Chewing Cud
After some ruminating over this coming Sunday’s readings, I was struck by the theme of ‘public works;’ or doing good that is intentionally public in its effects.
A few simple reflections
What’s the difference between this approach to performing virtue and Jesus’ scathing critique of hypocritical public do-gooding only a few verses later in Matthew’s Gospel? Hmm.
Who4?
Maybe the clue is in the who...
{Sounds like a great book in the making here}
...who those works are done for.
In chapter 6, Jesus rails against those who do works ‘to be seen’ by others so that the glory redounds on the doer of good. In Sunday’s Gospel, the one who does good ‘to be seen’ redounds to the glory of the Father.
Santo Subito
Maybe embedded in there is a description of a saint. Indeed, those in my life whom I consider to be genuinely holy have this marvelously elusive quality about them: everything about them very naturally says, ‘not me, but the other;’ whether that other be God or neighbor. Their self-deprecating manner of being human is so genuine that you don’t even notice the selfless process at work; whereas false humility has the effect of drawing more attention to the self-deprecator.
Imitate Me
One other thought that leapt into my mind was the power of influence that we exercise, for better or for worse. On the Last Day, before the judgment seat of Christ, will stand all of those who fell under my influence; and they will be either a condemning reproach or a redeeming testimony. In other words, my good works are not all-about-me, but rather are profoundly social realities by which I either build or tear down the living Temple of God that is the Church; humanity recreated in the divine image and likeness.
Let’s roll and spread the contagion of good to all who fall under our sway.
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As I reflected on the readings and this commentary, I think of the phrase “You are the salt of the earth” in the Gospel message. The marketing of many food products in our country bring about kudos when on the label are the words – less sodium or lower sodium. Learning that to much salt can create an unhealthy product and no salt forces a product to have no tastefulness whatsoever has the faithful seeking a guide on how to measure the salt needed for the world.
ReplyDeleteFollowing the Beatitudes from last Sunday’s Gospel reading, it is quickly discerned that the quantity of salt needed is measured not in teaspoons or milligrams, but in faith, words and deeds each obtaining a heavenly reward. If the good deeds performed are more tasteful and/or more tolerable to the world – that taste comes from the salt which Jesus provides. When asked why is this message is not the same bland message the world provides, the answer is because the salt (Jesus) makes it better/different/special.
How can this salt keep its flavor? Our diligent work removing the calamities in Isaiah (oppression, false accusation, malicious speech) prevents the salt from loosing its taste and from giving true witness of Jesus Christ to the world. By doing just these few things our light can shine more completely before others and glorify the heavenly Father.
Beads, a great complement to my thoughts on light! And a fabulous intertwining of the theme of justice as a preservative in Christian life. Thank you for your eloquence.
ReplyDeleteThe question I had came from the last line of the reading: "Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”
ReplyDeleteMy question: What KIND of deeds would automatically, by nature, point to God and make people "glorify the Father"? Sure, the spiritual and corporal works of mercy MIGHT do the trick, but I think what Jesus was saying was that the good deeds included the deeds that he did, namely, healing, driving out demons, etc. Seen any good "miracles" lately?
.ed
ReplyDeleteThanks for your point linking miraculous 'deeds of power' and the light-bearing works of which Jesus speaks. I would not deny your point as miracles no doubt are light-bearing, but in the context of chapter 5 in St. Matthew's Gospel where the 'light' comment is made, Jesus has just finished the beatitudes and is about to lay out a robust re-reading of the works of the Law. Thus this seems to be the primary meaning of 'good deeds' - the 'poor in spirit' penetrate the heart of the Law and do deeds of loving kindness and mercy. Then in chapter 6 Jesus continues his re-read by re-interpreting the role of the deeds of prayer, fasting and almsgiving in a devout Jew's life. Then in chapter 7, as he continues his reworking of the La (esp in 7:22), he prioritizes doing the Law over working miracles. So...I think it's both/and, but the doing of deeds of loving kindness and mercy emerges as the premier 'light-bearer.'
Or so it seems to me.
Thanks for your insightful comments, as ever. I will check out that book you referenced elsewhere and comment.
Pax, frater.