The Word Among Us
Meditation: Isaiah 35:4-7
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! (Isaiah 35:4)
Today’s readings sketch some scenes from the life that God wants for all of us: a life of freedom, strength, and generosity. At the same time, they show how fear can be a hindrance to entering fully into that life. In the second reading, for instance, James exhorts us to welcome the needy and the outcast. But do you ever find that fear is keeping you from embracing the unfamiliar? Or maybe you feel nervous asking for miracles as boldly as Jesus does in the Gospel reading.
There are hundreds of occasions in the Bible when God tells someone “Fear not,” and for good reason. Just the thought of encountering God in all his glory can be unsettling! But there’s a twist in today’s first reading. God doesn’t just tell the Israelites not to be afraid. He wants them to say the same thing to the people around them. That’s because he knows how helping someone else to overcome fear is one of the best ways to conquer it in your own life.
Do you find that anxiety is a recurring theme when you talk with your friends, neighbors, or workmates? Whether it’s stories in the news or concerns over relationships or finances, much of our daily conversation can be spent expressing fear. Turn those conversations upside down by sharing an encouraging story. It could be how you saw God work in your life or the life of a loved one. It could be a new insight from Scripture. It could even be one of the stories you’ve read in this magazine! God hasn’t just commanded us not to be afraid. He has given us thousands of good reasons to live fearlessly. Then watch as your own heart swells with encouragement—and the people around you brighten up as well.
Make a list today of some of the stories you could have “up your sleeve” that will help encourage the fainthearted—including yourself.
“Lord, you are always at work to overcome fear in my life. Help me to live courageously, always ready to encourage the people around me.”
Psalm 146:7-10
James 2:1-5
Mark 7:31-37
Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion:
Mass Readings:
1st Reading: Isaiah 35:4-7
Responsorial: Psalm 146:7-10
2nd Reading: James 2:1-5
Gospel: Mark 7:31-37
1. The first reading from Isaiah begins with these powerful words from the Lord: “Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you.” In what ways have you received encouragement from God in a time of trial as you prayed or read Scripture.
2. The Responsorial Psalm speaks of God’s great love and care for the needy, in particular, those who are oppressed, hungry, captive, blind, bowed down, fatherless, and widows. In what ways has Jesus Christ fulfilled this Psalm (and the first reading as well)? Of course, as Christians, we are called to reflect God’s love to others. What are some things you can do to better reflect God’s love and care for the needy?
3. In the second reading, we are told to “show no partiality,” especially between the rich and the poor. Why do you think this is important to God? Why should it be important to us as Christians? How well are you doing at showing “no partiality”?
4. In the Gospel, Jesus heals a deaf man with a speech impediment. In what ways are the healings of Jesus a fulfillment of Old Testament prophesies about the Messiah and signs of his divine nature? (Hint: see the first reading from Isaiah.) Do you believe that our prayers can be instruments of healing, and a reflection of Jesus’ compassion, in the lives of the sick? Have you ever experienced a time when your prayers for healing were answered? What keeps you from praying more often for others for healing?
5. The meditation begins by reminding us of “the life that God wants for all of us: a life of freedom, strength, and generosity.” It goes on to challenge us with these words regarding overcoming fear: “God hasn’t just commanded us not to be afraid. He has given us thousands of good reasons to live fearlessly.” How would you describe some of these reasons, including some from your own life?
6. Take some time now to pray and ask Jesus for the grace to overcome any fears in your life and the grace to live a life of faith, freedom, courage, and generosity. Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as the starting point.
A Christian Pilgrim
THERE WAS NO FAVORITISM OR DISCRIMINATION AT CALVARY
(A biblical refection on THE 23rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME [YEAR B] – September 6, 2015)
Second Reading: James 2:1-5
First Reading: Isaiah 35:4-7; Psalms: Psalm 146:7-10; Gospel Reading: Mark 7:31-37
The Scripture Text
My brethren, show no partiality as you hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man with gold rings and in fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “Have a seat here, please,” while you say to the poor man, “Stand there,” or “Sit at my feet,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brethren. Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom which He has promised to those who love Him? (James 2:1-5 RSV)
Let us start with a lesson from history. In 1850, a Steubenville, Ohio lawyer, Edwin Stanton, and his associates requested the legal services of Abraham Lincoln, the competent lawyer from Springfield, Illinois to assist in an infringement of patent case in Cincinnati. When the two men were introduced, Stanton greeted him coldly and blatantly ignored him throughout the case. He even whispered to others in Lincoln’s presence, “I won’t associate with such a long-armed gawky ape as that.” Twelve years later, Stanton was appointed Secretary of War by the President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Three years later, he stood at Lincoln’s bedside during his dying hours, pitifully weeping at the loss of his dear friend. If we must judge others, it’s wise to avoid bitter words; for like Stanton, we may later have to eat them.
St. James says in today’s second reading, that it’s so easy but so wrong to judge another by outward appearances. This passage is a vivid reminder to avoid both favoritism and discrimination. No one, for instance, should be given a promotion, honor or better position in a company, simply because he’s someone’s friend or relative or because he looks nice, dresses well or is a certain color.
Could we (you and I) imagine a judge in a courtroom condemning an alleged criminal on his looks, clothes or neighborhood? Each case should be judged in itself and of itself, here and now.
If you – like Lincoln – are judged unjustly, you shouldn’t fret too much, for you’re in good company. His neighbors thought that young Thomas Edison was insane. When Albert Einstein failed his college entrance exam, he was judged stupid and sent home. Even Jesus was called a fanatic and a lawbreaker.
Inspired by God who “judges the world with righteousness and judges the peoples with equity” (Psalm 9:8 RSV), we must extent that same balanced treatment to all. Whether it’s the fashionable clothes and gold rings of the rich, or the shabby garb of the poor, they’re only externals worn by those for whom Jesus died. There was no favoritism or discrimination at Calvary.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, today You remind me to strongly avoid any forms of favoritism and discrimination in my relationships with others. And, there was no favoritism or discrimination at Calvary. Keep me as a faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, Your Son. Amen.
