CALLED AND SENT TO RAISE UP A FALLEN WORLD
[BREAKING THE BREAD OF GOD’S WORD]
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
CALLED AND SENT TO RAISE UP A FALLEN WORLD
The first reading almost sounds like a reality check … The
Lord tells the prophet: “I am sending you
to … rebels who have rebelled against me … to [people] hard of face and
obstinate of heart.”
Paul, in the second reading, almost sounds like he is giving
us another dampener … another sob and sad story: “a thorn in the flesh was given to me … insults, hardships,
persecutions and complaints.”
It is hard for me at this point in time, not to identify
with both Ezekiel and Paul.
I feel like I am a little weak lamb in the midst of wolves.
But today, I need to be reminded. Today, as in all other
Sundays, I need to be given a shot in the arm. And it is more than just
consoling to note that even the Lord Jesus, when he went back to his own
country, was given far less than a hospitable and warm welcome.
They doubted him. They could not believe that someone who
came from their hometown could do wonders … “Where
did this man get all this?” Indeed, in the spirit of resignation and humble
acceptance of what is, Jesus uttered this famous line: “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among
his own kin and in his own house.”
We live in a fallen world. We definitely are very much
affected by the culture of sin – our own, first of all, and that of others. We
live in an imperfect world. Yes … even the Church, although it is a perfect
society in and of itself, is made up of saints and sinners!
Fr. Andrew Greeley had this wise counsel years ago … If you
find a perfect Church, by all means, join it. But know that just as soon as you
join, it has ceased to be perfect.”
But perfect or not (definitely not!) we are all called. We
are all invited to become the best we can be. Despite all the odds, despite all
the opposition, the prophet needs to do his part. Accepted or not, capable or
not to make people laugh or listen to funny or boring homilies, the priest is
called and sent to “raise a fallen world,” in obedience to Christ the High
Priest and supreme Shepherd.
I pray today for priests. May they remain faithful in spite
of so much opposition from a culture so full of hatred and bias against God. I
pray for all believers, that they may listen to the fullness of Christian
saving truth, and not reject those they don’t agree with. I pray for all of you
who read this now, or listen to me right now, that, together, in the face of so
much opposition from a materialistic and God-less world, we may remain to be
what God expects us to be. “Fill your faithful with holy joy, for on
those you have rescued from slavery to sin, you bestow eternal gladness.”
Through the same Christ, our Lord! Amen.
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