Homily Twelfth Thursday of Ordinary Time (2Kings 24:8-17) “Land of the Free”
Homily Twelfth Thursday of Ordinary Time (2Kings 24:8-17) “Land of the Free”
During these early summer days, we have been reading from the First and Second Book of Kings. In the latter part of these writings we hear about the fall of the countries of Samaria and Judah and how they fall to outside powers.
What we read about is the slow decline of the Davidic dynasty. Israel was always a little nation that was oppressed by its neighbors. Sometimes it was the Egyptians. At other times it was the Assyrians who conquered them. In today’s reading, it is the Babylonians who are the most powerful nation in the Mid-East, and they come and destroy Jerusalem.
War and pestilence were two great forces that could throw a nation into crisis or cause regime change. Pestilence could be in the form of marauding insects that could wipe out crops and cause starvation or it might be the outbreak of disease.
Israel, at the time of David, was a strong nation, but it did not last long. Corrupt Kings and outside military powers caused the fall of the government over time. The Prophets told the people that the reason for their misery was because they had been unfaithful to the one true God. Also, the Jewish people had not been concerned with justice for the poor. The rich got richer and poor were ignored.
As we hear these stories, we can’t help but reflect on our present situation. The United States is the most powerful nation on the face of the earth in the 21st century. How is it that we have the most COVID 19 cases and the most deaths in the world? Some people would ask is this a punishment from God. Has our nation done something wrong?
God is love and does not wish to punish, but sometimes we are the victims of our own folly. The United States has eaten up many of the resources of the world. We have spent vast amounts of money on luxury items. Sometimes it seems like we side with repressive governments abroad which diminishes our standing in the world. God gave us free will. Sometimes we misuse our freedom and make poor moral choices.
John Paul II stepped off his jet when he made one of his visits to the U.S. and he said some words I have never forgotten. To paraphrase he said, “It is good to be here in the land of the free. But what does freedom mean? Does freedom mean that we get to do whatever we want to? Or, does freedom mean that we choose to do what we ought to do?” If we do what we ought to do, we usually are saved from a lot of pain and suffering.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do I think that there is such a thing as social sin? What are some of the social sins that are committed by our society?
2. Have I ever misused the freedoms I enjoy? Have I used my freedom as an opportunity to do good for others? How?
Dear Parishioners,
Remember that we will have a rosary before Mass tomorrow. Also remember to sign up for the Masses that will be held in church this weekend. We will be having a 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday and Sunday Masses in the church at 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. You can sign up on our website or by calling the office.
I would like to compliment all those who are practicing good hygiene during these days of pandemic. Everyone who comes to church seems to be wearing a mask, sanitizing their hands and keeping social distance.
This is an example of freely choosing to do the right thing. We could be resentful and say I am just going to ignore all the protocols because I am most concerned about my comfort. I know that I am tired of not being able to go wherever I want to go whenever I want to. I miss movies and working out at the gym, visiting with friends, traveling, etc. But I am sobered by the idea that my actions could cause someone else, to become gravely ill.
I am kind of a non-conformist. Big surprise! Most priests are. I like to question everything. But when I feel that conforming will be good for others I conform. I am pleased to see that all of you try to live with the same philosophy. Our motivation is a certain kind of love, a love called charity.
May Mary and the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark