Even sinners lend to sinners,
and get back the same amount.
But rather, love your enemies and do good to them,
and lend expecting nothing back;
then your reward will be great
and you will be children of the Most High,
Today’s gospel is wonderfully summarized by the Golden Rule, Do to others as you would have them do to you. The above passage helps to explicate the Rule. It inevitably reminds us of all the times we have leant expecting a return, and not received one. And how we felt about that.People sometimes assume they are good Christians because they are good citizens. They pay the taxes they have to pay; they don't ordinarily cheat anyone; they help their friends, family and neighbors when asked, and sometimes when they're not.
Jesus mocks that attitude, "even pagans do as much." He expects more of his disciples.
Several years ago I fell into argument with a woman about the authority of the Church to forgive sins. I reminded her of the classical verses -- "Whose sins you forgive they are forgiven..." -- and of another verse less often cited, "Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus refuted the Pharisees by showing God has given that authority to a man.
The woman replied that Jesus was the exception. He could not give such authority to the Church. I don't remember how the argument went from there. I rarely win arguments and don't suppose I won that one either. But what would be the point of Jesus' healing and forgiving one man if he did not give that authority to his disciples?
I recall the sharp line the woman drew between Jesus and his Church. How bleak that vision is. It rings with the sadness that Pope Benedict XVI found in Deuteronomy 34: 10 -- Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face. If the Church cannot do what Jesus did, what hope do we have?
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| A smile for everyone at MSF Picnic |
Catholics believe he gave his own Holy Spirit to his Church so that we might forgive sins, bless the world by our presence, give freely to others and lend without expecting repayment.
On this memorial of the Holy Name of Mary, four days after celebrating her birthday, we remember with gratitude the graces that Mary bestows upon us as we pray to and with her.
On this memorial of the Holy Name of Mary, four days after celebrating her birthday, we remember with gratitude the graces that Mary bestows upon us as we pray to and with her.
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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.