Greetings on this the Friday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22b-27; Psalm 84:3, 4, 5-6, 12; Luke 6:39-42
Summary
Know this, my dear brothers: everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, for the wrath of a man does not accomplish the righteousness of God (Jas 1:19-20).
If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it! If I do so willingly, I have a recompense, but if unwillingly, then I have been entrusted with a stewardship (1 Cor 9:16-17).
In our readings today, St Paul gives us a marvelous panorama of the Will and Stewardship cross-referenced with personal motivations and divine obligations. In addition, it is a view going backwards and forwards in time. And, finally, it is centered on the Good News of Jesus Christ.
This selection brings great focus to the gospel portion today.
Jesus told his disciples a parable: “Can a blind person guide a blind person?” (Lk 6:39).
Today is the 25th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and (attempted) on the US Capitol building or the White House.
Three major operating symbols of our society:
- Commerce.
- Military.
- The seat of our governance.
Many died.
Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls (Pv 25:28).
In short, we have been stuck in a blind rage ever since. Blind because we do not process the past well. Blind because we are not focused on the primacy of salvation and well-being as our primary governance. Blind because we relate to one another through the lens of rage – for 9/11 and, now, for everything.
Reflection
You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye (Lk 6:42cde).
Personal Reflection
I have read many personal and philosophical reflections on the attacks of 9/11. All beautiful and heartfelt. I too have my own memories having watched its construction, worked in the WTC for many years prior to and after the first of the attacks (on February 26, 1993) and lost friends in the second. But I have no rage. I have this urgent plea.
The buildings were symbols of national power.
The better memorial is to restore the virtues that power is supposed to serve.
No to the reflex of war.
Yes to the hard work of peace.
Peace:
- Starts with hearts that love – that is – places love (your own and that of others) as primacy rather than gain and loss.
- Peace is first a Divine gift – when we engage in peace – and the voluntary loss of something for the better good — we imitate the Divine.
- Peace is built on forgiveness and justice.
- Peace is the journey and a pathway. A good road.
We need to restore our own three best symbols of our society:
- Freedom.
- Justice.
- Honesty in governance.
Let us be fully trained, like our Teacher, that we may be the blessed peacemakers.
Memory should teach us how to become peacemakers, not give us permission to remain angry forever.
May this be our perpetual memorial to 9/11.
Looking back.
Looking forward.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091126.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry