Inflection Point

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Is 7:1-9; PS 48:2-3a, 3b-4, 5-6, 7-8; Mt 11:20-24

Inflection Point

It is most interesting that people are discussing an Inflection Point that has occured. The near attempt of assassination of former President Donald Trump should cause all of us to reflect and contemplate the national reality as it is really. At a personal level for Mr. Trump as well. I can only imagine the impact for him being similar to a heart attack or car accident or other life threatening event that causes one to refactor the thoughts, actions and purpose of one’s life. If COVID-19 didn’t change him, this event should.

Image source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/14/us/politics/photo-path-trump-assassination.html

Summary

The Christ Event (the life of Jesus Christ) and the miracles performed by Jesus Christ are noted in the words of Jesus as an Inflection Point. Jesus performed mighty deeds (repeated twice) that should not fail to penetrate our bias and stubbornness.

Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. And as for you, Capernaum: … For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

If we see the near-miss of a bullet whizzing by the head of the former president as a call to repentance, even the more, Jesus and his lifesaving work. But like in our first reading, not a fear of despair, but an awe of forgiveness and divine care — leading to repentance.

As is often the case, we ask that the lose of a loved one, Corey Comperatore, be remembered and his death not be in vain and lost among the senselessness of violence. In particular, and like the Holy Innocents, may Cory’s memory bring us to awe not the fear of despair.

Reflection

God acts. We react. In our first reading Ahaz was told to not fear the military alliance of Damascus-Israel. Yes, Israel was divided into two kingdoms (Judah and Israel) at that time. A house divided against itself cannot stand. Be still and know I am God (PS 46:11).

There are consequences for our actions and our reactions. It is not trivial this event. It really is an Inflection Point. For everyone. Calmly, and with awe in the divine who beings forgiveness and conversion.

Personal Reflection

This is a great moment. Each in our own religious or non-religious traditions all recognize this Event. This moment. For our personal behavior and our collective behaviors. Our goals, intentions and beliefs need to be changed in the light of these events.

Buddhist Ethics: A Very Short Introduction (1st edn) 

Buddhist teachings strongly oppose the use of violence, seeing it in psychological terms as the product of greed, hatred, and delusion. The false belief in a self and a desire to protect the self against ‘others’ who are seen as threatening is regarded in Buddhism as the sole underlying cause of aggression (https://academic.oup.com/book/522)

Call to Action should include remembering:

• We are citizens first and foremost, all of us.
• We are governed by laws and customs.
• We voluntarily meet the challenges of peace and the common good.

Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! Are the alternatives.

Sacred Scripture

Full link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071624.cfm

First Reading

Crisis in Judah due to Syro-Ephraimite War.

Take care you remain tranquil and do not fear; let not your courage fail.

Responsorial

God upholds his city for ever.

Gospel Acclamation

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Gospel

• But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.
• But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry