Greetings on this the Monday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Rom 1:1-7; Ps 98:1bcde, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; Lk 11:29-32
Notes: Regarding war.
Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation (LK 11:30).
Israel and the United States have the same problem, different religion.
There are plenty of Christians who wish to establish a christian theocracy in the USA at the expense of our pluralistic society and constitutional guarantees. This is referred to as christian nationalism. Ditto, Zionism in its most radical form.
In keeping the theology of our faith we must remember this simple credo:
We propose, not impose. Sure it took time to get there. And it took a long time for the Church to lose all its territorial governance. But the Church is better prepared to serve the needs of humanity in its moral and ethical roles (in general and universal) and its faith role (in particular and primary universal). It is neither our secular governance that allows imposition nor the foundation of our faith that allows imposition.
We propose in our first reading as Saint Paul did in the Letter to the Romans and Saint Paul did at the Areopagus (Greeks).
When they heard about resurrection of the dead, some began to scoff, but others said, “We should like to hear you on this some other time.” And so Paul left them (Acts 17:32-33).
We will be judged by what we impose on others.
We are held to a higher standard.
Higher than Queen of Sheba.
Higher than the Assyrians.
Higher than Solomon.
Higher than Jonah.
We are called to who are called to belong, called to be holy.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
First Reading
[The LORD] promised previously through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, the Gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Responsorial
The Lord has made known his salvation.
Gospel Acclamation
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Gospel
At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry