Homily: Twenty-sixth Tuesday of Ordinary Time

Twenty-sixth Tuesday of Ordinary Time (Luke 9:51-56) “Let Tempers Cool”

“When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled.” With these words Jesus begins his journey to Jerusalem. Jerusalem was where his destiny was fulfilled. He died on the cross and lived out the Paschal Mystery, a mystery that we all will live each in time.

It is interesting that the journey begins with the Samaritans attacking Jesus. Jesus had to travel through Samaritan territory in order to get to Jerusalem. We might find it hard to understand why the Samaritans were so hostile. It is like any ethnic conflict; the hate is irrational.

The Samaritan had been expelled from the Jewish faith because they had intermarried with other races and because they had developed some different religious practices. The Samaritans had not gone into Babylon in exile but had been left behind. The Jews hated Samaritans and treated them with disdain. Their rights were trampled. Jews were waned not to touch them or be around them. They were thought to be immoral in every sense and as a result inferior. Prejudice is a terrible thing.

The Samaritans reacted with hostility. Is it any wonder? Jesus decides to leave them alone. Sometimes when people are mad it is best to leave them alone. Over time maybe they will come to their senses. How well do we think when we are in a rage?

Jesus’ tactic pays off in the long run. When the church begins the early Christians have great success converting Samaritans. At that time, they were approached with charity and acceptance. They probably were shocked that Jews were treating them in this way and they responded positively.

We know that Jesus portrayed Samaritans in a positive light in some of his storytelling and we know he helped them when they approached him for healing. The early church acted in the same way and the result was that many Samaritans came to believe.

Reflection:

1.    Is there bigotry in our society? Who are the groups who are at odds?

2.   Is there someone who is mad at me? What might I do?

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Dear Parishioners,

          Sunday was a very positive day for our parish. The play about St. Damien was well received. Wayne Messmer did a tremendous job. I was most impressed with the fact that the play was an expression of faith for him. He believes St. Damien helped him when he was robbed and shot in the throat. He was returned to health as he asked St. Damien to walk with him.

          It is good for our parish to know about this great Belgium saint. So often the institutional church goes off course. We wonder about our faith. But as is often pointed out, the church is not just an institution. The church is made up of people living out the faith in their lives. That is where we find inspiration. Damien helped many to believe and return to the church. May he continue to intercede for us so that the faithful can be healed.

          May Our Lady pray for us,

Fr. Mark