Now Is The Time…Franciscan On-Line Lenten Retreat Continues

Sunday: March 7, 2010
Third Week of Lent
Luke 13:1-9

1 [At that time] some people who were present there told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. 2. He said to them in reply, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? 3. By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!

4. Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them –do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? 5. By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!”

6. And he told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, 7, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. (So) cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’ 8. He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; 9, it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’”

BACKGROUND:
The material in this Sunday text is unique to Luke and confronts a basic understanding of people of his day, namely: that bad things happen to people as punishment for their transgressions. There are also some elements in the text that are not immediately apparent to the contemporary reader. Pilate’s deed, reported here, is not substantiated by history but there is no reason to doubt that it did occur. Pilate is representative of an occupying foreign government that was greatly hated. Galilee was known as a center of political animosity toward Rome. To have people murdered while they were in the midst of a ritual, offering sacrifice, and thereby mingling their blood with the blood of the animals being sacrificed, would be disgusting. If Jesus remained silent when confronted with this rumor, he would loose credibility with the people. If he spoke out against Pilate, he could be reported as anarchist.

The other incident mentioned in the text is that some innocent people had the temple wall collapse on them near the pool of Siloam. In both incidents, there is a presumption that the tragedies occurred as a punishment for some sin of the victims. Jesus turns the incidents into a warning for those who have referred to the two incidents. They need to look at their own sinfulness before something similar happens to them.

Then Jesus tells a parable that focuses on the compassionate mercy of God. Luke’s community would see themselves in the parable. The people of Israel were often portrayed as the vineyard of Yahweh. The fig tree that is planted within the orchard would represent the leader of the people. Fig trees usually bear fruit for all but two months of the year. When planted, they are left to mature for three years and their fruit is not picked. The fourth year, the fruit is taken and given as sacrifice. Because this is the third year the owner has come looking for his fruit, the tree would be presumed to be six or seven years old. In the parable, the tree has been sucking the nutrients and water from the ground and yet producing nothing. Those resources could have gone into vineyard. While the contemporary reader might marvel at the patience of the gardener, Luke’s audience would know that the gardener could have suggested giving the tree extra water or pruning but, instead, has suggested nurturing it with more fertilizer and cultivating the soil around the tree.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. Do you think that bad things happen to people as a kind of punishment or sign from God?
2. What happens inside of you when you hear of natural disaster in another part of the country or the world?
· Do you feel compassion for those involved?
· Does it remind you of how fortunate you are in being spared from a similar experience?
· Do you feel like this is a warning to you that you had better be ready because the next time it could be your turn?
· How do you think God feels for the people directly involved?
· What do you think God desires to happen when such events occur?
3. Have you ever found yourself thinking that you are morally better than another? Whether or not it is true, why would you think of yourself or another in those terms? What might be going on inside of you to consider such an idea?
4. How do you respond when you are reminded that you are a sinner and need to repent? When you think of repenting, what does that mean for you? How would that find expression in your daily life?
5. Is there a person in your life whom you find it difficult to be around because you do not think they are a very good person?
· Are you able to appreciate the positive aspects of their life?
· Are you able to identify with the positive aspects?
· How do the parables in today’s gospel challenge you?
· What does it mean in your situation to “dig around something, put manure on it and wait for next year” hoping it will bear fruit?
· How is the attitude of this gardener different than your own?

The gospel parables this week really don’t speak to me all that much…and that’s okay….but this is what I heard in reflecting… “What specific practices might be part of re-aerating the soil of your life so rotted parts are shorn away and your “roots” can breathe better?” and this to me is all about the constant reconnection to divine energy….my root. At times I lose that connection (usually under stress) and begin to manipulate others for attention (thus energy) and can actually do quite a bit of harm…This is what I would like to shear away…and I know better….I know that when I am connected to the divine and not sucking energy out of people, I am better able to uplift others to a higher consciousness as well. While there, some really cool spiritual things can happen…so, it’s pretty neat….I just don’t know why I play into my shadow of manipulation so much…I SO know better. But then, re-aerating and shearing are both processes; they take time….so, I guess there’s still hope for me. Happy day!

One of our readers emailed me this commentary:

I got caught up in thinking about the people of Haiti and Chile. How different people responded both positively (doctors helping, food, water being supplied) while others questioned if these Haitian people were worthy of being helped “after all they have such a lackadaisical approach to life that they just don’t make anything of themselves.” Both countries are suffering from looters. Again the desperate or opportunistic see themselves as the proper owners of things that belonged to others. With the new earthquake in Chile, our memories will grow even shorter of Haiti, just as they did in our own country for New Orleans when Katrina struck. Dealing with natural disasters brings out the angels and the devils. How are we responding?

What happens inside of you when you hear of natural disaster in another part of the country or the world? Do you feel compassion for those involved?

Yes, I feel compassion and would like to help. If an opportunity presents itself, I’ll donate to relief in that area. I’ll pray for the people in that area.

· Does it remind you of how fortunate you are in being spared from a similar experience? Do you feel like this is a warning to you that you had better be ready because the next time it could be your turn?

It does remind me how fortunate I am to live far from those areas with all the modern support and safety systems of our area. I don’t take it as a warning that it could be my turn next time. I live in a wonderful world of complacency or ignorance. What could possibly happen to me here in Wisconsin? I’m not sure how you could be ready for that kind of disaster anyway?

· How do you think God feels for the people directly involved?

I’m hoping God feels compassion. I don’t believe these kinds of disasters whether global or personal are a punishment from God. Good things happen to bad people, bad things happen to good people. But then that’s good and bad from my perspective. Maybe God doesn’t waste time making those judgments? Or maybe that’s my lesson in this, it isn’t mine to judge.

· What do you think God desires to happen when such events occur?

I think God desires that we pitch in and help out, that it would bring out the best in people not the worst.

If Jesus suffered, and He did, then suffering is part of life. If the Master suffered, and He did, then we who are servants following the Master, to be apart of His life, suffer also. I feel we suffer more at our own hands and at the hands of others around us then we suffer from natural disasters. If we have abused the earth we end up paying for it some way and some things are just a matter of nature’s course. These disasters bring out the best in caring people. What about the daily encounters each day: the unkind word; the obvious shun; the unnecessary critism; the impatient glance; the bad words spoken etc. Like I said disasters bring out the best in people. Though we can’t stop the natural disaster, we can stop the shooting and the killing, the torchering, the disrespect, the power hungry, immodesty, etc. I look at my life right now and how do I respond to people and situations. How do I respond the the “disasters” right before me. How do I make NOW better for someone right in front of me. Jesus wants us to LOVE and do the best we can for our neighbor right here, right now.

A couple of weeks ago seven people died in a house fire two blocks from our friary. Those killed include a mother who had just returned from the hospital with her two day old daughter. The single family home had been divided into three apartments that were home for 20+ people. The day after the fire I went down the street to see the house and to offer a prayer for my neighbors who had died, their families, and the fire fighters. My response reveals to me the sense that there is a connection between these people and myself even though I did not know them. This disaster awakened in me the connection between us that is there weather or not I am aware of it. I liken it to what we celebrate at Mass when we pray “Our Father…” If God is our common Father then we are sister and brother. I am disappointed that it takes a disaster to awaken my awareness to this reality that I believe is fundamental in God’s eyes. But I am also grateful for the reminder.

I have so many thoughts, so many things I’d like to say – and the same thing happened last week. I just have too, too much to comment on. I could fill this whole page and more with all the thoughts. I’m not sure where to start – and more importantly – where I’d finish!

I certainly do NOT believe that God punishes people by having bad things happen to them. Accidents, illnesses, misfortune, natural disasters are all a part of life. I do believe that we are given some of those opportunities to learn though.

Tied to this is my answer to the bottom question asked here. Do I find certain people difficult to be around? Recently I’ve cringed when I have read some peoples’ comments about some of the tragedies that have been happening around the world. When I read or hear things that are condemning people in areas struck by natural disasters – as being punished by God. Or when I get emails that are derogatory to our President and others in office. There is so much hate out there, it seems. . . and so often I see these things said and done in the name of Christianity.

I want to fight back – but then – I feel the need to turn the other cheek. To lead by example and try to live my beliefs out loud in a positive and constructive way.

It’s a crazy world out there though. I don’t feel (like in Quest. 2 below) that I need to be ready for something bad to happen to me, but I do feel that our world is turning wicked so fast, and I do feel that to be prepared I need to not pick up arms and fight, but to be prepared simply and spiritually.

I told you I could write all day. These thoughts are kind of partial. I hope they make sense. . .

In regard to the question about natural disasters: I believe in a loving God who suffers with us when we or any of our brothers and sisters suffer. God does not will natural disasters but I think they do awaken in us a compassionate response. I cannot help but believe that the outpouring of aid across the globe to the situation in Haiti is God inspired.
(And now to Chili as well.) Why do we need such dramatic “wake-up” calls to actively love one another?

I am so grateful for the discussion on the questions posed for our reflection. “g” you are so full of spirit and life you can write everyday if you wish. I’d welcome your insights. I, too, will not forward emails filled with hatred or bias or prejudice. I can state my opinion without putting others down. I must confess that I do stay away and try to avoid negative people. Their energy and attitude seem to “pull” life and hope out of me so I stay away. Those are people I find I can’t be around.

So many of you proclaimed a good, gracious, compassionate God and I see that is the God Jesus shows us in the gospels.

This week is quickly drawing to a close and soon we’ll be on to the next gospel… but for now, we bask in God’s goodness in the present moment and we reach out with that same goodness, graciousness and compassion that God has shown us in Jesus. Thank you one and all for sharing yourselves with others.

Michael – just do exactly what you just did. Just start writing! You’re in!!

The video reminds me of the first story that always comes to mind when I hear this gospel reading. (what I wrote earlier was in response to the questions). 18 years ago at this time I gave birth to my first baby. Feb 18, in fact, even though his due date wasn’t until March 25.

I went into labor with him on Feb 16, and struggled in labor for 2.5 days. My body was insisting on bringing him into the world but the doctors knew that it was just a bit too early still. He was right on the edge of the dates when his lungs would be developing. He was only at 34 weeks at the time – and wasn’t due for 6 more weeks! Lungs develop around week 35.

The doctor described to me that the stress hormones in my body would be those that could help speed up the development of his lungs. They told me that for every minute of time I could hang on, his lungs were developing at a more rapid rate than normal – because of the stress I was going through. She urged me to try to let the labor go on as long as I could, to help him mature his lungs a bit more.

It was the most difficult few days of my life – but my patience paid off. He was born prematurely but with relatively few problems. He was able to come home after 12 days and has lived a healthy life since then. He’s perfect.

Sometimes things need a little more time. Sometimes things aren’t in our control. Sometimes if we can just wait – and endure some pain and some adversity – great things can come.

“MY NAME IS I AM.” He paused. I waited. He continued. “When you live in the past with its mistakes and regrets, it is hard. I am not there. My name is not I WAS. When you live in the future, with its problems and fears, it is hard. I am not there. My name is not I WILL BE. When you live in the moment, it is not hard. I am here. May name is I AM.” by Helen Mallicoat

The story of the Prodigal son teaches me so much. Upon reflection, it helped me to look again at the humility of God and the “weakness” in God’s power. God (the father), loves both sons dearly, the dutiful elder son who may have done the chores without joy, as well as the younger son, hungry for food, love and forgiveness. The joy that was celebrated on finding the younger son was great, as if the father had pulled out all the stops. We can all expereince healing as we pray this parable again and again.

Thank you, Sr. Pat, for sharing your insights with us.
I’d like to focus on this question:
1. Have you ever experienced criticism from another for having friends that were not considered “acceptable”? Why or why not? What does the fact that you have, or have not, experienced such criticisms say about the kind of person you are?

I try to be accepting of a wide variety of people, though I always need to grow in that “wide variety.” I have received criticism and I’m happy for it because the criticism indicates to me that I’m living Gospel values. God’s love is so extravagant, it cannot be “doled out” to only the “acceptable.” What I find difficult is to love and care without enabling another to continue unhealthy behaviors and attitudes. I try to love and accept without affirming negativity and self-defeating behaviors. That’s a challenge!

Luke tells us that this parable was told on an occasion when some scribes and Pharisees were being critical of Jesus because he befriended tax collectors and sinners. This parable has been the spring board for a great deal of reflection in of itself. But what draws my attention today is that fact that Jesus used it as response to those who were critical of his association. In that light it seems to me that both the elder son and younger son both do things that isolate and divide the relationship within the family and in the community. The Father or his part seems to be about looking for opportunities to build bridges and reconciliation. He does that in ways that may damage his own reputation in the community. But he seems to care more about reconciliation or the possibility of it than his own honor. Was Jesus successful in calling the scribes and the tax collectors to a faithful relationship to God? Was the Father in the parable successful in bringing the older son in to the celebration? Is Jesus successful in asking us to look at our tendency to isolate ourselves from others? I think the answer to that will found in who is at our dinner table and in our pew at church. For today I have to say that I have a long way to go. But I am glad that I know I am called to join Jesus on the road Jerusalem and my own surrender of self. I also give myself permission not to like the road rather than take a different rout.

Lois, you helped us with a very practical approach to Gospel living. Fr. Paul, thank you for really probing the role of both sons in the parable and explaining the father’s generous love toward both of them despite what “the neighbors would think.” I am grateful to our readers and to the two of you for enriching our Lenten reflections with your postings.

Maybe we can end today’s reflections by paraphrasing the closing words of the parable, “But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because what was dead inside some of us has come to life again.”

What strikes me? Well, the story doesn’t have an ending. We are left to wonder if the older brother will accept the father’s invitation to the party…and it is that idea of invitation that strikes me.

In the end of the story, as in our own lives, the father gives exactly what is needed. The younger son is accepted back home and given a place of belonging….and the older son is given reassurance: “You are always with me. Everything I have is yours.” Then the father extends the invitation to come inside to the party and to celebrate.

So, there’s a place for everyone at the feast….but the ending is still ours….do we accept the invitation? Furthermore, do we, like the father, give others a place of belonging? In our church communities, do those who at times gasp for air, kick at established tradition, and ritual, and sometimes even leave still get an invitation? Do those who are ever so dutiful, thoughtful, caring, and concerned, get reassured? What ending does the story really have?

and – as a church – are we welcoming our little brothers home with our “Coming Home” – or are we saying “WHY ARE ALL THESE PEOPLE SITTING IN MY PEW?” “I CAN’T FIND A PARKING SPOT BECAUSE OF ALL THESE PEOPLE WHO SHOW UP ONCE A YEAR”. . .

just a thought.

I had the opportunity to listen to Perry…a few times tonight…. At the end of Perry’s segment he stated that Mel Gibson, in making The Passion of the Christ, hoped to figure out how one man could experience what Jesus did and still forgive…what was behind it? But you know what? Jesus said some words about forgiveness and then died. What if he didn’t die? (Drawing it a little closer to real human experience…) What if after, he was somehow let go, only to have to spend months and months and months healing physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally, gosh…even spiritually? What would the response be then? That’s what I would I like to know….what would be behind that? What if we don’t die after being crucified?

: )

Faith: Because LIFE is an unanswerable question.

As I listened to the reflection at Mass this evening, I was again reminded that not all conflicts have resolutions. Sometimes we live with the “unfinished business” of a lack of willingness to forgive or be forgiven. Living with mystery is its own suffering and part of our Lenten journey and life journey. Peace and all good things to our readers this Saturday evening.

Here is the Gospel for next Sunday:

March 21, 2010
5th Sunday of Lent
John 8:1-11

1 [While] Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. 3. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. 4. They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. 5. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” 6. They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. 7. But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8. Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. 10. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11. She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, (and) from now on do not sin any more.”

BACKGROUND:

The text for this Sunday’s gospel reflects a common theme of Luke: Jesus’ compassion for sinners. Manuscripts of John’s Gospel do not contain this text; scholars believe that it was added later.

The text for this week presents the familiar story of a woman caught in adultery. Because the story is so familiar, the reader may not be attentive to the opening verses. The temple area was the gathering place for the scribes, Pharisees and those who were concerned with matters of the law. While they are portrayed in the gospels as being opponents of Jesus, and therefore in a negative light, remember that Jesus went and ate with them, something that in Jesus’ world demonstrated respect. By going to this temple area, sitting down and teaching, Jesus is behaving in the typical manner of those who come to debate the law.

Adultery was an offense against the honor of a husband. A husband could accuse his wife but a wife could not accuse her husband. According to the book of Deuteronomy, both the man and woman should be punished. “If a man is discovered having relations with a woman who is married to another, both the man and woman with whom he has had relations shall die. Thus shall you purge the evil form your midst.” (Deuteronomy 22:22) But generally, the woman bore the blame and punishment. According to the Hebrew Law, she could be stoned to death if she were a woman who was betrothed (age 12-14), and strangled if she were a married woman.

The law also prescribed that the witnesses of the offense should be the ones to begin the execution. However, according to Roman law, the Hebrew people did not have the authority to execute anyone. Those who have brought this woman to Jesus have set a kind of test or trap. The crowd that gathered would be alienated if Jesus spoke against a legitimate part of the Mosaic tradition. If he supports the stoning of this woman, then he would contradict his previous teaching about forgiveness and would place himself above the Roman authority that reserved imposition of death sentence to itself.

What is clear from the situation is that the woman is being treated as a pawn for a debate about the law. Those who have brought her into the temple area do not care about what happens to her, or her reputation. In contrast, Jesus seems to be more concerned with her than anything else. Other attempts to trap Jesus have left those setting the trap embarrassed and discredited. However, here he does not seem to be concerned with them. On the contrary, he remains silent and begins to doddle on the ground. This places the burden of what do with the woman on those who brought her forward. According to the law, the witnesses are responsible for being the first to carry out the execution. But they are unwilling to do so and eventually they, and the crowd, abandon the woman. It is only then, when Jesus is alone with the woman that he speaks with her. He neither condones what she has done nor treats her as a public sinner. “Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ 11. She replied, ‘No one, sir.’ Then Jesus said, ‘neither do I condemn you. Go, (and) from now on do not sin any more.’” John 8:10-11)

REFLECTION QUESTION
1. Can you recall a time when you were caught “red handed” doing something you should not have been doing? What was it? Who caught you? How did you feel when you were caught? How did you respond in that situation? How did the person who caught you treat the incident?
2. Have you ever been made a public example of behavior that was not acceptable? (In the classroom, at church, in sports, at work) What do you think was the concern of the person making you the example? What message do you think everyone who witnessed the event received that day?
3. Why do you think Jesus went to the temple area that day? What do you think he did after the woman left him? Why? What do you think was going on inside of him?
4. Do you know people who seem to make “obeying the law, the rules, or what is expected” the measure of what one should do? How big of a part do “rules and laws” play in your personal life?
5. Do you have private sins that, if exposed, would embarrass you to the point that you would not want to be seen in public or in church? What does this gospel say to you?
6. What do you think was the experience of this woman when she was caught? What was her experience of being with Jesus this day?
7. Have you ever been criticized for confessing your sins to a priest? How do you feel about going to confession?
8. What does this gospel say to you about the kind of church Jesus would like us to be? How can you help us to be that kind of church?

Gospel Reflection Questions
Written by Paul Gallagher, OFM
Edited by Sister Anne Marie Lom, OSF
Gospel Reflections are distributed free of charge to your email address if you so choose.
To receive them, contact annemarie.lom@gmail.com

If copied, please include this information.

For a further reading on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, you may want to go to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt2sect2chpt2.shtml#vi
It is good for all of us to reflect on this Sacrament, especially during Lent.
For more discussion on Lent and the Sacraments you may want to visit:
http://www.usccb.org/lent/celebrate.shtml

I hope to hear from other readers regarding the Sacrament of Reconciliation or your thoughts, insights into the Gospel.