how much the Lord does on our behalf… “The Lord… opens… ways in the sea / paths in mighty waters.” … “The Lord does something new.” The Responsorial Psalm proclaims, “The Lord is doing great things for us, we are filled with joy.”

Sometimes the Lord “does great things” for us but other times, he gives us the opportunity to do great things for others.

Jesus helps a woman.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus had another difficult encounter with the scribes and the Pharisees, who were starting to see Jesus as a threat.

They brought a woman to him who, witnesses said, committed adultery. There were strict laws for this—a death sentence. They wanted Jesus’ opinion on what they should do.

This was a trick question, a lose-lose question for Jesus, except he was one step ahead of them. If he answered “yes,” the woman would be stoned in keeping with the Mosaic Law. If he said, “no,” the Pharisees could brand Jesus as someone who didn’t support the law.

The Gospel doesn’t tell us what Jesus wrote on the ground. I’ve always thought it was some of those same Mosaic Laws that they were all guilty of violating. Jesus lived in the community—he would have known which shopkeeper was dishonest, who didn’t pay their taxes, who else had committed adultery or done something wrong.

After writing, Jesus said, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” He didn’t overrule the law, and he didn’t excuse the behavior. He offered the crowd a chance to reflect and act on their own conscience. Not surprisingly, there were no takers.

Jesus was left is alone with the woman. The exchange between them is profound.

Jesus asked, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

“No one, sir.”

Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and from now on do not sin any more.”

Showing compassion.

This shift away from retribution to compassion is subtle yet profound. It’s one of the keys to the New Testament—the shift away from “eye for an eye” toward love. This is radical, and it’s not something found in the Mosaic laws.

Jesus knew the woman before him was frightened and ashamed. She may have even preferred death by stoning than public humiliation. Yet Christ did not condemn her for her sin. He didn’t quote from Leviticus and tell her the law she was guilty of violating. He didn’t blame her or point the finger. Instead, he encouraged her: “Go and sin no more.”

He gave her a new beginning, a fresh start, forgiveness.

What a grace-filled, inciteful, positive way to encourage someone to make a course correction in their lives. This is something we should think about and emulate today. We never know what happened to this woman. I like to think she went did as Jesus asked, that she left and led a good life. I hope she paid it forward, helping others and showing them the compassion Christ showed her.

This works, for real.

I’ve spent many years in prisons as a Catholic chaplain. I’ve thought about the balance between compassion and retribution seeing the way the “justice” (“corrections”) system works. Sure, we need laws, penalties, and consequences for those who choose to violate laws and hurt members of society. But what is the ultimate goal? Is it to get even? Or is it to create the best world possible?

Judges and lawmakers are often faced with two choices—to issue harsh penalties as an example to others who might break the law, or to applying compassion and create paths for offenders who choose to rehabilitate themselves.

Corrections officers and police get those same two choices, too. After years of dealing with criminals, some act as judge and punisher, while others serve as problem solvers, listeners, and compassionate custodians of their fellow human beings.

Many times, that ounce of compassion from a police officer, judge, corrections officer, or senior inmate, especially when the offender didn’t expect it, was the thing they credited with changing their lives forever.

Compassion works outside the context of crime and punishment. It’s universal. Think of any situation where you’ve needed or given compassion, especially compassion that might not have been deserved. The investment often produces incalculable dividends.

People are loyal to the boss or person who showed them compassion. They show gratitude. They often want to improve, to be the best they can, to show they deserved the kindness.

That’s what Jesus demonstrated today.

“You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink!”

It’s not our job to make sure the person receiving the kindness did something heroic with it. It’s our job to be there to help in a crisis—to simply be available without judgment or condemnation, like Jesus did for the woman today.

Or, as Jesus said, “Go and sin no more.” This has the possibility of setting into motion real healing. As a prison chaplain, employer, parent and hospice deacon, I’ve seen this play out time and time again.

In Jesus’ time this was a radical approach to fixing a persistent problem. I’d argue it remains that way today. But, what an experience of freedom on both sides of the equation!

This Lent, I hope you’ll think deeply about compassion and make Jesus’ practice your own, remembering that it is God who stands in judgment, and it is our job to simply be there to listen and give comfort whenever the opportunity arises.

Because who doesn’t like a fresh start every once in a while? Who doesn’t like the slate wiped clean every now and again?

That’s the heart of the Easter message: Jesus gives anyone who follows his ways a fresh start by raising us to new life with him this Easter!

Enjoy the day!
Deacon Tom

Recommendations:

“The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection.
Amazon summarizes this spiritual classic saying, “Brother Lawrence was a man of humble beginnings who discovered the greatest secret of living in the kingdom of God here on earth. It is the art of "practicing the presence of God in one single act that does not end." He often stated that it is God who paints Himself in the depths of our soul. We must merely open our hearts to receive Him and His loving presence. For centuries this unparalleled classic has given both blessing and instruction to those who can be content with nothing less than knowing God in all His majesty and feeling His loving presence throughout each simple day.”

Church Meets World: the America Magazine Podcast
This is where the Catholic Church meets the most interesting and consequential issues of our time. Each episode explores a different topic through immersive stories told by America’s editors.

Fourth Sunday of Lent_C - 032720 - The More Things Change, the More They Remain the Same

                     Rembrandt: The Return of the Prodigal Son (1663) Canvas Gallery Wrapped Giclee Wall Art Print (D6045)

Deacon Tom Writes,

“The More Things Change, the More They Remain the Same”

Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year C

Inflation and the Widening Gap

There is much commentary today about the vanishing middle class and the increasing numbers of people left behind in our new economy. People are suffering.

Some of the reasons for this are decades in the making: the rising cost of college education coupled with low paying jobs with no benefits, high cost of child care, job seekers’ difficulty in finding quality full-time employment, and the increasing numbers of companies outsourcing jobs to save a buck. There’s also the lack of adequate training for the highly skilled tech jobs, and the college-push stigma placed on the trades for the past three decades.

All that was happening prior to Covid. Post-Covid shutdowns, supply chain gaps and price gouging sent even more workers and small businesses over the edge. Now, we’re experiencing inflation amid a Cold War-style military buildup and showdown with Russia.

Any one of these things would be enough to strain the economy and cause fear, but today, we see a combination of these factors at work. People are working multiple jobs to provide for the basic need of their family. During and post Covid, many couldn’t work at all. The ones who did worked the front lines to keep everyone else fed, taught, and cared for—all at great risk and for little or no reward.

“It’s not fair.”

People are angry. It’s easy to see why. Many haven’t been getting their “fair share” for a long time and it’s polarizing our communities. There’s a spirit of bitterness, resentment and even hatred festering in the hearts of many people. Politicians and the media never pass up a chance to capitalize on that to create a viral headline. The result is that we’re steeped in negativity all the time. That makes it easy to get caught up in the unfairness of life instead of thinking about solutions.

The more things change, the more they stay the same…

It may seem like we’re in unique times—that the world is falling apart--but the truth is, every generation has had its catastrophes, and it’s never fair. As I read today’s Gospel in light of today’s events, I feel the old saying is true, “The more things change, the more things remain the same.”

The older brother in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son was very much like many of us—hard working and angry he wasn’t getting his fair share. He spent his life doing what he was supposed to do. He stayed at home, worked the farm, and took on additional responsibilities because his brother left to “live the dream.”

When the younger brother returned, the older brother expected his father to be angry. He needed his father to be angry in order to validate his own hard work.

Instead, the father welcomed the younger brother back. The older brother was resentful. He served his father faithfully. He put in the work while his younger brother abandoned the family with no apparent consequence. Even worse, the brother seemed to be rewarded for his bad behavior—he got to keep his inheritance and the father ordered a feast.

Most of us today identify and sympathize with the older brother as we do the right thing day after day and feel overlooked. It’s tough to see the justice in this Gospel reading, just like it’s nearly impossible to see the justice in many areas of society today.

Let’s take a deeper look.

On our first reading of this parable, the older brother is the hero, and we want the younger brother punished—that’s the justice we want to see.

If I look at this reading again, and turn away from the rational me and instead turn the lens inward, I see the many times I’ve needed—and been granted—forgiveness. Then, I ask myself, “Why shouldn’t he receive forgiveness, too?” The hero becomes the father who is able to open his heart, unconditionally.

That’s the true beauty of this reading and the actionable lesson for today.

God sees our bad behavior and still welcomes us back when we come to our senses. He has unconditional love. He does not “count our trespasses against us.”

The younger son receives forgiveness, but the older brother needs it, too--for failing to open his own heart and recognize his father’s need to stand by his son who made a mistake and was contrite enough to admit it.

I wish I knew the end of the story. We never know if the older son joined the banquet, shook hands and forgave his brother, or if he lived a life of anger and resentment. We may not know the end of this story—but we can write our own end by improving our skills of forgiveness.

Why forgive?

Jesus calls us to forgive, not once, but “seventy times seven times” according to St. Matthew (Mt 18:22). It’s a very clear direction—not a suggestion. It’s difficult to do and often doesn’t seem logical. To do it right, we have to do it often. “Practice makes perfect,” as they say.

Forgiveness is often misunderstood as an invitation to become a doormat.

It’s the opposite. It’s strength. And, it’s a gift to ourselves, too. When we forgive, we think we’re giving grace to another, but we’re really doing it for ourselves. In recognizing the humanness of another--letting a situation go—we’re really being compassionate with ourselves. Forgiveness frees us from negativity, anger, hate, and resentment.

If the brother had just seen that—that forgiveness was for him, too—he would’ve saved himself a whole lot of anger.

We can give ourselves that gift, too.

In these difficult times when everyone’s tempted to “blame, flame, and maim” let’s do the opposite. This Lenten season, I challenge you to extend God’s grace in all directions— through the practice of forgiveness.

Think of even just one thing you can let go, and see how it frees you, too.

Enjoy the day!
Deacon Tom

Recommended Reading: The Return of the Prodigal Son – A Story of Homecoming by Henri J.M. Nouwen. He was a Dutch Catholic priest, professor, writer and theologian. After nearly two decades of teaching at academic institutions including the University of Notre Dame, Yale Divinity School and Harvard Divinity School, Nouwen went on to work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the L'Arche Daybreak community in Richmond Hill, Ontario.

Podcast: Busted Halo with Fr. Dave Dwyer (A production of the Paulist Fathers).

Busted Halo is a unique media resource that utilizes a relevant and accessible voice to help people understand the Catholic faith, put it into practice in their everyday lives, and share it with others.

Our vision is for a more joyful and meaningful experience of Catholicism that positively impacts people’s lives. At Busted Halo, we aim to bring the joy of the Gospel to all people in innovative and creative ways.

Third Sunday of Lent_C - We've Got to Change Our Evil Ways"_032022

                                      Photo Credit: Kevin Carter, “the Vulture and the Little Girl” 

 

 Deacon Tom Writes,

“We’ve Got to Change Our Evil Ways!” 

Third Sunday of Lent Year C

The title of Carlos Santana’s hit song “You’ve Got to Change our Evil Ways” is a message we can take to heart from today’s readings. The song lyrics aren’t talking about the same things St. Paul told the Corinthians, but the mantra remains the same. 

In today’s reading Paul reminded the Israelites of their ancestors’ forty-year experience wandering in the desert. He said they, “all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink” nonetheless, they were “struck down in the desert” because their spiritual food “did not change their evil desires.” 

This part is important. Paul emphasized this, “(these words) have been written down as a warning to us, upon whom the end of the ages has come.” 

Manna was the Israelites’ physical and spiritual food. Ours is the Eucharist. 

What’s on your spiritual plate?

Listening to the readings today, do you get a better awareness of the Eucharist as our “spiritual food and drink”? Do you feel the message that Jesus is present in the Eucharist to help us on our own desert journey? 

Do Paul’s words give you a deeper sense of the Eucharist as a real transformation in which we experience Christ—and more importantly—that like the bread and wine, we too are permanently changed and transformed into the “Mystical Body of Christ”? 

“But Deacon Tom…I’m not evil…”

True. If you were, you probably wouldn’t be reading this right now reflecting on your Lenten journey. 

“So, if I’m not evil, how does this apply to me?”

I’m glad you asked. 

Paul’s words apply to everyone because we can do better. In traditional Catholic education there are two types of sin—sins of action and sins of omission. We often consider “evil” as we see it on the news—crime, war, tragedy. We hang the label of “evil” on the other guy, not ourselves. 

But the sins of omission—those missed opportunities to participate in the Kingdom of God around us every day—those add up too.  Please take a moment to click the link for the photo credit today and read the story of the photo “The Vulture and the Little Girl” and the journalist, Kevin Carter, who took this Pulitzer Winning photo. It deeply underscores the message in the readings today.   

If we want to live in the Kingdom of God—the one Jesus revealed to us throughout his ministry and the one Paul discussed today—we need to make some significant changes to the way we think, in how we live our lives, and how we relate to and interact with one another. Can we be kinder? Can we step out of our path to give someone help? Can we be the heroes the world needs us to be? 

I challenge you to first notice your day-to-day flow—the times when you can do a little bit better. Then, make those changes. 

Whether you call it “repentance,” “a change of heart,” or “metanoia” the process of making these changes is the same thing. You’re taking action. 

Lent gives us the opportunity to reboot—to examine our lives and “change our evil ways.”  This is challenging. It requires commitment, discipline, and perseverance.  As followers of Christ, this is a challenge we face not only during our Lenten journey but throughout our entire lives. It is hard but necessary work if we are to become productive members of the Kingdom of God that Jesus invites us to seek.  

Paul warned us.  “Don’t be like them.” We can learn from the Israelites. They had all the spiritual food they needed but didn’t “change their evil ways.”  

We have the food of everlasting life in the Eucharist…if, and only if… it gives us the heartfelt desire to “change our evil ways” and live as the Children of God, in whose image we have been made. 

In God’s divine plan, new life and transformation go hand in hand. 

If there is no transformation, there is no new life! And, if there is no new life, then our evil ways will have dire spiritual consequences. If the Eucharist produces no new life in us—if we’re just going through the motions—we’re no better off than our spiritual ancestors who were struck down in the desert and never entered the Promised Land. 

We’re the fig tree in today’s Gospel. If there are no figs, the fig tree gets cut down. Lent is the chance to say “Wait!” so we can fertilize the soil around our roots and bear fruit. 

I hope we all take advantage of this season fully.  

On to the rest of the day, with Santana’s song playing in my head.

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom 

Recommended Reading: “Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation” by Fr. Martin Laird, O.S.A

“We are built for contemplation.” We often associate meditation and contemplation with Eastern religions. Fr. Laird’s book shows the rich history of Catholic contemplation in both the Eastern and Western rites, and how it’s enriches our spiritual journey. 

This is a very readable book that includes history and modern-day examples. 

Podcast: Fr. Dan Horan and David Dault: “The Francis Effect” 

The tagline for this podcast is “Two theologians walk into a bar… No, seriously.”  “The Francis Effect” is about “the world of politics and current effects as seen through the world of Catholic teaching and spirituality.”  No political or global event is off limits. Fr. Dan Horan is a Franciscan friar and David Dault is a producer and convert to Catholicism. This is and engaging and thoughtful look at polarizing issues—the type that give us the opportunity to reflect and put St. Paul’s words into practice.  

Second Sunday of Lent_C - The Enemy Within_031322

Deacon Tom Writes,

“The Enemy Within”

Second Sunday of Lent, Year C

Today’s readings give us food for thought as we begin another Lenten season. Our first reading recalls the promise (covenant) God made with Abram, that he would be the father of many nations and that “his children would outnumber the stars….”

 

Imagine this for a second--Abram holding back a little chuckle as God reveals his plan. Imagine further if Abram could see the heavens through the eyes of the Hubble Telescope and know for certain it’s impossible to count the “number of stars in the heavens”! God’s promise was simply beyond Abraham’s imagination.

 

That didn’t make it less possible for God to fulfill.

 

Lent is a time to reflect on the promises God has made and fulfilled.

 

God made good on his promise to redeem the world from the darkness of sin and death. He sent his Son, Jesus, whose obedience and sacrifice redeemed the world. Like Abram, we might struggle to understand what God has done for us. But if we begin to see—even in the slightest—then we realize what a great gift we’ve received. We’ve been given the gift of Eternal Life, the chance to live with God forever.

 

This is the gift that Christ’s death and resurrection has secured for us.

Lent is a time to reflect on transformation.

 

Another theme in today’s readings that guides us on our Lenten journey is that of Jesus’ transformation. Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus in the fullness of his glory and were overwhelmed. This sneak peek at the Divine Jesus helps us realize that we too must be transformed into the mystical Body of Christ.

 

St. Paul spoke about our need to experience this metamorphosis when he wrote to the Galatians… “I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:20). We always seek to follow in Christ’s footsteps so we can pick up our crosses and follow the rocky road of our lives. It’s not an easy thing to do.

 

We “let go and let God” in baby steps, learning to surrender ourselves to God’s will as we overcome our trials and frustrations in life. It’s our transformation.

 

It’s not easy.

 

St. Paul confronted some early followers of Jesus who called themselves Christians, but were, he said, “…enemies of the cross of Christ.” St. Paul’s words are important to all followers of Christ—especially today. Paul asked the Philippians to, “join with others in being imitators of me.” This is an invitation from a man who himself experienced a powerful transformation, and as a follower of Christ imitated him in every way.

 

St. Paul is an excellent example for us on our Lenten Journey. He knew what it took to transform into a true follower of Christ. He put in the work. He knew how to subdue the enemy within – by constant prayer, fasting, and charitable works. These are good activities for us to take part in this Lenten season as we work to quell our own “enemies within” so we can experience the type of transformation Jesus and St. Paul modeled for us.

 

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

 

Recommendations

 

Book: Fr. Thomas Massaro, S.J., "Living Justice,” Catholic Social Teaching in Action.

 

Fr. Massaro’s work is a classic, teaching about the history and building blocks of social justice through the lens of our Catholic faith. This updated edition is an important read, even if you’ve read the older editions before. Fr. Massaro discusses the impact of Pope Francis on the subject of Catholic social justice.

 

Podcast: Fr. Mike Schmitz: “Bible in a Year.”

 

We read the Bible at Mass, and you may read it at home, too—but you haven’t read it like this. In the “Bible in a Year” podcast, Fr. Mike uses “The Great Adventure Timeline” to divide the Bible into twelve periods, bringing in experts to discuss the important elements and background to the readings through the year.

 

This is a great way to begin our Lenten Journey. Here is Episode 1, updated for 2022.

First Sunday of Lent_C - Be With Me Lord_030622

First Sunday of Lent, Year C 

Deacon Tom Writes,

“Be With Me Lord When I Am In Trouble”

These words from Psalm 91 are subtitled “Security Under God’s Protection.” They are solid advice to get us started on the right foot this holy season of Lent.

“Be with us, Lord” through the days and nights that lie ahead.

“Be with us, Lord” to face the struggles that life has in store for us.

“Be with us, Lord” and protect us from all our fears and anxieties.

 

Think about our own experiences when problems arise. We turn to God in our desperation. That’s not unusual. When time are good, we might look up and give God a high five between errands. But when times get tough, we get serious and try to bargains with God.

Bargaining with God

We’ve all done it, sometimes intentionally, other times subconsciously.

“God, if you’ll just…” We bargain with God. Sometimes about small things, and others… a desperate cry for divine help to avoid the consequences of our bad choices to help our loved ones in their time of need. 

God, if you’ll just keep my son safe while his is in the Army, I’ll pray the rosary every day.

God, if you’ll help my dad recover, I’ll volunteer at the soup kitchen. 

God, if you’ll take away this post-super bowl “celebration flu”, I’ll never even look at 

nachos and beer again. 

God, if you’ll just….

The funny part about this is that God doesn’t need our bargaining chip. God is there for us regardless. We just have to ask.

It’s a wise person that asks for help when the going gets tough. The Bible shows us that God answers. In today’s first reading, we have Moses remembering how God saved the people of Israel as the marched through the desert. Jesus sets the tone for this in the example of his life. Throughout his ministry, Jesus relies upon his Father to support and sustain him any time there’s a problem—during his ordeal in the desert as he confronts Satan, during day-to-day life, and even in his last moments of suffering.

Lent is our perfect reset

I encourage all of us to take full advantage of Lent—to really accept it as the gift God intends it to be. Too often, the Lenten greeting is, “What are you giving up?” The things we “give up for lent” are usually things we didn’t need in the first place. Alcohol? Cigarettes? TV? Junk food? These are even things we sometimes use as bargaining chips in our deals with God.

Instead, consider this: Consider using this Lent to deepen our relationship with God, putting our trust in him, that he will “be with us” always. Talk to him. Look around and notice the beauty in his creation—the little things we pass by. In the same way that you call, text, email, or talk to the people we’re closest… give that level of attention to a Lenten relationship reboot with abba, with daddy, the name Jesus called his Father.  

Lent is a very holy time to enrich our spiritual lives. We deepen our relationship with God by spending time developing and strengthening that relationship, as Jesus did. That gives us the confidence to know that God is always present, always willing to help us—during the hard and sorrowful times and the joyful moments, too.

Lent reminds us God is really present, that he really cares for us and loves us more than we love ourselves. It is so often hard for us to believe. Yet, it is true!

May we experience God’s presence as we begin our Lenten journey and be filled with his joy and peace as we pray, “Be with me, Lord” … now and forever.

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

 

Visit my blog www.deacontomwrites.com for previous reflections.

If you haven’t already, try listening to Fr. Mike Schmitz, Bible in a Year Podcast, available on most podcast stations. It is an excellent way to reboot your spirituality while learning scripture.

Also, Fr Martin Laird has some great books on Contemplation. “Into the Silent Land” is a nice way to ease into the practice of contemplative prayer.