The Test of Perspective

June 23: Monday of Week 12 of Ordinary Time, Year A-II:

2Kings 17:5-8, 13-15, 18; Psalm 60:3, 4-5, 12-13; Matthew 7:1-5

A thought for those who want to reveal the risen Jesus in their lifestyle.

“The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.” Matthew 7:2

Paul wrote: “Those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God’s Spirit, for… they are unable to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1Corinthians 2:11). Those who are not trying to follow the New Law of Christ cannot judge or understand those who are.

Rational humans live carefully-measured, rational human lives. Divine humans live the unmeasured passion of Christ’s divine love.

We should mistrust the judgments of everyone infected by the three evils rejected in the first session of Vatican II, and that Pope Francis has been denouncing ever since his election: legalism, clericalism, triumphalism. Those who focus on the law (legalists) are blind to the Spirit. Those who relish priestly power and prestige (clericalists) have abandoned the path of Christ. Those who want the Church to mirror in art and architecture, dress, pomp and protocol “The glory that was Greece / And the grandeur that was Rome” (triumphalists) are still mired in pagan idolatry. We should suspect their views as distorted and their decisions as corrupt; especially when they persecute the prophets.

Pope Francis prefers “a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is … shut up within structures which give us a false sense of security” (Joy of the Gospel).

PRAY: “Lord, let me share your passion.”

PRACTICE: Be uncomfortable with affluence and prestige.