Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 14, 2022
 
Jer 38:4-6, 8-10:  If there is still a small voice inside of us that longs for honesty, truth and justice, then this passage might inspire us to ponder how injustice goes unchallenged even today. Injustices happen, false information is promulgated by sources believed to be reliable, and no one speaks up. Jeremiah was persecuted and abused for speaking the truth. The people judged the truth to be “demoralizing,” so they wanted Jeremiah to be killed; that they wouldn’t have to be confronted with painful realities. They accused Jeremiah of spreading discouragement; while his view would be that he’s helping the people to cultivate more realistic expectations. Notice that one just man, speaking up (Ebed-melech) was a powerful advocate for justice. Jeremiah was freed from imprisonment and likely, death as a result. May we courageously speak up for truth and justice, even if we encounter resistance and some danger.

Psalm 40: “Lord, come to my aid!” The people of Jeremiah’s time were discouraged and wanted a message of hope; while the prophet was compelled by duty and integrity to proclaim the truth… that the time of suffering and captivity would continue for a time. As Jeremiah was literally lifted from the well in which he was imprisoned, this psalm could almost be said to have been written from Jeremiah’s perspective. The psalmist, like Jeremiah, exults in being rescued and proclaims God’s responsive, powerful help. The psalmist thanks God, publicly and rejoices that others will witness God’s saving power and reliability, such that they will “look on in awe and trust in the Lord.” Are we helping others to rejoice with us about God’s Presence and saving role in our lives? It’s our calling to evangelize others into the faith, to extend God’s Kingdom.

Heb 12:1-4:  Today’s message from St. Paul is both inspiring and sobering. It’s being suggested that we contemplate that our earthly lives of practicing our faith are being witnessed by previous or even future generations. That thought, alone, might inspire us to live out our faith with more consistency, integrity and intensity! Just knowing that Jesus is watching should inspire us to live out our Christian calling, more faithfully. Think about it. What might we need to let go of, or grab onto… in order to live our Christian mission in a more genuine witness for others around us? Old and New Testament Saints and the Holy Family have been the ultimate role models for us; but let’s not miss the witness of “everyday saints” who have inspired us in our lifetimes. Let’s celebrate these “mentors” and strive to be like them. Let’s be role-models for others!

Luke 12:49-53:  This passage can so easily be misinterpreted. A reader might be convinced that Jesus wants to spread conflict, for conflict’s sake. When Jesus says He wants to “set the earth on fire,” He doesn’t mean a destroying fire, but a “fire” of zeal for living the faith with integrity, like Paul described in today’s second reading. The “fire” Jesus describes is the fire that will consume and destroy the “chaff,” (unrepentant sinners), who will be separated from the “wheat;” (faithful people who repent of their sins; and who are sincerely trying to live the faith). Jesus sees how choosing to accept or reject the faith will, inevitably, separate people from one another; both in the intimate confines of the family and in society. Choices always have consequences and the choice for or against the faith is no exception. Which will we choose? God’s Will be done!

Ponderously,
Deacon Matt