Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”
"Do I have to?" the child whines. "It's nor required!" the adult says, in reply to the invitation to pray the rosary, fast, or practice a particular work of charity. During the pandemic, some priests skipped Sunday Mass when the bishops' closed the churches. They said they weren't required to worship God due to the risks of contagion, although they never a missed a common meal.
The presence of God in our hearts, however, does make demands upon us. Or, to put it in less obnoxious language, the Holy Spirit compels us to works of charity, prayer, and sacrifice. We might even abstain from meat or eat less for the love of God. This is what we do; this is who we are.
"Strive to enter through the narrow gate!" the Spirit reminds us often. With our morning prayers we wonder how can I make this a Day of the Lord. Approaching nightfall, we remember with gratitude the impulse to make holy (in Latin, sacra facere) the several opportunities that came to us. We might also recall the missed opportunities, along with those moments when we obeyed the wrong spirit. But tomorrow's another day and thank God for that!
Jesus warns the backsliders, "...whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven." The fact is we need encouragement from one another. We expect it from our leaders; they're chosen because they demonstrate the Holy Spirit with their willingness and ability. Some are ordained because their virtue seems both habitual and natural.
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, and so the inspired among us make things happen; and hopefully everyone is inspired periodically.
When I was in the novitiate, one particular classmate often cajoled, badgered, and corralled the rest of us out to the ball field to play softball. Father Robert Bayer had demanded that we turn out, but when he was elected minister provincial it fell to our classmate to make it happen. (Or should I say, "The spirit fell upon him?") Once we got there we had a good time and appreciated his impetuosity.
Because the human being is a social animal, instinctively inclined to gather, cooperate, and support their fellows, we thank God for the Holy Spirit which teaches these commandments and builds the city of God.
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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.