-
September 3, 2021In my childhood, Labor Day was always a melancholy day. It was the unofficial end to summer and our last full day at the Jersey shore. On Tuesday after Labor Day, we’d head back to the city and start school on Wednesday. We’d return to Ocean City for a few weekends after Labor Day, to get it out of our system. I’ll be forever grateful to my parents who had the means to provide for those wonderful summer weeks at the beach. And how very blessed I am that I now get to stay at the beach long after Labor Day as come and gone.
On this Labor Day it is good to remember those who work hard to provide for their families. And it is good to be mindful on this day of those who no matter how hard they work can never seem to provide adequately for their family. We hold them in prayer. Catholic teaching tells us that not only are workers due a “just wage” with which they can provide for their families’ needs; they also deserve opportunities for rest and dignity affirming benefits such as quality health care and paid time off.
And so, on this Labor Day with most of us so privileged that we do not work by the sweat of our brows unless we play tennis or jog, it is good to be mindful that there is other work to be done, what Jesus called, “my Father’s work” – healing the sick, caring for the poor, casting out demons, doing the hard work of justice. Lord, guide us as a faith community to work for a better world, to joyfully build up your Kingdom here on Tybee.
Sept. 5, 2021
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Is 35:4-7a | Jas 2:1-5 | Mk 7:31-37
GROW: Our oldest son is deaf. I vividly remember watching him notice sounds for the first time in the days after his cochlear implant was activated: the “caw” of a crow, a doorbell, the low rumble of the furnace kicking in. Our job as parents was to provide a running commentary to help him understand the meaning of each sound that so many of us take for granted: “See the birds? That is a crow!” “Your dad is home.” “The heat is coming on.” I’m reminded of those early days when I read Mark’s account of Jesus restoring hearing to the deaf man. While most of us can hear, so often we take the sounds all around us for granted or relegate them to background noise – including the Scripture we hear at Mass each week. As Bishop Robert Barron writes, “This deaf man stands for all of us who do not hear the word of God, who have grown oblivious to it.” As we listen to today’s readings, we can ask Jesus to open our ears and our hearts to the word of God.
GO: Mark spares no detail in describing Jesus’ encounter with the deaf man who had a speech impediment. Jesus places a finger in his ear and spits, touching his tongue, then utters the word “Ephphatha! (“Be opened”) Immediately, the man can hear and speak clearly. When listening to this reading, I often focus on the man’s hearing. But Jesus also cured the man’s speech impediment, which I think indicates we’re not supposed to just hear God’s word, we are to speak to it, and speak of it. Once we allow Jesus to open our ears and hearts to the Good News, sharing it will begin to come naturally. There may still be times when our Catholic tongues feel tied, but “Be strong, fear not!” Jesus will give us the words.
ACTIONS: Next time you take a drive, listen to the day’s Scripture readings. Ask Jesus to open your ears and hearts to his words and show you how best to share them with others.
And most teachers would agree: The more senses we engage, the more we take in. If you have trouble following the readings at Mass, open your missalette and read along silently.
