Word to the Wise
Monday, July 11, 2022 - Monday in the 15th Week in Ordinary Time
[Isa 1:10-17 and Matt 10:34-11:1]"Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." [Matthew]
JULY 11 ST. BENEDICT, abbot
Years ago, when I was in initial formation, there was a considerable interest in European movies with serious themes and difficult subjects. One of the movies that was shown at the house of studies was Paolo Pasolini's THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW. I remember how tough Jesus seemed to be in that movie! He was all "my way or the highway." The passage today from Matthew's gospel portrait definitely has that tough quality and seems a bit remote from our comfortable American cultural lifestyle. Why should we have to make those choices? The fact is, we make them all the time without realizing it. They may not be as dramatic as those facing Matthew's initial audience which was facing persecution that could divide families and friends. They could be as seemingly trivial as the choice between some social or athletic event and Sunday Mass! Or it could be a choice between the gospel and a political position!
I have mentioned before a poster I once had that asked the question: "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" The Gospel According to Matthew really does ask that question. In some parts of our planet, Christianity (especially the Catholic tradition) is considered dangerous. What kind of challenge is it for us? I recommend J.F.Kavanaugh's FOLLOWING CHRIST IN A CONSUMER SOCIETY - A SPIRITUALITY OF CULTURAL RESISTANCE for some inspiration. Perhaps a bit of "toughness" might be good for us. AMEN