and he who observes the
commandments sacrifices a peace offering.
There are nearly a dozen words in today’s first reading that assume a deep familiarity with religious language. They include oblation, commandment, sacrifice, peace offering, works of charity, alms, praise, atonement, altar, homage, and tithes.
The Divine Author teaches us that our religious works must be accompanied by works of charity, especially to the poor, widows, orphans, and aliens. As Jesus would later point out, good deeds done with an expectation of repayment don’t count, nor do those done for appearance sake.
But in a secular society like ours, with fading memories of a religious tradition, we often hear that, “I don’t have to go to church to satisfy God. I do good works for my neighbors.” They forget the religious obligation to pass their faith and beliefs to their children, a generation who must learn of their debt to God.
The Book of Deuteronomy records Moses's warning and reminder:
However, be on your guard and be very careful not to forget the things your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your heart as long as you live, but make them known to your children and to your children’s children....
Humans may have a religious instinct, but it is often satisfied with rites and beliefs that have no connection to God’s revealed truth. These odd religions, built on fables, do not satisfy God, and dreadful consequences must follow. The Truth is a matter of life and death; the worship of idols is fatal.
Given the atrocities of this and the last century, can anyone suppose that human beings have an instinct for kindness to one another? Or that a godless society will show reverence to one made in God’s image? In my conversations with Veterans I must often define, and explain, and then give examples of words like devotion, piety, and reverence. Knowing nothing of God’s demands for oblation, atonement, sacrifice, and peace offerings, they feel little obligation to care for others, especially strangers of different families, tribes, and races. Some frankly hate people of a different political party.
During our first several centuries, the Roman empire tried to erase the memory of Jesus with savage cruelty. The world today has discovered more effective methods: benign neglect, sneering remarks, and consumerism. They promote spirituality over religion and suggest that religions only spawn war. They forget that the Napoleonic wars, the American Civil War, the two World Wars, Korea, the Cold War, and Vietnam were fought not for religion but for vague ideas of freedom. The martyrs who died for the Christian faith knew for Whom they were dying and why! Today’s heroes have no clue.
We have heard the promise in today’s responsorial psalm: Those that offer praise as a sacrifice glorify me; and to those who go the right way I will show the salvation of God. As we offer oblations, sacrifice, peace offerings, and alms we ask God to show us the way. Without that blessed revelation we are clueless.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.