Thursday, August 30, 2012

Be Doers of the Word

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dt 4:1-2, 6-8/Jas 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27/Mk 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

My Father almost lost his life to pneumonia last April. Through grit, determination, and a lot of prayer, he pulled through. The illness has not left its scars, however. Still healing, his memory isn't what it used to be and his gait isn't as quick, but his resolve is pulling him through each day. If you ask him how he is, he will tell you, "Well, I got up today...so it's good."

My sister and I have walked with him through this whole experience. We are grateful for the care received, but I cannot help but notice something very disturbing as time has passed. His recovery is typical for someone his age--which is the problem. Medical personnel, after seeing the diagnosis of memory loss, treat him as if he isn't in the room. They talk to my sister and I, but do not look at or address him. It is as if we have a child in the room that has little to no ability to comprehend. Nothing could be further from the truth. In exasperation he finally asked the nurse during a recent visit, "Why is everyone treating me as if I am not here?"

My heart breaks to see my Dad, who was the strength and foundation of my childhood, weakened. It hurts even more to see him being treated as if he has been discarded by society--unworthy of even the dignity of recognition.

In a way, though, isn't that what we do to Jesus, too?

Moses speaks in the first reading of the great nation of Israel, whose foundation is the laws and decrees of their Creator, and whose greatness is due to Him alone. James reminds us that we must "Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls. Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves." We can claim nothing of our power, success, or esteem--it is all due to God and the graces He has showered down upon us. We are not here to lord over, but rather, to humbly serve in love and charity, just as Jesus showed us.

We so often complain about society, the media, and all the other ills of our times that seem to be dragging our society down. Problem is, it isn't what's out in the culture that is destroying us, but rather, the lack of virtues flowing from within that allows us to live lives of sin that destroy the very fiber of our humanity.

I shudder to think of what is to come if our worth is calculated by what we can do and not who we are--children of God. If we cannot see each other with the beauty the God created us in; if we cannot show compassion to those who are struggling; if we cannot acknowledge a sorrowful soul, then we have become hardened hypocrites. We complain and point fingers without taking responsibility; we judge and toss aside without considering the gift of another.

We have a responsibility to all of humanity--not solely those who are productive and capable, but the poor, the weak, and the vulnerable. Jesus is in our midst--but do we recognize Him? Jesus is also in our hearts--do we take time to search Him out? Or do we treat him, like so many professionals seem to be treating my Dad, like an insignificant being who has outlived his usefulness?

St. James' words are clear--what is at stake is the salvation of our souls. "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world."

Let us contemplate how we humbly allow the Word of God to settle into our heart and transforming us so we may be living examples of Christ in our midst, lifting up and drawing all to the Savior who loves us so.

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