OT XII [A] :
Jer 20:10-13; Rom 5:12-15; Mt 10:26-33
Our
Scripture readings for today call us to preach Christ through our words and
lives without fear. The first reading tells us how the prophet Jeremiah trusted
in the power of God while he faced opposition for his prophetic ministry. In the
Gospel, after having predicted future opposition and persecution, Jesus
encourages his disciples to stand firm. Three times they are urged, “Do
not fear!” “Do not be afraid!” Instead of shrinking from their task, they are
to proclaim the Gospel boldly because they will be protected. Hence, Jesus
commands his disciples not to fear their persecutors.
Jesus
has two important thoughts about suffering. First, that here on earth
there is no escape from it. Sometimes Christian preachers say that if
we believe hard enough in Jesus, he will take away all our
suffering. But Jesus never said that. Jesus told us that if we want
to follow him, we will have to take up our cross every day. He told his
Apostles not to be afraid of those who kill the body, but he didn't say
that no one would try to kill them. In fact, all of Christ's first Apostles
were martyred - except St John the Evangelist, who miraculously
survived being boiled in oil. Therefore, following Jesus will not save us
from suffering in this life. That's his first thought.
His second
thought explains why he permits his followers to suffer. Suffering
entered the world with sin, as St Paul reminds us in the Second Reading. So to
save us from suffering, Jesus would have to eliminate all sin, but that would
mean eliminating all freedom, since sin is freely chosen rebellion against
God. But eliminating freedom would also eliminate the possibility
of experiencing and giving love - we would become God's robots,
instead of his children. So instead of eliminating suffering, Jesus
transformed it, turning it into a channel of grace.
Sometimes we
can think that the age of the martyrs ended long ago, and that in
the modern world we really don't have to worry so much about suffering
for Christ. But the twentieth century had more Christian martyrs than
all previous centuries combined.
Just last
a few months ago, violence broke out against Catholic priests and laity in
Zimbabwe simply because they actively supported the opposition party in
the recent elections. They organized, peacefully and legally, against the
ruling party because of its ongoing violation of basic human rights. As a
result, many have been kidnapped, tortured, and maimed by soldiers.
Faithfully following
Christ and fulfilling our mission as Christians does not
guarantee a suffering-free life here on earth - not even in our modern,
enlightened world. But it does guarantee a meaningful life
here, and a very warm, everlasting welcome hereafter. And all the
saints agree that there is no greater joy on this earth than bearing
crosses with love.
Today's Psalm tells
us that God hears the cry of the poor.
Sometimes we
wonder whether God really does hear the cry of the poor?
What about the
abortions, suicides, child trafficking etc happening in our world right now. What
about the countless victims of natural disasters, war, and poverty?
What about
the agonizing moral and emotional suffering hidden in our own
hearts and our neighbors'?
Is the Lord really
with us? Is he really a mighty champion?
Yes.
Not a sparrow alights
on the ground without the Father's knowledge. Every hair on every
head is counted.
Jesus used
those striking images so that there would be absolutely no doubt left
in our minds: God is watching over all of us and guiding the
course of history - nothing escapes his providential care.
God's
Providence is real. It will never let us down. Every evil
deed will be set right, and every prayer will be answered. Because
God is a caring Father as we pray in the prayer our Father. And tomorrow/today
is Fathers’ day in this country. God is the real Father and other earthly
fathers have only derivative attributes. No earthly father is able to number
the hair on the head of his children. But God the Father does. Therefore we
need to have a full trust in God the Father as a little child does.
A little
girl had somehow received a bad cut in the soft flesh of her eyelid. The doctor
knew that some stitches were needed, but he also knew that because of the
location of the cut, he should not use an anesthetic. He talked with the little
girl and he told her what he must do… and asked her if she thought she could
stand the touch of the needle without jumping. She thought for a moment, and
then said simply, “I think I can if Daddy will hold me while you do it.” So,
the father took his little girl in his lap, steadied her head against his
shoulder, and held her tightly in his arms. The surgeon then quickly did his
work… and the little girl did not flinch. She just held on tight to her Father.
That’s a
parable for us in our spiritual lives, and a graphic reminder that whatever we
have to face, we can hold on tight to our Father… and He will see us through.
There’s a word for that… it’s called TRUST or FAITH. It’s surely what Jesus had
in mind when he said, “Unless you become like a little child, you cannot enter
the kingdom of God.” As we honor the earthly fathers this weekend let’s realize
that we have only one Father who is true to its name. But we need to recognize
the sacrifices of the fathers who try to imitate the Heavenly Father’s care.
May the heavenly Father Bless them and their children honor them.
