Wednesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Modern Society in many ways is built upon a culture of materialism. Part of this culture thrives on creating wants and needs that have to be fulfilled in order for our lives to be complete. In my own life, this could be illustrated by a voice in my head that says, “You need this tool in order to complete this project.” Or, I might feel the need to have a certain book or workshop in order to accomplish a task for ministry. In reality, today’s readings remind us that we have all that we need to be a disciple.
In one of my friend’s offices, there is a framed copy of his Baptismal certificate. On asking him why he had that framed instead of his degrees, he reminded me that it was his diploma for discipleship. Baptism is the foundation of our discipleship. However, this one sacrament that many of us received as an infant, does not a disciple make. So what else do we really need in order to build the Kingdom? All three readings state loud and clear that the Word of the Lord is to be our guide; it is also to be cherished above all things physical and proclaimed to the ends of the earth.
Yet, is that how Christians operate? As I look about my office, I see a Bible under a stack of papers. Do we hold the Word as sacred? The tradition of Islam holds that the Koran is to be held in a sacred place within people’s houses. There is to be no book placed on a shelf above their Holy Book. Is it any wonder then that protests might break out around the globe when a Christian Minister decides to burn the Muslim symbol of sacredness? Would Christians take to the streets in the US, if an Imam of a poorly attended mosque went to burn a bible half way around the world? Honestly, I am not sure it would even get on our radar.
The readings suggest that our faith, as equipped by the Word, is all we need to be empowered to proclaim the Kingdom of God. Between the lines, we could argue that there is one other nuance to this empowerment. The empowerment comes to us through the authority of the Church as given to us and nourished through are faithful participation in the sacramental life of the Church. Today’s readings remind us that we are sent forth to proclaim the Good News in every area of our life. Prayerfully reflect today upon where you are being called to empower others for discipleship.
-Michael Montgomery