Fr. Don's Daily Reflection - January 3, 2025
Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from You.”
Non-believers sometimes criticize religion as a sugar-coating of reality, a cozy cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine on a cold night. Part of this stems from ignorance. They don't realize what uncomfortable stuff believers hear when they come together in church. In Isaiah 1, for instance, we hear criticism of insincere worship that is right up there with the most venomous critics of religion. Yahweh says: “Your new moons and festivals I detest; they weigh me down; I tire of the load. When you spread out your hands, I close my eyes to you; Though you pray the more, I will not listen.”
Similarly, the harsh words of Jesus in Matthew 23, for instance, though originally addressed to his contemporaries, are in the Gospel to shake us up. There he criticizes hypocrisy, the gap between words and actions. He allows little space for self-deception or a false sense of security.
Where will most people hear this kind of realistic talk if they are not regularly exposed to the Scriptures? From politicians? From a sit-com full of empty gags? No. Both Jesus and Isaiah make us question any too-easy trust in attending Mass, observing holy days or saying set prayers.
True prayer and worship, Scripture tells us, has to lead to and be supported by justice toward the weak and wronged, compassion for the poor, the widow, the homeless, refugees, immigrants, those suffering economically from Covid-19 and the abandoned. Hearing the word of God at Mass is no picnic! It's often more reminiscent of that awful tasting medicine you were given as a child. Religion and Scripture are “reality checks.”
Psalm 27: “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness / in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong; / be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!”
