Clever by half

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, Justice
ICE LOGO – MARK OF SHAME

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Romans 8:31b-39; Psalm 109:21-22, 26-27, 30-31; Luke 13:31-35

Summary

Herod’s Desire to Kill Jesus

He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose (Lk 13:32).

The Lament over Jerusalem

Behold, your house will be abandoned. [But] I tell you, you will not see me until [the time comes when] you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Lk 13:35).

Why Abandoned?

Do not put your trust in these deceptive words: “The temple of the LORD! The temple of the LORD! The temple of the LORD!” Only if you thoroughly reform your ways and your deeds; if each of you deals justly with your neighbor; if you no longer oppress the alien, the orphan, and the widow; if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place or follow after other gods to your own harm, only then will I let you continue to dwell in this place, in the land I gave your ancestors long ago and forever. But look at you! You put your trust in deceptive words to your own loss! (Jer 7:4-8).

Reflection

There is an old saying, “He’s too clever by half”. Jesus is having none of it.

Go and tell that fox, every fox-like, and fox-loving person: The work of the Lord will continue despite your attempts to put an end to it. The condemnation you heap on your head and on all the innocents around you will be the very pain you seek to inflict, to your own loss.

Personal Reflection

They hide their name, faces and badges. But you cannot hide your shame.

Investigations

ICE Security

https://www.ice.gov/about-ice/opr

https://www.ice.gov/webform/opr-contact-form

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/103025.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

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