Lectionary: 273 Do not work for food that perishes
but for the food that endures for eternal life,
which the Son of Man will give you.
For on him the Father, God, has set his seal."
So they said to him,
"What can we do to accomplish the works of God?"
Jesus answered and said to them,
"This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent."
The curious crowd who followed Jesus across the Sea of Galilee and back again to Capernaum asked the right question. To his statement, "Work for the food that endures to eternal life," rather than asking, "What should we believe?" they demanded of him,
"What can we do to accomplish the works of God?"
His response is "Believe in the one he sent," but belief without action is nothing more than opinion. It's not the real thing if it never sees the light of day. If others cannot see your faith and believe as you believe, it's useless. Hardly worth mentioning, and somewhat embarrassing.
That being said, piety is an action. Daily prayer; attendance at Mass and the Sacraments; devotional practices; observing the the liturgical seasons and the calendar of saints; plus scripture study; attention to current events in one's parish, diocese, and the universal church; volunteering; tithing for the church and select charities; and finally, modelling religious fidelity to one's spouse, children,family, friends, fellow members of the church, and neighbors. Not to mention one's occupation (profession, career, or job); maintaining one's home and personal health, civic responsibilities, and occasional entertainment. Piety is a full life!
In fact it's a life of sacrifice. No one said it should be easy, and it's not.
Does it matter? We make a difference because we're different. We cannot support immoral practices even when their touted as inclusive and compassionate. We must often remind the world that the end does not justify the means. The culture of death does not create a safer or more prosperous society. Abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, eugenics, nuclear weapons and war: they do not improve anyone's life. No one can see very deep into the future, but we can see that far.
So they said to him,
"What can we do to accomplish the works of God?"
Jesus answered and said to them,
"This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent."
Our life begins with belief in Jesus; we know, love, and serve him. We keep our eyes fixed on him, and trust that he will bring us -- as he has in the past -- across every stormy sea.
In fact, today's gospel follows hard upon the disciples' crossing the stormy Sea of Galilee and finding Jesus walking on the water as if it's the most natural thing in the world. Frightened, they cried out for help and he replied, "It is I. Do not be afraid."
Do not be afraid to be pious.
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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.