Greetings on this the Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Genesis 18:16-33; Psalm 103:1b-2, 3-4, 8-9, 10-11; Matthew 8:18-22
Summary
So the LORD said: The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great, and their sin so grave, that I must go down to see whether or not their actions are as bad as the cry against them that comes to me. I mean to find out. [Abraham speaking in concern for the nephew Lot] But he persisted: “Please, do not let my Lord be angry if I speak up this last time. What if ten are found there?” For the sake of the ten, he replied, I will not destroy it (Gen 18:20-21, 32).
NABRE Commentary
The immorality of the cities was already hinted at in 13:13, when Lot made his choice to live there. The “outcry” comes from the victims of the injustice and violence rampant in the city, which will shortly be illustrated in the treatment of the visitors. The outcry of the Hebrews under the harsh treatment of Pharaoh (Ex 3:7) came up to God who reacts in anger at mistreatment of the poor (cf. Ex 22:21–23; Is 5:7). Sodom and Gomorrah became types of sinful cities in biblical literature. Is 1:9–10; 3:9 sees their sin as lack of social justice, Ez 16:46–51, as disregard for the poor, and Jer 23:14, as general immorality. In the Genesis story, the sin is violation of the sacred duty of hospitality by the threatened rape of Lot’s guests (NABRE Commentary on Genesis 18:20).
Reflection
In Jewish numerology, the number ten (10) represents perfection, completion, and wholeness. It signifies a return to unity after a process of individualization and is seen as a symbol of spiritual completeness and the presence of God (Gemini AI Mode – I really like the easy of use for this function).
For the sake of the ten, he replied, I will not destroy it.
Our job, dear people who seek to be holy in life, is to be holy. In that way, destruction is held off and salvation is offered to those who otherwise would be destroyed by the weight of their actions. Be a Ten.
Personal Reflection
Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head. But Jesus answered him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.” (MT 8:20, 22).
In this discipleship dialog, Jesus notes that he and his followers amass no wealth and property and need not participate in the ‘second burial’ of the dead. (AI Gemini response: A second burial ossuary refers to the practice of burying a body, allowing it to decompose, and then collecting the bones into a special container (the ossuary) for permanent storage, typically within a tomb. This practice was common among some Jewish communities, particularly in Jerusalem and surrounding areas, during the Second Temple period.)
Rather be a ten. Make perfection be your spiritual goal that others find salvation.
Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/063025.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry