Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
I love being a part of the Catholic Church. Over 1 billion people across the world working together to carry out Jesus’ mission of bringing His Kingdom to the earth. As I look around me, I see much diversity. There are so many people who are on fire with living out their faith by putting into action how they are called to serve the Lord. But I also see the divisions in the church. Sometimes these divisions get played out in our parish, the local community, in our nation and within the worldwide church. There are many people with good intentions who are unable to take the time or energy to try to listen to and understand those with a different perspective. How are we as the people of God going to bring His Kingdom to the world when we have all of these divisions? I think that the readings today speak about our call to unity, and I think that once again Jesus reminds us that it is love that will bring us together.
In the first reading from the book of Exodus, the Israelites are living in Egypt having followed Joseph there during the time of famine. They were prospering in this land, and the pharaoh recognized that they were a threat to him. He states, “Look how numerous and powerful the people of the children of Israel are growing, more so than we ourselves.” (Ex 1:9) He recognized that the Israelites strength rested not only in their numbers but their commitment to one another. Even when the Egyptians placed greater oppression upon them, “the more they multiplied and spread.” (Ex 1:12) The Egyptians then “dreaded the children of Israel” and to weaken their power demanded, “Throw into the river every boy that is born to the Hebrews.” (Ex 1:22) Only by preventing future Hebrew children could Pharaoh and the Egyptians attempt to contain the power that the Israelites demonstrated as they grew in numbers and as a unified people.
In the gospel reading, Jesus tells his apostles that “I have come to bring not peace but the sword.” He further explains that because of him even family members will be against each other and “one’s enemies will be those of his household.” (Mt 10:34) How can this be the same Jesus who says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”? (Mt 5: 9) Jesus’ radical call to total commitment to Him encourages disciples to live a life so different from the world that it sometimes creates fear and animosity for those who don’t believe. When people see someone living out their faith by saying or doing something that is not the “standard way” of behaving, some individuals will respond with not only derision but sometimes with hatred, even resulting in violence. Jesus goes on to explain that those who “receive” the people he sends- the prophets, the righteous, his disciples- will “surely not lose his reward.” (Mt 10: 42) As disciples not only does Jesus call us to put Him first- to “lose our life” for Him, but He also reminds us of the importance of receiving (loving) those around us. When we receive those that Jesus sends to us, He says “you receive me, and whoever receives me, the one who sent me.” (Mt 10 40) Despite the derision, the criticism, and the insults of those who find our Christ-like ways to be threatening, we as His disciples are called to respond with compassion and love and thereby follow Jesus completely.
How can these readings guide my life today? As I look at our Catholic Church, I think that our strength lies not in our numbers but in our unity. Over 2000 years we have celebrated our beliefs in Jesus and His life, and these are the tenets that bring us together as the Body of Christ. There is great power as we gather as one, holy, catholic and apostolic church. Just as the Egyptians were frightened by the power of the Israelites, I think many people see the strength of the Catholic Church and are concerned of how it may affect them. This is why I see the divisions among the faithful to be so concerning. We lose the power of our presence in the world and we certainly do not witness to others as the Body of Christ when we talk disparagingly about others in our flock. I think that Jesus challenges me today to pay attention to the way that I address and “receive” others within my parish and church community. I think Jesus realizes that people will have different paths to follow as His disciples, but each of us needs to respond to others with compassion and love. I think that I am challenged to pray for our church and to pray for each person in our church as they live out their call as disciples. Instead of thinking that I have all the right answers, I know that Jesus is calling me to stop, listen, and “receive” the people around me who see things differently. With love and respect for one another, we can come to recognize that each individual has an important role and purpose in building up the body. As we learn from one another through the grace of His Spirit, we grow in unity and we are better able to complete our mission of bringing about His kingdom.
Heavenly Father, You call us as Your people to witness to Your love throughout the world. Your Son, Jesus, calls us to a radical way of following Him that sets us apart from the world. By Your Holy Spirit, may we “receive” those around us with compassion and greater understanding, so we can become one- as you are one- and united with You, we will bring your kingdom to this world. We pray this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
-Marylynn Herchline