Not to us, O Lord, not to us
but to your name give glory
because of your kindness, because of your truth. - Psalm 115:1
Today, in the United States of America, the citizens will celebrate Independence Day. A day marked by a singular, communicative action of the people 237 years ago. The symbolism of that action from the people to seek freedom to live their lives resonates through to this day. The faithful Catholic must continue to pray in thanksgiving for the ability and freedom to pray. But when considering this day, this day where most Americans joyfully celebrate freedom, and rightfully so, but the readings ask us to consider sacrifice and praise for the sake of God.
The first reading is often used as a prefigurement of the sacrifice Jesus makes for us. Abraham, who was to be the father of nations because of his faithfulness, is called by God to take his only beloved son and sacrifice him to Lord. Abraham obediently follows the command of the Lord. The scriptures tell us that Abraham had taken three days to get to the place where the sacrifice was to take place. The three days must have been the most difficult days of Abraham’s life. But Abraham built the altar and faithfully prepared it. As it was to offer his praise and sacrifice, a most deeply offered sacrifice, his hand was stayed and his son spared.
We remember that he struggled earlier in his life when he was childless. We also remember how the Lord promised him to count the stars, if he could, for that was how numerous his descendants would be. The interesting note is that if we are to understand this particular story about the descendants of Abraham, and the story presented to us today, we must remember the depth of the faith of Abraham. God called upon him to count the stars in the middle of the day. We know from sight that in the middle of the day, there is only one star and I believe Abraham was well aware of this. Also, we know from faith that when the light of the sun is hidden by the earth, we know from sight that in the night the stars are innumerable. Abraham teaches us, inspires us to lead lives of holiness.
Our response this day is from the 115th Psalm. I particularly enjoy this psalm because it inspired a song which is near to my heart. The song is called “Not To Us.” The first few words are: “The cross before me the world behind, no turning back, raise the banner high. It’s not for me, it’s all for you.” This psalm is essential to the readings today. Holy Mother Church, in her wisdom, uses this psalm especially today. The Church is under extreme persecution. Our faith is that God will be our help and our shield against those who belittle us for our belief. Our hope is in the Lord when we are confronted by the world which tries to force us to accept idols of silver and gold. Our Love is Jesus Christ, with whom we must make it our duty and our salvation to enhance our friendship with him and to lead others into this friendship. Our relationship and friendship with Jesus will make it very easy to give glory to his name and not ours.
This leads us to the Gospel message today. I have written before about how the Lord has some great panache, he has admirable style. This passage is a continuation of the story from the Gospel according to Saint Matthew which has been given given to us this week to remind us of the call of the Lord in our lives. Jesus had made his trip across the Sea of Galilee, calmed the storm, and reached the shore. The people brought him a paralyzed man. Jesus says to the man: “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” This is a great faux pas for first century Jews, but with the Lord, all things are possible. Some outright call him a blasphemer. His response is simple but so full of meaning: “Which is easier, to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?” Then he says to the man, to rise and go home. And he does. The Lord’s miracle speaks to the very heart of the people and it speaks to us today.
Sacrifice and praise. The Lord asks of us sacrifice and praise. In today's society, we find that sacrifice may come in the way of material possessions or our time. We sacrifice in order to call to mind the cross of the Lord. Abraham reveals to us, the great sacrifice of God by allowing his son to die for our salvation. This is where we must originate our praise. Thank you God for saving me. Thank you God for saving us.
The Lord calls us to remember that we forgiven and free. He shows his love and mercy by his works then and how he works through the hearts of people today who are open to the love of Jesus. The love of God calls upon us to recognize the inherent dignity within each person we meet and many others who may forget their own dignity and the dignity of others. These need our prayers. We pray for the Church and for the people in our lives this day. We pray for freedom. We pray for the courage to be imitators of Christ, to be audacious in our witness to the Gospel of the Lord. Most of all, we pray in Thanksgiving for the grace of God, only by which we are saved. Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory...
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