Good to Catch

Contagion is certainly nothing new. In 19 places in the biblical book of Leviticus, we can read about such things as how to eliminate contagion from clothing and even from walls. Clearly, from ancient times, people have worried about uncleanliness and diseases and how to combat them.
 
Psalm 91 offers assurance and hope of God’s protection:

 
However, dangers still arise. We have to be so careful these days to take precautions to avoid catching the Corona virus which is very contagious. Masks, distancing, sanitizers, and good ventilation are what we hear about day in and day out. Then there are the dangers of flu season looming around the corner! Contagion, contagion everywhere!
 
But how about things we would like to catch? We have heard about someone having a contagious laugh or a contagious smile. Those might be good to contract! We may find it difficult not to follow suit if we find ourselves in the presence of someone who yawns. Also, if we are in the right company, we might find enthusiasm for a good cause or a noble endeavor contagious.
 
For example, today we celebrate the memorial of St. Robert Bellarmine, a doctor of the Church. Ordained to the Jesuit order in 1570, he was a prolific author, a professor and scholar. Gifted with a brilliant intellect, he compiled three volumes of Disputations of the Christian Faith, and two catechisms. Although he was elevated to the rank of cardinal, he lived a very simple life; he was always ready to give aid to the poor and needy. If only his habits of self-discipline, generosity, and austerity were contagious!
 
What can we do to make ourselves more susceptible to catching compulsions toward good, generous, loving behavior, and attitudes. First, we may have to remove our masks of self-centeredness, comfort zones, or complacency. Granted, old habits are not easy to break, but we can try, one day at a time.
 
In the gospel reading for the memorial today, in Matthew 7:21-19, we read that we have to do more than just talk about loving God; we have to do the Father’s will. In a way, we have to catch the good news of the kingdom and run with it. We must act on it and share God’s love.
 
We may have to put less distance between ourselves and our Lord by opening ourselves up to him with more prayer. From the other reading for today, Wisdom 7, we see how wise it is to pray:

 
We should increase the good ventilation from the Holy Spirit, who will breathe in us as we pray St. Augustine’s prayer:

 
Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Manchester, CT. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.
 
Scripture passages are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1965, 1966 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
 
Additional resource: Catholic Online/Saints & Angels. Other resources: franciscanmedia.org, Catholic Online.