Word Today, Sept. 1, 2004 (Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time)

Readings: 1 Cor 3:1-9/ Lk 4:38-44  

The gospel today talks about Simon Peter's mother-in-law who was cured by Jesus and who then began to wait on Jesus and his followers in Peter's house. This incident shows that Peter, the prince of the apostles, was a married person. Some people cite this to try to remove the requirement of celibacy for the priesthood in the Latin rite. Thus it would be good to make a short clarification. 

While it is true that Peter was a married man, the practice of celibacy for priests and bishops in the Catholic Church hails from apostolic times. How? The primary meaning of celibacy is related to continence or abstention from the conjugal act. In the early Church, those who became priests and bishops practiced such continence, so they were either non-married persons or, if they were married, the wife agreed to this requirement of the priesthood. The modern mind may find this incongruous or even impossible. Yet an outlook with faith and a true appreciation of the Catholic priesthood will help us understand it. In fact there are many priests who joyfully practice this voluntary renunciation in a close imitation of Christ and the apostles.   \

Word Today, Sept. 2, 2004 (Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time)

Readings: 1 Cor 3:18-23/ Lk 5:1-11  

"Master, the whole night through we have toiled and have caught nothing; but at your word I will lower the net." Peter could have alleged many more reasons for not doing what Christ said. Peter was the expert on fishes while Christ's expertise was more in the field of carpentry. Peter must have been very tired after having fished all night long.

The obedience of Peter was rewarded with the miraculous catch. In retrospect, it was not the fish that mattered, it was the lesson imparted. In the tasks of God, we must value obedience. Once we are sure that a command comes from the Lord (and such would be the case if it is obedience to the legitimately constituted superiors in the Church), then we should obey wholeheartedly. The fruits of our labors will depend more on obedience than on our own skills. 

Word Today, Sept. 3, 2004 (Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time)

Readings: 1 Cor 4:1-5/ Lk 5:33-39  

In the gospel reading today Jesus Christ refers to himself as the bridegroom. This symbolism is found in other places. For example, in his letter to the Corinthians St. Paul compares Christ to the groom and the Church to the bride. He uses this as a model of mutual marital love. 

While this may not be the main reason for it, this is one of the arguments that can help us understand why it is so appropriate that the priesthood in the Catholic Church be reserved to men only. Since the priest has to be another Christ, and Christ is the groom of his bride, the Church, then the priest should appropriately be a man. This will also help us understand the appropriateness of priestly celibacy. The priest is already "married" to the Church. 

Word Today, Sept. 4, 2004 (Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time)

Readings: 1 Cor 4:6b-15/ Lk 6:1-5  

The gospel today mentions that Christ and his disciples were walking through fields of grain and that the disciples "were plucking and eating the ears of grain, rubbing them with their hands." We will not concern ourselves with the aftermath of this event, with the false accusations of the Pharisees. Instead, we can look at what this meant for the disciples. 

Have you ever gone out to a nice walk by the countryside with your friends? If you passed through some fruit bearing trees, perhaps you were tempted to go and pluck some to munch on them. It means that you are in a light-hearted mood because of the camaraderie with your friends. This little incident shows how the apostles had really become friends. Around Jesus, they formed a unified group. They were bound together by their friendship. Our Christian life should lead us to become better friends and companions. 

Word Today, Sept. 5, 2004 (TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME)

Readings: Wis 9:13-18b/ Phlm 9-10, 12-17/ Lk 14:25-33 

The lesson we find in the gospel is based on real events. "Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not sit down first and calculate the outlays that are necessary, whether he has the means to complete? Lest, after he has laid the foundation and is not able to finish, all who see begin to mock him--this man began to build and was not able to finish." (Lk 14:28-30)

Based on this down-to-earth example, Jesus Christ is teaching us something referring to our Christian life. The Christian life has been compared to a building. There are many attractive features in it; but there are also difficulties in its "construction". If we truly want to embark on it or to persevere in it, we have to be ready to face these obstacles. The Christian life contains the promise of a relative happiness on earth and an absolute one in heaven. It is truly worth pursuing. At the same time, we must be ready to undertake it wholeheartedly and without half-measures. Thus we can understand why Christ demands a readiness on our part to sacrifice everything else that we may hold dear--such as loved ones, and our very own life. In other words, we have to put God in the first place, and have no qualms about it.  

Word Today, Sept. 6, 2004 (Monday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time)

Readings: 1 Cor 5:1-8/ Lk 6:6-11 

The enemies of Jesus were looking for an occasion to denounce him. Jesus knew that what he was about to do -to cure a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath day--would be an opportunity for his enemies to pounce at him. With the simple question, "Is it lawful to do good, or to do evil, on the Sabbath?" Jesus was able to put things in the proper perspective, beyond the nitpicking legalism of the Pharisees. 

We should never be ashamed to do good. Unfortunately, there are situations in which those who do good are ridiculed while those who do evil are praised. Public opinion can be manipulated by powerful and wealthy vested interests. Morally upright positions are often presented as retrograde and unenlightened, while evil is presented as attractive and modern. People with weak convictions may be intimidated by such manipulation. Let us follow the example to Jesus and never lose sight of the perspective he provides us in this gospel.. Why should we give in to "human respect" when it comes to doing good and avoiding evil? 

Word Today, Sept. 7, 2004 (Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time)

Readings: 1 Cor 6:1-11/ Lk 6:12-19

Before Christ chose the twelve apostles among his numerous followers, the gospel today tells us that he “continued all night in prayer to God.” If we look at the twelve people whom Christ eventually chose, we can find no special pattern. They were not exceptional or outstanding. They were simply “chosen.”

The choice of God comes first. When God wants something done, he does not need a “talent scout” to locate the right person. God chooses, then he helps the person of his choice through the appropriate graces. Hence, if you have a calling from God, you should not be afraid to carry out its requirements even if they seem beyond your capabilities. If God chose you, he will give you help when it is needed.

Word Today, Sept. 8, 2004 ( The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary )

Readings: Mic 5:1-4a or Rom 8:28-30/ Mt 1:1-16, 18-23 or 1:18-23

Today is the liturgical celebration of the birthday of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. We of course don’t know the exact date of Mary’s birth. Nevertheless, we can set aside a particular day to commemorate this most wonderful event that St Andrew of Crete says is the “prelude” for the “union of the Word with flesh.” In any case, the Church is consistent in celebrating Mary’s birth exactly nine months after the celebration of the feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8.

Just like Christ, Mary is alive right now. She is in heaven, body and soul. Having a personal relationship with her as Mother of the Church and Mother of each one of us, we should make this a day of rejoicing. It is also a good day to do what we normally do on birthdays – give gifts. What gift will you offer the Blessed Mother today?

Word Today, Sept. 9, 2004 (Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time)

Readings: 1 Cor 8:1b-7, 11-13/ Lk 6:27-38

What a demanding gospel! “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you, pray for those who calumniate you.” Is it really possible to do this or is this just a rhetorical exaggeration?

Perhaps the best answer to this question is Christ himself. He died on the cross, brutally treated, yet he died forgiving those who killed him. He even had a “rationalization” for them: they do not know what they are doing. So the answer to our question is that this must be possible. It is possible if we look to Christ. When we find it hard to forgive those who have done us wrong, let us think of Christ on the cross and ask him for grace and strength to fulfill his demands.

Word Today, Sept. 10, 2004 (Friday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time)

Readings: 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22b-17/ Lk 6:39-42

Today’s gospel contains some very wise, yet obvious, observations. The blind cannot lead the blind. We cannot dare to correct the defects in other people when we ourselves are full of miseries. There is a saying: “No man can give what he does not have.”

These are all very good pieces of advice for those who are engaged in the apostolate. If we want to help others, we must start with ourselves. If we want to evangelize, we must first practice the demands of the gospel. This does not mean that we are in a position to help others because we are better than they are. It simply means that we are sincerely trying to improve, so that our advice to others does not smack of hypocrisy.

Word Today, Sept. 11, 2004 (Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time)

Readings: 1 Cor 10:14-22/ Lk 6:43-49

“Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks,” says the gospel of today. This phrase of the Lord can help us to focus on what really matters – the disposition of our heart.

We live in an age of “public relations”. People are often coached about what they have to say in public in order to attain the image they would like to project. While this may have a valid application, we should remember that at least when it comes to our dealings with God and our dealings with our neighbors, it is better to be ruled by simplicity. Let us say what is in our mind and heart, by all means. But let us try to have a loving and understanding heart, so that we do not have to fear what is expressed in our speech.

Word Today, Sept. 12, 2004 (TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME)

Readings: Ex 32:7-11, 13-14/ 1 Tm 1:12-17/ Lk 15:1-32 or 15:1-10

We are fortunate indeed that Jesus Christ has revealed to us that God has a father's heart. He never turns aside a sinner who is truly repentant. The prodigal son's father, for all his readiness to accept his son back, could not do so unless the son himself had realized his foolishness and decided to return home. No matter how much God would want us to repent, God cannot do the repenting for us. We have to make a move. That move consists of two things: first, to recognize our guilt; and second, to decide to turn away from it and to return back to God. After all, we are free creatures.

But yes, the parable of the prodigal son encourages us to do precisely those things, because it shows us how ready God is to accept us. God is a God of justice, but He is not a God of hatred. God will require due payment for our actions and their consequences, but not in a cold and merciless way. He is ready to restore our lost dignity to us, and to let us reside once again in our father's home.

Word Today, Sept. 13, 2004 (Monday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time)

Readings: 1 Cor 11:17-26, 33/ Lk 7:1-10

The Roman Centurion deserved one of the most flattering praises to come from Jesus’ mouth: “Amen I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.” So great was the faith of this man that even the liturgy has made use of his wonderful confession of faith to prepare us to receive holy communion: “Lord I am not worthy that you should come to me, say but the word and my servant shall be healed.”

The centurion’s faith can be seen in his answer to Christ. He applied his own military mentality, of command responsibility, to conclude that Christ merely had to give a command and the miracle would be done. To have a living faith, we must integrate our beliefs into our way of thinking. We cannot keep our faith in a compartment away from our daily concerns and occupations.

Word Today, Sept. 14, 2004 ( The Exaltation of the Holy Cross )

Readings: Nm 21:4b-9/ Phil 2:6-11/ Jn 3:13-17

Today is the feast of the Triumph of the Cross. This is associated with the story of how the Emperor Heraclius recovered the relics of the cross of Jesus. When he wanted to return it in triumph by carrying the cross in procession, he found himself unable to do so. A holy man then told the emperor that he had to divest himself of all his imperial trappings because the Lord was only able to carry the cross in poverty and abnegation. When the Emperor did so, he was able to carry the cross as he wanted.

We must learn to carry the cross of Christ. This means that we have to bear with all the difficulties and trials that are really part and parcel of every person's life. But in order to be able to do this, we must have the right disposition. We cannot carry the cross that suits us. Rather, we must carry the cross that God sends, with a spirit of abnegation and sacrifice.

Word Today, Sept. 15, 2004 ( Our Lady of Sorrows )

Readings: 1 Cor 12:31—13:13 / Jn 19:25-27* or Lk 2:33-35

Today's celebration refers to the statement of Simeon addressed to Mary in the temple when the baby Jesus was brought there following the Jewish custom. "Your own soul a sword shall pierce, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." These are mysterious words. But when we consider Mary at the foot of the cross some thirty years later, we can understand better how she must have suffered, witnessing the sufferings of Jesus Christ.

Our faith does not extol sadness or suffering as such. However, it teaches us the true value of suffering and its place in our life. God did not spare his own beloved mother the sufferings of this life. This is to teach us that we must take trials with courage and not lose heart.

Like Jesus and Mary, we can transform suffering into something fruitful, into something salvific.

Word Today, Sept. 16, 2004 (Thursday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time)

Readings: 1 Cor 15:1-11/ Lk 7:36-50

The incident of the penitent woman narrated in the gospel today has many wonderful lessons for us. We can focus on the reaction of Jesus, of how he told his host Simon that he somehow "missed" the small details of affection and courtesy from him; on the other hand, the penitent woman, because she loved much, showed him such details.

When there is love, then affection is shown in details. That is why a clear manifestation of love for Christ is the care we take of all things related to him. For example, we should take care of cleanliness and order in the house of the Lord. We should treat reverently all those things that have to do with worship. These are not just external forms -- they show our love for Christ.

Word Today, Sept. 17, 2004 (Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time)

Readings: 1 Cor 15:12-20/ Lk 8:1-3

The gospel today mentions the names of some women who used to provide for the needs of Jesus and his followers. These women followed our Lord and the apostles in their apostolic forays. Without them, the apostles would have spent a lot of precious time just taking care of their day-to-day needs.

In the Church, there are also groups of women who perform a wonderful apostolate by attending to the daily needs of other church workers. There are groups of women who concentrate on the needs of the liturgy and the upkeep of churches. There are those who take care of the household of the workers of God. While seeming to perform very humble jobs, these tasks have far-reaching apostolic repercussions. Just like the women mentioned in the gospel, they make the apostolate more effective because of their hidden tasks.

Word Today, Sept. 18, 2004 (Saturday of the 24thWeek in Ordinary Time)

Readings: 1 Cor 15:35-37, 42-49/ Lk 8:4-15

 The parable of the sower tells us of the different ways that we can receive the word of God. We can concentrate today on the second group of seeds because it seems that this is the most prevalent in our society. These are those in which the seed quickly sprouts, but the plant withers because "these have no root, and in time of temptation fall away."

Many people are superficial. And our get-up-and-go consumerist culture does not help at all. We tend to be taken up by appearances. Many people think that much of what they see in movies or on TV are the real thing. Role models for most young people are not the educators or the statesmen, but the movie stars and singers. Let us try to receive the word of God in a thoughtful and deliberate way so that it can take deep root and be a transforming leaven for our life.

Word Today, Sept. 19, 2004 (TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME)

Readings: Am 8:4-7/ 1 Tm 2:1-8/ Lk 16:1-13 or 16:10-13

The Gospel of today contains a very accurate observation that is also a wise piece of advice: "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much." (Lk 16:10) Fidelity! What a wonderful quality that we would all like to benefit from. What assurance we have if we can count on a friend who is loyal and faithful. What consolation to know that our partner in life is a faithful spouse. What good could be done if priests and religious were always faithful to their commitments to God and their superiors. Likewise, what dread fills us when we think of the treacherous friend, of the unfaithful spouse, or the lukewarm person of God.

Fidelity is a virtue of strength. A person may be amiable to us--but he is a faithful friend only if that bond of friendship endures even in times of trouble and need. We may have been attracted to our lifelong partner, but fidelity will be tested only if the union remains strong even if the attraction has faded and the problems of daily living have to be faced. A consecrated person is faithful--and there are many wonderful examples in our midst--when he remains in his station, even when the odds of indifferentism are up against him. And because it is a virtue of strength, faithfulness has to be nurtured by little things. Those strong cables that are capable of holding up tons of concrete and steel, get their strength from each small strand that makes it up. So fidelity in our commitments will only be possible if we are faithful in little things.

Word Today, Sept. 20, 2004 (Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time)

Readings: Prv 3:27-34/ Lk 8:16-18

“For there is nothing hidden that will not be made manifest nor anything concealed that will not be known and come to light.” We can apply these words to the particular judgment that will take place immediately after our death, as well as to the last judgment that will take place at the end of the world. We cannot hide anything, even our most secret thoughts and desires, from God. And at the last judgment, these will also be made manifest to all men, for the greater glory of God.

This consideration could help us to be more sincere with ourselves and with others. Let us live in such a way that we will not be afraid that our thoughts and actions can be seen by God and, eventually, by everyone else.

Word Today, Sept. 21, 2004 (Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist)

Readings: Eph 4:1-7, 11-13/ Mt 9:9-13

Today is the feast of St. Matthew, apostle and evangelist. The gospel narrates how Jesus called Matthew, and then Jesus was criticized for "fraternizing" with alleged sinners -- the friends of Matthew. Then, as now, it seems that the profession of "tax collector" was not well considered. People involved in collecting money for the Roman authorities were considered sinful.

Jesus' call to Matthew and his good relations with Matthew's colleagues show us that all honest professions can be sanctified. It is true that some professions are more difficult than others because they provide more occasions for going astray. But there are ways and means of being straight even in the most difficult jobs. What is important is to be professionally competent. Then one will not need to have recourse to illicit measures to keep on top of one's professional field.

Word Today, Sept. 22, 2004 (Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time)

Readings: Prv 30:5-9/ Lk 9:1-6

The apostles were sent on a mission involving visiting people ("Whatever house you enter, remain there...") and healing the sick. From the very first centuries of Christianity, the Church has always wanted to accompany those who are sick by alleviating their sufferings and helping them to give meaning to their pain.

It has been said that a civilization can be evaluated based on the way its members take care of the weaker ones of society -- the sick, the little children, the aged, etc. When there is such care, then there is genuine humanity and civilization. When such care is missing, it shows a general disregard for the person. In spite of material wealth, that society is really poor in humanity and there is no true joy.

Word Today, Sept. 23, 2004 (Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time)

Readings: Eccl 1:2-11/ Lk 9:7-9

The gospel today points out that Herod was anxious to see Jesus because he had heard of the many marvels that Jesus did. However, we know that this eagerness was not fulfilled. And when Jesus appeared before Herod during the Passion, Jesus did not even open his mouth to satisfy Herod's curiosity.

On the other hand, Jesus told his follows, "Blessed are you because you see and hear." They were not just moved by idle curiosity. They were truly seeking God, so Jesus revealed himself to them. He gave them lessons and wisdom; he showed them works of kindness. Let be like the apostles in our eagerness to know Jesus and our readiness to change our life accordingly. Let us not be like Herod who only saw Jesus as an "interesting specimen", without any desire to change his life accordingly.

Word Today, Sept. 24, 2004 (Friday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time)

Readings: Eccl 3:1-11/ Lk 9:18-22

"The son of man must suffer many things." (Lk 9:22) The apostles must have found it very hard to accept this. Peter had just declared that Jesus was the Messiah, yet immediately the Lord said that he would be a suffering one. Even today, this aspect of the Christian life is little understood.

In his letter on suffering, the Pope said that suffering, taken in a Christian way, is not only useful, but also indispensable. "Suffering, more than any other thing, is what opens the way for the grace that transforms souls. Suffering, more than anything else, makes the force of the Redemption present in the history of humanity."

Word Today, Sept. 25, 2004 (Saturday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time)

Readings: Eccl 11:9--12:8/ Lk 9:43b-45

The gospel today says that the apostles could not understand Jesus' words about his future suffering. But "they were afraid to ask him about it." Perhaps if they had asked, a good number of them would have been more faithful to Christ at the moment of apparent defeat. The only apostle who remained at the foot of the cross was St. John. He was the one who dared to ask the Lord, in complete confidence, during the Last Supper, who was the betrayer.

Let us never be afraid to ask, to clarify, to try to understand. If we have the good fortune to have a spiritual adviser to whom we can confide, let us never give in to the temptation to hide things from him or her out of shame.

Word Today, Sept. 26, 2004 (TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME)

Readings: Am 6:1a, 4-7/ 1 Tm 6:11-16/ Lk 16:19-31

The gospel of today is all about the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. The rich man was completely unconcerned for the situation of his poor neighbor Lazarus. The rich man enjoyed himself while Lazarus wallowed in his needs. But when they died, and had to receive their eternal recompense, the situation was reversed. Lazarus was in heaven (the bosom of Abraham), while the rich man was thrust to hell. We can say that the rich man had made a very bad investment of his riches.

The Church, following the teachings and actions of Christ, has always had a special concern for all those in need--the poor, the orphans and widows, the sick, prisoners, travelers, etc. Some people falsely claim that the Church has historically sided with the rich, to the disadvantage of the poor; and that now, the Church has to change sides because of a greater awareness of the need for social justice. That position is historically and doctrinally wrong. The Church does not take sides in temporal matters because Her aim is a supernatural one--the salvation of souls, of all souls, sick and poor, young and old, black and white. However, she does manifest a preferential love for the poor, because of Christ's commandment of love.

Historically, the Church has always had a preferential love for the poor and the needy, without in any way neglecting the materially rich who, in some way, may be even more needy. The apostles already had a special concern for the care of the helpless (e.g., poor widows), as we can read in the book of the Acts of the Apostles. To alleviate the various needs, especially of people who were neglected by society, the Church inspired the establishment of charitable institutions, such as leprosariums, hospitals, orphanages, educational centers, etc. The Church has always fostered the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

Word Today, Sept. 27, 2004 (Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time)

Readings: Jb 1:6-22/ Lk 9:46-50

When Jesus Christ saw the division among his apostles because of ambition and envy, he encouraged them to imitate the simplicity and humility of a child. "For he who is the least among you, he is the greatest."

The great promoter of the life of spiritual childhood in our times is St. Therese of Lisieux.. In her short life, she reached such heights of closeness to God and such wisdom of heart, that she has been recently declared a "doctor of the Church." This means that the Church is confirming the correctness and importance of her teaching. This teaching of hers is what she called her "little way". Let us try to be like children before God - children in simplicity and humility.