Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs
Readings: 1 Mc 4:36-37, 52-59; 1 Chr 29:10bcd, 11abc, 11d-12a, 12bcd; Lk 19:45-48
Notes:
Summary
Today we celebrate Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs who died for the faith in Vietnam. They died for teaching and practicing the faith among the people. In our first reading today we celebrate Judas, third son of the priest Mattathias and first leader of the revolt against the Seleucid kings, and his brothers who overcame oppression (general and specific) and they were able to purify and sanctify the temple. They fought so that teaching and practicing the faith in the temple may begin again for the people. In our gospel reading today Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things, saying to them, “It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.” Jesus continued to teach in the temple area.
Reflection
In the United States we have freedom and our reflection today: Freedom of Religion.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Source: https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/amendments/amendment-i
It is read to say: Freedom FROM religion and Freedom TO religion in the first phrase of the first amendment of the Bill of Rights.
It remains ever our difficult but sacred task to balance these two freedoms properly and for the benefit of all. It FIRST among the FIRST of the rights needed to be secured for the Constitution to be ratified. The Church speaks in a similar way.
Truth, however, is to be sought after in a manner proper to the dignity of the human person and his social nature. The inquiry is to be free, carried on with the aid of teaching or instruction, communication and dialogue, in the course of which men explain to one another the truth they have discovered, or think they have discovered, in order thus to assist one another in the quest for truth.
Moreover, as the truth is discovered, it is by a personal assent that men are to adhere to it.
Therefore, we must be always true to ourselves and our activity of teaching, serving, healing, aiding and being expression of the Beatitudes we profess as commandments. Jesus did not limit his teaching to the temple area as he went about Galilee and Samaria. But he did not ignore the sanctity of the temple area and the need for purification from a commercialized perspective. Jesus was not afraid of the death threats or the derision.
And every day he was teaching in the temple area. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people, meanwhile, were seeking to put him to death, but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose because all the people were hanging on his words.
Personal Reflection
The older I get the more interested I am in the character of people I follow, seek counsel or otherwise look to for direction and guidance. It is their character that tells me if they know how to (or at least attempt to) balance their understanding of Freedom FROM and Freedom TO religion. This right we speak of and the balance between can only be found in the diakonia or service. Remember: They died for teaching and practicing the faith. Still others: they risked death for teaching and practicing the faith. Most popular among the leadership: neither of the two.
My North Star in the visible realm is the service, not the words. Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works (Jam 2:18b).
First Reading
For eight days they celebrated the dedication of the altar and joyfully offered burnt offerings and sacrifices of deliverance and praise.
Responsorial
We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.
Gospel Acclamation
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.
Gospel
Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things, saying to them, “It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.” And every day he was teaching in the temple area.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry