Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 6, 2013

Reflection on Lectoring

“If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” (I Cor 15:14).

St. Paul certainly cannot be faulted for using indirect or unclear words.  If the Father did not raise the Son from the dead, our faith is foolish.  If there was no Resurrection, our faith would be in a risen Christ who really did not rise, and our own resurrection would also be in grave doubt.  What is not always clear are the ways in which different people hear and react to St. Paul’s strong words.

For some people, the religious-sounding familiarity of these words can cause the message to fade into the background.  St. Paul’s words can wind up in a part of our consciousness where they remain unconnected to the more immediate needs of our everyday lives.

For non-Christians, the Resurrection is not part of their belief system, and St. Paul’s words simply do not apply.  At best, Jesus was an honorable man who had many positive things to say.

There are, of course, many empirically-minded skeptics who believe the apostles merely invented the Easter story. As a result, those who believe in the Resurrection are either deceiving themselves or are simply following the crowd.  Skeptics have little patience for obvious myths.

People can hear the words, “Your faith is in vain” from a variety of different perspectives, and can have many different reactions.  But for people who really listen, the words can never be taken for granted.

That is the way it is with all of Scripture.  It is the job of every lector to recognize the power contained in the words and proclaim them with the same conviction that St. Paul wrote them.  In turn, your hearers at Mass will be invited to hear these words in an equally powerful way.

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First Reading  -  Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4
Harsh Words and Bitter Complaints

In this week’s Reflection on Lectoring, we heard some strong words from St. Paul.  In the first reading, we also hear some really intense words: “How long, O Lord?  I cry for help but you do not listen!”

In all three of the chapters of the Book of Habakkuk, the prophet talks only with God.  Unlike prophets such as Amos and Jeremiah, Habakkuk does not address corrupt kings, false prophets or greedy rich people, only God.  And he is not afraid to ask God some really pointed questions - some might even call these questions angry complaints.  Does this guy really know whom he is talking to?

Today’s reading focuses on Habakkuk’s first complaint and God’s response.

How is it possible for someone to say to God, “I cry out to you, ‘Violence’ but you do not intervene”?  One way to tone this down might be to think of these words as no more than exaggerated religious expression.  Lectors might be especially sensitive to this concern, since harsh words are not normally what you hear at Mass.

Another way to understand these words is to put them in the context of faith.  Only someone who believed in a real, personal and just God could be so direct and challenging.  Check the ending of this reading and you will find that God understands the difference between uncontrolled rashness and a genuine faith expression: “The rash one has no integrity; but the just one, because of his faith, shall live.”

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Second Reading  -  2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14

Sorrow and Hope

Where has all the excitement gone?  On Pentecost, the apostles rushed into the streets, unafraid, filled with joy and the Spirit. “And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).

Now in the Second Letter to Timothy, Paul is in prison in Rome (1:16-17), thinking he is close to death (4:6-8).  Everyone in Asia has deserted him (1:15). And there are useless disputes in the Church (2:14).

The Second Letter to Timothy is a remarkably personal letter that is filled with both sadness and hope.  A thorough preparation for today’s reading should include the reading of all four chapters, especially since parts of this letter will be read at Mass for four consecutive Sundays.

In today’s reading, Paul offers Timothy an echo of the power of Pentecost when he says, “I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.”  The reading ends with, “Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.”  For Paul, there is a reason for hope even in the midst of sadness.

© George Fournier 2013

Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 29, 2013

Reflection on Lectoring

Welcome to the 100^th edition of Reflection on Lectoring.

At my parish in Central Florida, the Spirit-filled proclamation of the Word is an essential and powerful part of our communal worship.  In Isaiah, the Lord says, “So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it” (55:11).  In their prayerful proclamation of the Scriptures, our lectors embody a deep belief that God’s word is effective even when shared by his most humble of instruments.

With both love and humility our lectors perform their ministry as an unselfish service to their brothers and sisters.  They recognize their calling as a privilege and a gift.  They demonstrate by their personal commitment to the Scriptures that God’s word can have real meaning and importance for everyone in the assembly.

At my parish, lectors are blessed to be part of a community that truly supports effective proclamation.  Our clergy and religious, our Director of Liturgy and all our parish staff have consistently shown their love for God’s word.  They have also shown that they value the sharing of that word at Mass and at every gathering where God and his word are present.

It has been my privilege to reflect with you, our readers, each week on the lector ministry and on the words we proclaim.  As a lector of 30 years, I have been blessed to hear God’s voice through many Scripture passages.   I have been doubly blessed to share some of what I have heard with you.

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First Reading  -  Amos 6:1a, 4-7

The Cold Shoulder

There are many bad things that can happen to you if you say bad things about your boss, the president of your club or association, or about your host at a party or social gathering.

Even if what you say is true, you could lose your job.  People may stop talking to you.   Or, you might never get invited to another party.

These were very real possibilities for the prophet Amos.

Around 760 B.C. things got so nasty that Amaziah, the official priest of Bethel and good friend of king Jeroboam II, tells Amos that he is no longer welcome, “Off with you seer, flee to the land of Judah and there earn your bread by prophesying!” (ch.7, v.1)  Not to be outdone, Amos responds with nasty comments about Amaziah’s wife.

What is a lector to do with all this acrimony?  In today’s first reading, as in the first reading from last week, we hear about rich and powerful people who create walls that separate them from the poor and powerless.  As a result of this lack of compassion both sides are made poorer.  Today’s Gospel story about the rich man and Lazarus tells us that there will be a harsh accounting in the next life.  Perhaps, even in this life, those who lack compassion close the do

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Second Reading  -  1 Timothy 6:11-16

Advice to a Friend

Timothy was a true friend and helper to Paul.  He was a faithful companion who travelled with Paul on two of his missionary journeys, co-sponsored five of his letters, and carried out many special missions.  Referring to Timothy in Philippians, Paul says, “I have no one comparable to him” (2:20). Perhaps not surprisingly, he was destined to become the bishop of the important community at Ephesus.

It is apparent that Paul genuinely cares about Timothy, calling him “my true child” (1 Timothy 1:1), and “brother and co-worker for God” (1 Thessalonians 3:2).  As we noted in last week’s reflection, Paul even expressed concerns about Timothy’s health.

In both of his Pastoral Letters to Timothy, Paul gives his friend advice on how to promote the true faith.  Perhaps, however, some of the best advice is found in today’s reading.  If Timothy as a “man of God” pursues “righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness” he will “lay hold of eternal life.”  He will also be the kind of bishop who provides a genuine witness to the majesty and love of God.

For insights into true friendship, Paul’s letters to Timothy demonstrate the love that these two men of God had for their mission and for each other.

© George Fournier 2013

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 22, 2013

Reflection on Lectoring

Here is something to think about.  Can people at Mass actually enjoy hearing the Scriptures proclaimed?

Perhaps Scripture reading should be thought of in a more reverential way - a required part of the Mass respectfully heard by people sitting quietly in the assembly.

It is possible to think of prayer in a similar way.  Prayers before a meal or before going to bed can be thought of as a required part of our customary daily routine.  Just one of the things we are supposed to do.

In a recent homily at my parish, the homilist painted a picture of prayer and the Scriptures that went well past such placid and flaccid approaches.  He described Abraham as begging, bargaining and importuning God.  When Abraham prayed for the innocent people in Sodom, he persisted without letup, “Please, let not my Lord grow angry with me.”  His was a lively and spirited conversation with God.  A brisk, question and answer session between a flesh-and-blood creature and his real and responsive Creator.

When they are properly read, spoken and heard, Scripture passages can generate real emotion and inspiration - not just the quiet passing of a few minutes at Mass.  They are words and stories that describe our relationship with God.  They are intimate conversations between God and us.  They are words and stories that can be enjoyed whenever we hear them.

In a world where work and family responsibilities demand so much of our attention, a time for conversation with a caring God can be a real treasure.  The Scripture proclamations at Mass are not just something that is required.  They are a time to talk with the best friend we can have.

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First Reading  -  Amos 8:4-7
Timely Advice

In today’s Reflection on Lectoring, we suggested that there was real comfort and inspiration to be found in the Scriptures.  However, today’s first reading seems to negate all of that in favor of doom and gloom.  The words of this passage convict the greedy and powerful of Israel by detailing their meanness and pettiness.

Except for its last five verses, the nine-chapter Book of Amos contains an unrelenting series of angry accusations and predictions of brutal punishments.  Perhaps it is fitting that Amos’ name in Hebrew means “burden.”

So what do a lector and his or her hearers make of all this gloom? Why should anyone want to hear it, or remember it?  Is this all about learning a painful lesson?  Is this passage meant to balance out our belief in a loving God with a fear of a vindictive God?

In the second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews five Sundays ago we heard about the “discipline of the Lord” that brings the “peaceful fruit of righteousness.”   Perhaps your hearers may not fully recall the reading, but they can be reminded that God uses the negative consequences of bad behavior to point the way to a better life.  God is not an angry parent who finds satisfaction in doling out punishment.  In reality, he is a loving parent offering forgiveness and a path away from death to life.

Not too long ago in this country, greed led to the downfall of some high-flying companies which fixed their scales for cheating.  God would be happier if we took his advice before bad things happen.  And we would all be better off if we did. 

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Second Reading  -  1 Timothy 2:1-8
A Little Wine, Exercise and God

Paul’s first letter to Timothy offers a remarkable combination of bedrock beliefs and practical advice.  In 5:23 he recommends, “Stop drinking only water, but have a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.”  In 4:8 he suggests that exercise is ok, but . . . “for, while physical training is of limited value, devotion is valuable in every respect.”

In the same letter, Paul also expresses some of the creedal beliefs of our faith.  In today’s verses, he says: “For there is one God.  There is also one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as ransom for all.”

In the next chapter, verse 16 he continues, “Who was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.”

Paul is a bold preacher.  He felt confident when talking about both theological matters and everyday affairs.  His words also reinforced the essential reality of all the Scriptures - that they are meant for real people who really want to understand their God. 

It is an important idea for lectors to keep in mind when proclaiming the Scriptures to the real people sitting before them at Mass.

© George Fournier 2013

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection on Lectoring

How does a lector translate religious-sounding words into memorable and meaningful words?  The kind of words that people in the assembly do not tune out?  The kinds of words that resonate and connect with people’s real-life experiences?  The kinds of words that make a difference?

It is not always easy.  Not because lectors may lack public speaking skills.  Not because the words sometimes appear in readings with complex sentence structures.  When something is really important, doing it well always requires a significant commitment.

In a recent monthly meeting of our parish’s lectors, the group reflected on the purpose and importance of proclamation.  They said, with the help of the Holy Spirit, lectors:

   - Enhance the assembly’s ability to connect with the Scriptures in a personal way

   - Enhance their hearers’ personal experience of God

   - Enhance the dignity and solemnity of the liturgy

   - Foster a shared experience of communal worship

These goals of the lector ministry are not easy to achieve.  One way for lectors to fulfill these goals is to remember what they have in common with their hearers.  We are all human beings struggling to understand, struggling to find meaning, struggling to find God.  The Father recognized how hard these things are when he sent his own flesh-and-blood son to give his transcendent infinity a flesh-and-blood reality.

It is a lector’s humanity that translates religious-sounding words into words that other human beings can understand.  Lectors and their hearers are people who struggle to understand, and struggle to find God.  Even St. Paul admitted in 2 Corinthians 4:8 that we are “full of doubts.”

Scriptures achieve real meaning when they are shared by human beings who acknowledge that they are “full of doubts.”   Lectors and their hearers mutually share many of those doubts and uncertainties.  However they are also children of God who together can find the meaning, confidence and comfort offered by the Scriptures.

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First Reading  -  Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14
The Cost of Human Weakness

Several weekends ago in the first reading from Genesis, it was Abraham negotiating with God, urging him not to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah.  In today’s first reading from Exodus, Moses is doing the negotiating.  In both stories God relents - for a time. 

Sodom was eventually wiped out, and the Jewish people eventually experienced the total destruction of Jerusalem when the Babylonians invaded.  There can be a terrible cost to human weakness.

In today’s Reflection on Lectoring, we suggested that the Scriptures are all about real, flesh-and-blood people.  People who struggle.  People who succeed.  People who fail.  The Scriptures are all about the human condition and about how God is both compassionate and just.  But above all, we find in the Scriptures a very personal creator to whom we can talk directly - when we do good, and when we sin terribly.

History is filled with terrible human failings.  Today’s first reading is an example.  How could people who have just been rescued from more than 400 years of slavery in Egypt turn their backs on the God who set them free?  How could people be so ungrateful, so scared, so depraved?  Perhaps we see in their worship of the molten calf just another example of our human weakness and God’s response.

This is not a reading that can be proclaimed lightly.

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Second Reading  -  1 Timothy 1:12-17
"Yes"

Today’s second reading is the perfect follow-up to the first reading.

Paul calls himself the foremost of sinners.  He was a “blasphemer,” a “persecutor” of the followers of Christ, and displayed a completely “arrogant” behavior.  It may be fair to say that his arrogance never completely left him.  Human nature can be transformed by grace, but it is still human nature accompanied by human weakness.

There is one other human quality present in today’s second reading - humility.  Paul acknowledges his sins.  He also expresses his gratitude to God for trusting him with an important mission.  God knew better than to expect perfection.  He only wanted Paul to say, “Yes.”

When lectors and when those who commit themselves to their God-given purpose in life say, “Yes,” all those who see and hear them also see and hear God.

This second reading is a first-person account related by Paul about his ministry.  But it is also a direct invitation to the lector and to entire assembly to say, “Yes.”


© George Fournier 2013

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 8, 2013

Reflection on Lectoring

There are some things you can intuitively know as unquestionably real:

     -  a child’s hand in yours

     -  a drink of water when you are thirsty

     -  a smile

     -  a sunrise

     -  candlelight in a dark room

     -  the happiness of your wife

     -  the happiness of your husband

These are simple, yet profound things.

Is God on your list of things unquestionably real?

In a wonderful way, God’s reality can be experienced in some of the simplest things - the kinds of things that bring truth, beauty and goodness to everyday life - the kinds of things that point to the person who created them all.

The Scriptures are full of the simple, yet profound, things of life.  You can find them on every page. They are the kinds of things that can make God unquestionably real - as real and profound as a child’s smile.

A lector has the extraordinary privilege to bring all these real things to life.

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First Reading  -  Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14
Bridging the Gulf

”Who can know God’s counsel, or who can conceive what the Lord intends?”

How can finite creatures with finite, limited minds grasp an infinite God who far transcends our understanding? 

Does the distance between an infinite God and his creatures result in a gulf that cannot be bridged?  These are the eternal questions asked by today’s first reading.

The Book of Wisdom offers a reassuring answer.  It mentions wisdom as a human virtue bestowed from above and the “holy spirit from on high.”

Humans use their life experiences of love, goodness, and beauty to create analogies to better understand the attributes of their creator.  With the help of wisdom, we avoid the pitfall of anthropomorphism, receive insights into our relationship with our maker, and recognize the “paths of those on earth made straight.”

In today’s first reading, Wisdom anticipates what became the ultimate manifestation of God - the Incarnation of the Son, followed by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  For lectors, this reading offers an opportunity to express how the gulf between an infinite creator and his finite creatures can be bridged.  It offers an answer to the essential question about how simple creatures can “conceive what the Lord intends.”

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Second Reading  -  1 Timothy 1:12-17
From Slave to Partner

In the letter to the Philippians written while he was in prison, Paul describes himself as a slave of Christ Jesus (1:1).  In the letter to Philemon, also written in prison, Paul writes about another slave whom he hopes will be welcomed back as “more than a slave” by Philemon and the people in his house-church.

The name Onesimus means “useful” in Greek.  Under Roman law, Onesimus could have been put to death as a runaway slave.  Instead, Paul urges forgiveness.  He also suggests that God has given Onesimus a useful purpose, first to serve him in prison, and then to serve God after his return to Philemon.  It is a purpose that gives Onesimus equal human status “as a man and in the Lord.”

This is the shortest of the Pauline letters (only 335 words), but it touches on truly profound subjects such as freedom, forgiveness, and each person’s right to fulfill God’s purpose.  It was a radical message in a time of extreme social stratification.  From slavery, to freedom, to equal partner - all because every child of God is also a brother and sister.

© George Fournier  2013