These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. (Mt 18 1-4)
What is greatness? Is it power, success, money, possessions? Clare of Assisi heard Francis preaching about the Poor Christ and left everything to follow the humble way of poverty.
Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.” (Jn 12:24-26)
As the arch-deacon of the Church of Rome, Lawrence would have been the next pope after Saint Sixtus. But when Sixtus and the other six deacons were martyred, Lawrence was arrested. Knowing that the deacons were in charge of the charity of the church, the magistrate ordered Lawrence to bring in the treasure of the church. Lawrence asked for a few days to accomplish the task . . . and after having given everything to the poor, he brought some of them in to the court and declared, “Here is the treasure of the church.” For his impudence, Lawrence was roasted alive. In church art, Lawrence is usually pictured with a gridiron. His story still lives on in the church.
When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.” (Mt 14:26-33)
“O you of little faith . . . “ we will soon see the contrast with the upcoming “Rocky” scene (You are Peter and upon this rock . . . ) in Matthew 16:13-20. I’m always grateful for Peter. He usually puts his foot in his mouth or even sinks like a rock like in today’s gospel. But Peter has the sense to call out, “Lord, save me!” and the Lord stretches out a hand and catches him and puts him back in the boat. Perhaps a good lesson for all of us.
Then the LORD answered me and said: Write down the vision Clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late. The rash have no integrity; but the just one, because of faith, shall live. (Hab 2:2-4)
The “minor prophets” are by no means minor in importance. They are called “minor” because their books are so much smaller than the so-called “major” prophets. The prophet Habakkuk has an important message for people who have little patience: WAIT FOR IT! The vision “has its time . . . and will not disappoint.” And as the Lord reminds us, it doesn’t take much faith to move mountains . . . faith the size of a mustard seed is enough (Mt 17:20)! Today is the feast of Saint Dominic founded the Order of Preachers . . . a good reminder of the importance of the Word of God in the life of the church.
Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Mt 16:24-25)
The cost of discipleship . . . sometimes we wonder if it’s worth it. And of course, the answer comes . . . where else would we want to be but with Him? Today is the feast of Pope Saint Sixtus and his companions. What is so special about Saint Sixtus? Well, in three days we will celebrate the feast of Saint Lawrence . . . which is the rest of the story. The Church of Rome traditionally had seven deacons. The deacons held very important positions in the church . . . Saint Lawrence was the arch-deacon. There was a persecution of the church at that time and gatherings of Christians were prohibited. Pope Sixtus said he wanted to celebrate the Eucharist with the community at one of the cemeteries. Cemeteries were outside the city walls and away from the police. So the pope along with the seven deacons gathered with the community. But the police arrived and grabbed the pope and five of the deacons. Pope Sixtus and four deacons were beheaded on the spot: Januarius, Vincentius, Magnus and Stephanus. Two of the deacons managed to escape to the cemetery across the street . . . where they were captured and beheaded: Felicissimus and Agapitus. The arch-deacon Lawrence was arrested and his story follows on August 10th.
