Jesus explains what is meant by “learn to do good” (Is 1:16) in the Gospel, saying, “Whoever loves father or mother . . . . son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. . . . Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matt. 10:37–39). We are to do good in the sense of being just and charitable, but also in the sense of loving God without hesitation, letting no other love surpass our love for Him. We should be willing to lose our lives for His sake, recognizing that anything He asks of us is infinitely more important than our own aims.
This is critical for the life of a disciple. As God points out through Isaiah in the first reading, it is crucial for us to be good if God is to honor our sacrifices and ritual observations. If we read the first reading quickly, we may think that God does not care about sacrifice, and that His only concerns are justice and mercy. But really God is saying that He does not care how many sacrifices the Israelites make if they do not do good outside the confines of the Temple. Ritual observation is important, but it is fruitful in the context of a life of love for God. This is why later in Matthew’s Gospel Jesus speaks out against the hypocrisy of paying tithes while neglecting judgment, mercy and fidelity. (see Matt 23:23). It is not that tithing is immaterial, but it needs to be united with actions and attitudes of judgment and mercy and fidelity.
If we are to truly heed the words of God, we must not skew toward either extreme of piety. On the one hand, we cannot rely exclusively on frequent Mass attendance and liturgical devotion to carry us to heaven if we do not live a virtuous, holy life in love of God and neighbor. On the other hand, we should not focus soley on charitable works while neglecting liturgical living. Jesus teaches us to do good by loving both in heart and in deed.
Daily Reading
Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Readings for the Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, bishop and doctor of the Church Reading 1 IS 1:10-17 Hear the word of the LORD, princes of Sodom! Listen to the instruction…
Saint of the Day
Saint Bonaventure
Saint Bonaventure was born the year 1221 and died in 1274. He was a Bishop, Cardinal, and Doctor of the Church. He is known as “The Seraphic Doctor.”
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