Reflections – Page 7 – Teams Oceania

Thirty First Sunday in Ordinary Time 31 October 2021

“Words, words, words”.

You may remember this line spoken by Henry Higgins in the musical. “My Fair Lady”.

“Let-out weekend” for Melbourne based Victorians comes with a war of words…“vaccinated and unvaccinated” and accompanied by another war of words, “boundary and boundary”.

The conversation, at times, is more like a prelude to a fight than dialogue; it makes today’s Gospel very relevant. Glasgow 21 adds fuel internationally and to mention Plenary Council, in some quarters, is downright incendiary!

Keep in mind our journey with Jesus in our weekly readings; Jerusalem. These past weeks, the incidents have been full of words; not seeking to learn, but to catch Jesus out, to test him, and to gain a reason to get rid of him.

For example, remember…

Master let me see again…they scolded him.

Allow us to sit one on the right…they began to feel indignant.

What must I do to inherit eternal life…his face fell at these words.

Is it against the Law…they were testing him.

There were other sections read in which the conflict is most evident.

Then we come to the encounter described today.

The question is one that still emerges in today’s world, not on everyone’s lips but on many. It is the great question… this time the Scribe acts alone and seemingly with respect and courtesy, what must I do to inherit eternal life?

On many occasions in recent years since Pope Francis first announced the importance of synodality, he has talked more about the process than the answers. He has asked the world to enter into respectful dialogue, to listen to one another…attentively and seriously. He has asked that we chat with a listening ear. Don’t come to ram your opinion down the throat of everyone, or to dismiss their opinions out of hand. But to learn.

Today’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus was able to say to the Scribe, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God”, which must have given him great solace. That, after all, was his mission; to announce the “gift of the Kingdom”.

Words can provide intense reaction, respectful dialogue honours difference.

That attitude, in turn, can lead to new beginnings.

It is wonderful to love God whom we cannot see easily with our human eyes. But that ‘love’ word must lead to action and enable us to love the neighbour that we can see.

Mons Frank

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time 24 October 2021

Confessions…be they of faith, wrongdoings, repentance, or belief, are not easy, be they public or private, let alone grave or even frivolous. So, on “let out” day, Friday 22 October in Victoria, the downside of the gates being opened was to announce to the congregation, 30 persons, all double vaccinated, that I, the celebrant, was, as required by decree, double vaccinated! That certainly was not in the faculty sheet upon Ordination. I did not feel quite like Bartimaeus.

What with all the commentary emerging from many sources from the first session of the Plenary Council, the huffing and puffings of government agencies trying to rejoice that the lockdown was being lifted, the conflicting news about the “washed and unwashed” (we are a welcoming church), and the media sensationalism about having a beer at midnight…blind Bartimaeus’ cry “Master, let me see again” is a dash of realism. “Let me see again.”

All was not clear or peaceful in the throng; disciples, and a large crowd that left Jericho with Jesus. We have had in recent weeks the wrangling over places at the table, the sadness of Jesus as the young man took off (his riches won the battle on that occasion), and the “What’s in it for us?” from Peter. Jesus must have been wringing his hands and wondering, “Why me? Is this all I have going for me after all the miracles, example and words?” And, overriding it all was the false hope circulating that he, Jesus, would be the leader of the revolution! Rome would be no more. He was the revolution of course, but not on their terms or in their understanding. “Master, let me see again” was a summary of Jesus’ presence. To see the Father is our hope, and to follow the Way, Truth and Life is our Journey.

The restoration of his physical sight was important for Bartimaeus but his insight into the real person of Jesus (Son of David) was more important, for him and us.

Bartimaeus, lead us to Jesus!

Mons Frank

Twenty Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time 17 October 2021

“Can you drink the cup that I must drink?”

We have been alerted by Mark. “They are on the road, going up to Jerusalem”. Excitement was evident. The great feast of the Passover was to be celebrated in the Holy City. Huge interest was being shown to the teacher from Galilee. Was he the person to set the people free? James and John wished to have good seats at the celebration…it didn’t really matter about the other ten. The scene reminds me of the two men desperate to obtain seats to the Grand Final in Perth recently. Broke most rules to get there; now in jail.

Jesus must have sighed a great sigh! Will they ever learn? Will we ever learn? So, another lesson about the order in the Kingdom and the way forward. There will be pain and suffering, the Father allocates the seats, no room for scalpers. The way forward will be through service. “Can you drink the cup that I must drink?”

It is a great counter vision to the ethos of the time…and to our age also.

There are too many examples today of progress being dependent on throwing weight around, H/K, threats and intimidation, Taiwan, advancement in career at a sexual price, even “father knows best” in our own Church circles.

Many years ago, in discussing the acceptance, or not, of a person for work within the Church, my friend remarked “Can he drink the cup?” Sadly, it turned out…no.

“Can you drink the cup that I must drink?” is still a touchstone for us. We all need to imitate the kind of servant leadership shown by Jesus, who gave his life that others might be free.

True greatness involves the service of others. Let us find a little way to be of service to another this week.

Mons Frank

Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time 10 October 2021

“I prayed, and understanding was given me; I entreated, and the spirit of Wisdom came to me” (First Reading).

“The word of God is something alive and active” (Second Reading).

“How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God” (Gospel).

The First General assembly of the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia, October 3-10, 2021, has concluded. This week I would like to add a few thoughts on this major event in the life of the Church in Australia. I am not a delegate nor a ‘periti’.

The previous Plenary Council was held against a background of the Great Depression, with dark clouds being generated by the likes of Hitler, Mussolini and Tito. “They”, the delegates, were, in the main, the Bishops and their chosen advisors, principally Theologians and Canon Lawyers. The meeting was private…it was, in essence, Bishops’ business. The Anglo Celtic laity, mainly white, watched and many prayed.

There are those who do not believe in change or in growth or in development, and who proclaim that nothing really changes!

Really!

The 2021 Plenary gathered this session, thanks to Zoom (with all the attending challenges), and certain sessions were open to all who tuned in. Covid and the fall out of the sexual abuse plague is causing a different depression, and China looms large as a dark cloud. “They” resemble in 2021, more the “They” who gathered in the upper room according to Acts 1:12-14. The Anglo Celtic composition this time was more Catholic, aided by the presence of the Melkite, Maronite, Ukrainian, Chaldeans and Syro-Malabar Bishops and Delegates. We are no longer the same composition of people as 1937. First Nations people have a prominent voice.

A feature of the gathering is an attempt to prayerfully discern what the Spirit is asking of us, today. Codification of practises is not central to the agenda.

Happily, it seems that more attention and time was set aside to allow the Spirit of wisdom to come, and it is evident that the Word of God is offered more space in daily deliberations. Over the centuries, reform has followed the rediscovery of the poor amongst us and the willingness of individuals “to sell everything you own and give the money to the poor and then follow me.”

Not all are called to be a St Francis of Assisi or a Mother Teresa or a Mary MacKillop. But that seems to be the way forward when we discern “the poor”.

We await Session Two in anticipation.

In the meantime, we can ponder the key phrases of the readings this week. How are we being called? When will we act? Renew your love of the Scripture.

Mons Frank

Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 3 October 2021

To paraphrase, “It’s all about relationships.” A cursory glance at the headlines this week, emphasises this truth.

“Premier bought down by her questionable choice in lovers.” Or, “Road map raises fears.” Or, “They are sick of lockdowns and just trying to live a life that’s somewhere near normal.”

Genesis today presents the ideal. Women and men are made for genuine relationship. “They become one body.”

The Gospel tackles two disturbing realities in Israel in 30 CE. What happens to the woman, particularly when the relationship breaks down? Whatever the solution, Jesus again reminds us of the ideal. So, “What God has united etc”.

The second is a powerful reminder that children are more than a “possession” or a “chattel“. Even though they are perceived as powerless, dependant and simply receptive, they are still able to be welcomed into the Kingdom.

Jesus had a vision of a restored creation in which unity and mutuality, both within marriage and in the broader family relationships, should mirror God’s original plan. Jesus notices the intent of the Pharisees to test him. It suggests that they had a suspicion that their accepted practise in 30 CE was not really God’s position let alone that of Moses. Our generation may also be on the end of the phrase, “It was because you were so unteachable!”

We acknowledge that relationships break down, have rough patches, can at times be vicious and violent, even towards children. Rulers are often the worst offenders, as we see at the moment in many countries of the world.

And whilst we continue to proclaim that “Marriage is the only community built upon a sacrament”, let us not forget that our basic relationship is likewise built upon a sacrament, Baptism.

For the sake of the nation and the family and despite all the failures that occur, we must continue to proclaim the ideal. Jesus’s radical position was not too popular in 30 CE, as it is not overly popular in 2021 CE. Let’s work on our basic relationships this week!

“May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.”

Mons Frank

Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 26 September 2021

The National Geographic’s TV series on Egypt is currently examining the rise and decline of the different Tombs of the Pharaohs and their predilection for equipping their final resting place with all the “goodies” to ensure their passage to eternal life and eventual resurrection. It hit a hurdle in the latest episode. James, in his almost belligerent outpouring in the second reading, would be saying “I told you so!”

The recent episode involved a grand dig to remove huge amounts of sand, a door was discovered, the archaeologist crawled in, the tomb was completely empty, no signs of looters…just termites.

“Your wealth is all rotting, your clothes are all eaten up by moths”. James 5:2

Where do we place our priorities?

For Mark, facing the persecution of his new community, he proclaims, “Anyone who is not against us is for us.”

The spirit of hard and fast rituals, harsh legalisms, and desire to be really separate from the existing communities, both Jewish and Roman, found it difficult to handle kindly acts by different sides. So, the acts of the Good Samaritan, the Roman Centurion caused wonder. You, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan, for a drink is now replaced by…

“If anyone gives you a cup of water to drink just because you belong to Christ, then I tell you solemnly, he most certainly will not lose his reward.”

Another nail in the old order, another call to conversion for us.

Sure, there are things in our lives that we must work to tear out. Greatness in our community will still be measured by service within that community.

Let us try this week to recognise more clearly the “Christ” in the face of the hand who offers us a cup of water.

Mons Frank

Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time 19 September 2021

Decisions, decisions, decisions in a changing world!

We sometimes think a past world was golden. But things were changing, even in Jesus’ time. He himself had to battle with change. “Show me the coin. Whose head is on it?”

So, we will be able to stay under water for months at a time…if and when we get our new Submarine(s)! Progress, maybe, but things change. Response to change is at best difficult, but we do need guidance. The disciples, even though they did not understand, still knew things were going to change. And they wished to be in the position of power when that happened. They had to learn the new rules for the new era. And the new rules turned their world upside down and should do the same for us.

In their society, the child had no legal status, was completely dependent upon others. By embracing the child Jesus turns another “commonly accepted decision” of the community upside down. The child (who is a social nonentity) is worthy of respect and care; so, from now on, ALL people are worthy of respect and care.

One disciple at least got the message. They all did in time, to various degrees. James is really worked up in today’s excerpt which we read. He would not have been popular with the hard-line members of his city who were always wanting to fight the invaders.

“Peacemakers, when they work for peace, sow the seeds which will bear fruit in holiness.”

We are all called to make decisions, even big decisions, and even every day.

We need to be guided by the Spirit and attempt to base those decisions on values that Jesus promotes. It’s tough and we may, at times, be treated like the virtuous of our first reading. We aim, nonetheless, to be a “welcomer, one who does it in his name”.

Mons Frank

Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time 12 September 2021

“Who do people say I am?”

It’s a question that bothers many people in our world today…and asked frequently by various groups, organisations, movements, parties and even family dynasties.

Individuals rarely put the question to the community, though journalists try often to get leaders in the community to answer their persistent demands.

Many attempts in the past few weeks have fallen upon deaf Taliban ears or shrugged off with a cursory “we’ve changed.” Reports from the Panjshir Valley in more recent days would have James thundering his words read this Sunday, “…now you prove to me that you have faith without any good deeds to show.”

“Who do people say I am?”

Something must have been niggling at Jesus. He is on his way to Jerusalem. His words and deeds have won the admiration of, well, nearly all. Pockets of resistance, even hostility, have emerged. Battle lines are hardening. Some see him as the new saviour in the tradition of the promised Messiah. He will deliver us from the rule of the hated Romans. Others see him as a threat to the existing order, which he was. Jesus senses that his mission is not really understood by his chosen friends…and sets out to put them on the right road.

It is tough to ask this very same question to a group of friends. Yet, we do need to do just that, every now and then. Their answers may not be as forthcoming as Peter’s. On the flip side we may not really wish to hear them.

But…if James and his forthright statement, “I will prove to you that I have faith by showing you my good deeds”, is a touchstone for following Jesus, then let’s accept that every now and then we must ask the question, “Who do people say I am?”

Mons Frank

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time 5 September 2021

“Go to the peripheries, smell the sheep” is a rough translation of Pope Francis’ words of some years ago. Today’s readings found me remembering not just his words, but also the historical fact that in our long history, so many wonderful movements within our faith community started “on the periphery”; Mary MacKillop is but one of a great number in our world.

We find Jesus in an alien gentile world again today. He is, in Mark’s account, slowly making his somewhat circuitous way to Jerusalem. We can easily see today that he, in effect, was saying gently, “You are all God’s children”. This truth is hammered home by the action he took, drawing on his own tradition “…the ears of the deaf unsealed…and the tongues of the dumb sing for joy”.

His six-step action of taking aside, putting hands in the ears, spitting, touching the tongue, deep groan and command of healing may reflect some of the practices of the gentile world, but Jesus said in his own name “Be opened.”

That raised the bar.

That action set a new standard for the early Church and, indeed, for all time…

We sometimes fall into the security of complacency. Prophets like Isaiah reminded the community then, of the Lord’s standards, and Pope Francis is in similar vein today.

It may well be the task of the elected Governments to tackle the physical ailments of Covid-19, but who will pick up the pieces of fractured relationships in the near future? People need people. Families need families. That task may well rest with you and me.

We still belong to the family of whom it was said by Matthew, “Jesus preached the news of the kingdom, and healed all who were sick.”

Mons Frank

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 29 August 2021

Another dreadful week for humanity.

One would think that Covid would be enough to keep us united, but no. Another suicide bombing and the fall out of a seemingly badly executed plan to leave Afghanistan causes panic and fear amongst people.

During the week, Psalm 25(26) was prayed in the formal prayer of the Church. You may have noticed these lines…

“Do not sweep me away with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men in whose hands are evil plots, whose right hands are filled with gold.”

These lines took me to the central verse of our Gospel today 7:15, “Nothing that goes into a man from outside can make him unclean; it is the things that come out of a man that make him unclean.”

We know that the saying applies to all people, but sometimes we males have more to answer for.

The antidote proposed by Jesus, applicable in all circumstances, was for the people to really look at the essential teaching of their tradition (and listen to him and his restoration of the essential teaching of that tradition).

So, too, for us.

We often haggle over non-essentials.

Sixty years ago, the Second Vatican Council urged the whole Church to reassess her teaching and practices in the light of revelation, a call increasingly shouted out by our current Pope.

We all need to rediscover the beauty of the scripture with all its thrills and spills. It tackles the way to release us from our shackles.

“Accept and submit to the word which has been planted in you…” says James in the second reading.

As we return to Mark for the final set of Sundays in Year B, we notice the opposition to Jesus heating up. He tries to remind the hecklers to go back to the sources of their tradition. Time and time again they argue for their interpretation. He, however, wants them to rediscover the “Word that has come down from heaven”. So, too, for us!

Make time each day to have a chat with the author of the “saving Word”.

Mons Frank