August 4, 2013
At a recent monthly meeting of our parish lectors, the
group reflected on the possibility of creating a relationship of love and trust
between the lector and the assembly - a real relationship uniting everyone at
Mass as fellow worshipers.
By contrast, there are many instances where a sincere
voice and clear articulation are not enough to create a genuine relationship
between a speaker and his or her listeners.
A prerecorded solicitation on the phone, no matter how sincere sounding,
cannot create a real relationship. In a
similar way, a spokesperson passionately defending a company’s involvement in
an industrial accident is not likely to create a trusting relationship with a
group of cynical reporters.
When self interest is the only purpose for communicating
with others, a mutual and caring relationship is highly unlikely.
There are two reasons that explain why lectors are more
than “spokespersons” attempting to influence their hearers. First, lectors care about their hearers. They believe that agape is the kind of love that makes real relationships possible.
Second, lectors do more than read words. By their prayer
and meditation on the Scriptures, they demonstrate that the words they proclaim
have a living meaning for everyone. A
lector is never simply a “mouthpiece” delivering a “prepared statement.”
In his book,
Engagement with God, Catholic theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar described
the mission that is central to the life of every Christian including lectors: “Each man encountering this light (the light
of heaven) receives a call and a commission.
To him is given the task of living for others, and he becomes one of
those who have begun to grasp the meaning of communion and sharing.”
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First Reading - Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23
Immortality
Let’s assume that at some time in the future, human
beings acquire the technology needed to defeat death. It would be the kind of scientific
breakthrough that enables humanity to achieve its ultimate dream of immortality. However, having achieved the dream, humanity must
then grapple with the really big question: “Are we better off?”
In the Bible, the Book of Ecclesiastes holds a unique
place. It asks questions without
providing answers. It anticipates the
modern existential encounter with nothingness.
Even if we could live forever, Ecclesiastes makes clear that the extra
years would not provide any additional meaning to our toil, our hardship, or to
our very lives.
Throughout the book, Qoheleth makes a strong effort to
find meaning. He tries wisdom, pleasure,
wealth and power, prestige, even a legalistic form of religion. Nothing works.
The story ends when, as an old man, Qoheleth wanders
through a dying village - a place for his own death. He says; “And
the dust returns to the earth as it once was, and the life breath returns to God
who gave it. Vanities of vanities, says
Qoheleth, all things are vanity!” (ch.12, vs.7-8).
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Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
Answers to the Hard Questions
If the Book of Ecclesiastes asks hard questions, today’s
second reading provides important answers. The answers renew our hope like a bracing
breath of fresh air.
“When
Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.”
Life on this earth is not meaningless. God did not create the universe and put us in
it for no reason. The time we spend on earth is meant for making God’s love
known to others.
Through love we can directly create a better place to
live. Conversely, Paul tells us that there
are some things we should put to death.
They including: “immorality,
impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry.”
© George Fournier 2013
