Greetings on this the Thursday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: EPH 1:1-10; PS 98:1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4, 5-6; LK 11:47-54
Notes: In today’s gospel portion we are given a glimpse of the enormity of the problem Jesus has come to solve.
The fifth and sixth woes of the gospel of Like bring into focus the consistent refusal to listen to G-d and the denial of our most difficult situation (our own sinfulness, personal and societal).
The divine purpose is to bring justice for every murder from the beginning of time to the end of the Old Testament period, using sacred scriptural references, and representing all sins of humanity in all times by referring to the wisdom of God [saying], ‘I will send to them prophets and Apostles’. All of these are a result of the consistent refusal to listen to G-d.
From the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah: the murder of Abel is the first murder recounted in the Old Testament (Gn 4:8). The Zechariah mentioned here may be the Zechariah whose murder is recounted in 2 Chr 24:20–22, the last murder presented in the Hebrew canon of the Old Testament (NABRE, note on Luke 11:51).
The problem is denialism:
- In psychology, denialism is a person’s choice to deny reality as a way to avoid a psychologically uncomfortable truth.
- In political and economic context Some people who are known as denialists have been known to be in denial of historical or scientific facts accepted by the mainstream of society or by experts, for political or economic reasons.
Reference used: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denial
For that which we deny, we must substitute with something else.
– Me
You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.
Quoting on op-ed regarding Nostra Aetate (POPE PAUL VI ON OCTOBER 28, 1965).
We live in a world in which religion is often seen as the cause of discord and violence. Nostra Aetate and the new relationship between Jews and Catholics prove that, even after two millennia, religious hatred can be overcome.
“The commitment of both Jews and Catholics to overcoming the past, and especially the warm personal relationships that have developed at the highest levels as well as locally, have made constructive engagement and honest exchange possible, even about difficult subjects.”
https://www.adl.org/news/op-ed/how-nostra-aetate-transformed-catholic-jewish-relations
Quick note: In the amazing wonder of sacred writings in today’s collection we see the first reading providing the solution and the gospel portion providing the problem. It’s a reversal of the often-opposite presentation where the first reading defines the problem and the gospel reading the solution. I am reflecting here at the level of literary and plain sense.
Paul comes to our rescue in his letter to the Ephesians!
First reading
In Christ we have redemption by his Blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
Responsorial Psalm
The Lord has made known his salvation.
Alleluia Verse
I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;
no one comes to the Father except through me.
Gospel Portion
The fifth and sixth woes of the Woes of the Gospel of Luke.
The Lord said: (and says to us, the modern man!)
Woe to you who build the memorials of the prophets whom your fathers killed. Consequently, you bear witness and give consent to the deeds of your ancestors, for they killed them and you do the building.
Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.
In Christ we have redemption by his Blood.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 