Readings: Leviticus 23:1,4-11,15-16,27,34-37, Ps. 81:3-6,10-11, Matthew 13:54-58
“Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us?” (Matthew 13:54-56).
Once upon a time, a priest of African Traditional Religion (often referred to as a ‘native doctor’) set up his shrine very close to a Church. For years, the church members, feeling very uncomfortable with the activities of the traditional priest, prayed for Divine fire to burn down his shrine. One Sunday morning, everyone woke up to see the priest’s shrine burnt to ashes. In annoyance, the traditional priest took the matter to court, accusing the church members of using supernatural powers to burn his shrine.
On the day of the trial, the church members denied any involvement in the fire incident, but the traditional priest argued that the fire was a result of their powerful prayers. Bewildered at the case, the judge said, “Here is a very special case – believers (church members) who do not believe in the power of prayers and an unbeliever (traditional priest) who is fully convinced that Christian prayers are powerful.”
This story reminds me of a popular Pentecostal pastor who was sighted praying before the Blessed Sacrament in a Catholic Church Chapel. As St. Paul said to the Jews, ‘It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you reject it (due to familiarity) and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we are now turning to the Gentiles.” Do not become too familiar with God or matters relating to your faith.
In our Gospel passage, Jesus is unhappy with his people due to their familiarity. Like those who murmured against Jesus, many Christians today look down on God. They do not trust His ability to intervene in their lives. They still pray, but only out of habit. They ask but do not expect. And even when their prayers are answered, they do not acknowledge God. Let us examine our hearts. Have I become too familiar with God? Do I still have the fear of God in me? Do I value the Bible or treat it as just one of those books? Am I quick to ask, ‘Where is God?’ when bad things happen, but find it difficult to say, ‘Thank God’ when good things happen?
Jesus told us, “Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10). Asking, searching, and knocking require expectation in our hearts to be effective. Meanwhile, our expectations depend on the degree of our respect for God. Now, you can understand why Jesus “did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief” (Matthew 13:58). This brings us to today’s first reading, where Moses instructed the Israelites on the various feasts they were to observe in honour of God.
St. Alphonsus Maria Liguori was a key leader in the Catholic Church, known for being a Bishop, a Doctor of the Church, and the founder of the Redemptorist Congregation. He was born on September 27, 1696, near Naples, Italy, as the oldest of seven children in a faithful family. A gifted child, he earned his doctorate by the age of sixteen and started practising law at nineteen. However, a profound spiritual experience at the Hospital for Incurables on August 28, 1723, caused him to leave his legal career and pursue the priesthood. He was ordained on December 21, 1726, and began his pastoral work in Naples.
In 1732, he established the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. Although he faced early challenges, he persisted and obtained Papal approval for his male and female congregations in 1749 and 1750. He had mystical visions and performed miracles until he died on August 1, 1787. He was beatified in 1816, canonised in 1839, and named a Doctor of the Church in 1871. His extensive writings, such as 'Moral Theology' and 'Glories of Mary,' continue to be influential. He is the patron saint of moral theologians.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, deepen our love for you and grant that we may never take you for granted. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Alphonsus Mary de' Liguori, Bishop, Doctor Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Leviticus 23:1,4-11,15-16,27,34-37, Ps. 81:3-6,10-11, Matthew 13:54-58)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu