Truth Be Known

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Is 6:1-8; Ps 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5; Mt 10:24-33

Hello Isaiah!

In our first reading today, we are reintroduced to Isaiah, specifically The Sending of Isaiah. It’s interesting the poem-oracles of Isaiah start in chapter 1 to 5 right off. It isn’t until the sixth chapter we are introduced to his calling. The introduction to Isaiah contains valuable insights on his prophecy and person.

For Isaiah, the vision of God’s majesty was so overwhelming that military and political power faded into insignificance. He constantly called his people back to a reliance on God’s promises and away from vain attempts to find security in human plans and intrigues. This vision also led him to insist on the ethical behavior that was required of human beings who wished to live in the presence of such a holy God. Reference: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/0

Truth Be Known

Truth be known Isaiah gives us the insights on how to read and take on the sacredness of his oracles and his own conversion.

• I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, with the train of his garment filling the temple.
• Seraphim were stationed above; each of them had six wings (saying) They cried one to the other, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts! All the earth is filled with his glory!” 3. Then I said, “Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”
• Then one of the seraphim flew to me, holding an ember that he had taken with tongs from the altar. He touched my mouth with it and said, “See, now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed, your sin purged.”
• Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” “Here I am,” I said; “send me!”

Isaiah is saying:

1. I see the LORD.
2. I see the difference between me and him. I shutter!
3. I receive the healing effects of seeing and being in the presence of the LORD.
4. I am changed from awe to agent! From timidity to courage. The courage that comes from healing love.

Marvelous!

Reflection

In our gospel portion today, Jesus’ dialog follows a similar path of reasoning that is given in Isaiah 6.

1. No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master.
2. You can be like the master.
3. Do not be afraid any longer of your failures or their failures.
4. (jumping ahead to tomorrow’s gospel): Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Personal Reflection

Do not be afraid. Truth be known, truth will be known. Just as Isaiah understood so do we. There is a God. It isn’t me. We are invited to the divine life which has a particular focus on the well-being of humanity. Why? Because, by the Lord, we are made in his image and called to his likeness. His life is to be shared. He shares his life with you. From his very place:

Then one of the seraphim flew to me,
holding an ember that he had taken with tongs from the altar.

He touched my mouth with it and said,
“See, now that this has touched your lips,
your wickedness is removed, your sin purged. 

More than all political intrigue is the foundational need to reconcile with the Lord and one another. This is the true foundation of a moral society.

Sacred Scripture

Full Link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071324.cfm

First Reading

The Sending of Isaiah.

He touched my mouth with it and said, “See, now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed, your sin purged.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” “Here I am,” I said; “send me!”

Responsorial

The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.

Gospel Acclamation

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of God rests upon you.

Gospel

“Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry