Homily: First Thursday of Ordinary Time
First Thursday of Ordinary Time (1 Samuel 4:1-11) “Magic or Faith”
In the film “Raiders of the Lost Ark” Indiana Jones searches for the Ark of the Covenant. This religious item has been lost for centuries. Probably few of us are familiar with it other than what we heard about it in that popular movie.
The Ark of the Covenant did exist at one time. The Ark was a gold box that dated from the time of Moses. On top of the box were two golden angels that formed a throne. It was thought that God sat on this throne on top of the Ark. The Ark was housed at the sanctuary at Shiloh at the time that Samuel lived.
When the People of Israel arrived in the promised land after their sojourn in the desert it was the Ark that led the people into their new country. It was as if God was leading his people into their new homeland. It was thought that no one could touch the Ark of the Covenant and live. The Ark would only leave the Sanctuary at Shiloh on rare occasions.
We read of one of those rare occasions in the Old Testament lesson from today’s Mass. The Israelites were doing battle with the Philistines. The Israelites thought that if the Ark of the Covenant led them into battle that they would win the engagement. Their faith told them that God would strike the Philistines dead. But it did not happen. The Ark was captured, and the Israelite army routed.
The whole episode caused a crisis of faith. If God lived and was sitting on the Ark how could the Lord allow himself to be captured? The lost battle was bad enough. A loss of faith was worse.
What happened? We could say that the Israelites faith had become magical. This is a danger for any religious person or group. We have elements of superstition in our own religion. We have certain devotions that are said to guarantee good fortune if prayers are said in the right order or if particular religious symbols are worn. We never can expect a magical intervention from God. God is not a pet who will do tricks for us. God is cloaked in mystery. We never can understand the mind of God or control his actions. As had been said by many a saint, “We must pray as if everything depends on God but work as if it all depends on us.” God did save Israel from the Philistines, but the Lord did it in an unexpected way.
Reflection Questions:
- When have I made deals with God? How did they turn out?
- Has God every surprised me with an answer to my prayers? When and how?
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Dear Parishioners,
On January 25th we will be having a Baptism Class at 7 p.m. at the Lee Center. This class is required for those who are having a child baptized at Sacred Heart for the first time. Parents are expected to attend.
We would love to see children baptized. If you are reading this and know of parents who have not bothered to have children baptized, please encourage them to attend. The class covers the Theology of Baptism and explains the rite itself.
Since we have just had the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord it would seem like an opportune time to plan a baptism celebration. Let’s pray that parents will make that choice.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you.
Fr. Mark