Feast of Saint Lawrence, deacon and martyr
One of my favorite lines in all of scripture is "as it is written." It comes up quite often. It makes me stand at attention, take pause, and anticipate what I'm about to read. These words beckon me to do a little investigation, to check my footnotes, and to appease my inquisitive mind which asks, "Where was that written?" In today's first reading from First Corinthians, St. Paul writes, "As it is written: He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." My initial thought was that this was a beautiful description of God- speaking to the limitlessness of His generosity, His abundant care for the poor, and His righteousness. It came as no surprise that God should be described in this way. The only problem was that, as it is written, this description doesn't refer to God in this passage. It refers to me! It refers to what all of us are being called to in our discipleship.
"He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." In this verse, St. Paul is making a reference to Psalm 112, which is appropriately chosen by the Church as today's responsorial psalm. As I read today's psalm, line after line described in beautiful language "the man who fears the Lord" - he is gracious and lends, conducts his affairs with justice, and lavishly gives to the poor. It was nearly everything that I wanted to readily say about God, but now saw as a call to action and a benchmark for my own discipleship.
How can we be like God? Is our call to think, talk, and act like Jesus an impossible standard- an idealistic, yet ultimately unrealistic hope? Or is it possible? Certainly by our own efforts, it's not possible. But, considering God's abundant grace, we can joyfully and humbly say, "It is possible!" In today's Gospel from John, Jesus says, "where I am, there also my servant will be." Yes, by our service to others we can be like Jesus, not just in some abstract and analogical sense, but in a very real and practical way. Taking a closer look at today's first reading, St. Paul reminds us that the seed we are using for the harvest of our own righteousness is supplied and multiplied by God Himself. The seed is not our own. Not only is it not our own, but it came at a cost- the grain of wheat that fell to the ground, died, and produced much fruit; namely, Jesus Christ. In this way also, we have been challenged today to be like God in a complete self giving of self.
Isn't it odd that, even though the seed is not our own, God's infinite mercy rewards us for the fruit of that seed? Today's Gospel concludes with the words, "My father will honor whoever serves me." And today's psalm also speaks of various accolades for the just man. St. Augustine shed some light on this reality when he plainly said, "God, you reward your own gifts." Today, may we keep these words in our heart and mind, such that our focus may not be on the reward or even the gifts, but rather the gift giver. Today, may we be generous with the seed that we are given and scatter it widely with justice, humility, and love. Amen.
Ryan J. Mahle