March 6, 2017
Monday, Lent Week One
The Responsorial (John 6:63 and Psalm 19) could be the motto for the discipleship to which the Liturgy of the Word calls us in every
Mass:
“Your words, Lord, are
spirit and life.”
Leviticus
l9: 1-18 puts morality in context: “Be holy, for I, your God, am holy.”
Christian morality is not “being good,” it is “being like.” And its goal is relationship: with God and others. Once
the “grace of the Lord Jesus Christ” was revealed as “the favor of sharing in
God’s own life,” the goal of a moral life became mystical union: union with God in one shared life; union with others in the
“communion of the Holy Spirit.”
“You shall not steal... lie... swear falsely....” We can just
accept and obey, or we can ask, like disciples, “Why? Why are these words
‘spirit and life’?”
The answer is, sins destroy relationship.
Stealing says property is more important than people. Lying makes words mean
nothing and communication impossible. To “profane the name of God” means we
don’t care to know or relate to God as he really is. Those who have the
slightest real knowledge of him cry out, “Hallowed be your Name!”
Look to the goal of
every law, even God’s. God doesn’t want us just to obey; he wants us to be one
with him in mind and heart. This makes the difference between Phariseeism and
friendship with God; between mere “followers” and “disciples.” The Responsorial Psalm pilots us: “The law of the Lord is perfect... giving
wisdom to the simple.”
“You shall not defraud, curse, mislead, slander or fail to help
your neighbor.” The Commandments of the “second tablet” have as their base and
goal, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But the Psalm roots this in
“fear of the Lord,” which, divorced from fright, is perspective. If there were no God, people might vie for dominance,
some claiming to be greater than others and entitled to more. But if our very
existence is an ongoing act and gift of God, we are all equally nothing before
him. And equally precious. All are “as ourselves.” “The command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye.” God’s laws
give perspective.
“You shall not bear hatred, take revenge or hold a grudge.” Love
endures evil in others. Because God does. The Jewish Scriptures repeat
forty-three times, “His steadfast love
endures forever.” And John’s Gospel introduces Jesus as “enduring love.” If we
keep God and his love in perspective, our love for others will not be
fragmented or fail: “The fear of the Lord
is pure, enduring forever.”[1]
Matthew
25:31-46: Our relationship with God will be judged by our relationship
with others: “If you did it for one of
mine, you did it for me.” And vice-versa. To love others “as ourselves” is to
love them as Christ, because by Baptism we “became Christ.” Now our perspective
is mystery.
Initiative:
Be a disciple: ask “Why?” about every word of God’s law. Study
God.
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