Friday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
I loved athletics as a kid as did my family. As one of six children, I spent a good portion of my childhood at sporting events, whether they were my own or my siblings’. I learned a lot about competition, sportsmanship, winning, losing, and teamwork. My favorite memories are from playing high school football. There is a phrase from today’s gospel that led me to reflect on the contrast between the team my freshman year and the team my senior year: “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house” (Mt 12:25).
My high school football team my freshman year struggled to get along, plagued by selfishness, infighting, and disrespect. There was a lack of unity and camaraderie throughout the group. We were divided and it displayed itself on the field–our performance on Friday night was less than mediocre. Despite the high level of talent and skill on the team, we finished the season with one of the worst records in over 20 years. Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. The team my senior year was quite the opposite, truly exemplifying the type of unity, trust, love, and support that Jesus preaches consistently throughout the gospels. We loved playing together; we built up one another; and worked hard to constantly improve. Though I would argue that we weren’t the most talented team that has ever played at my high school, we became one of the most successful teams.
Our readings today speak of justice. In the gospel, Jesus is not being judged justly, but our psalm promises that “the Lord will judge the world with justice” (Ps 9:9). Jesus unites all of us through His body and blood. When we attempt to forge our own path through sin, pride, self-centeredness, hatred, averse to forgiveness, we find ourselves in a lonely and lost place. We crumble for a house divided against itself will fail. God is our protector and our guide. Jesus is always with us. Yes, we may battle with our own demons, but we are never alone in this journey. If our good and loving God is for us, the powers of hell cannot hold power over us.
Peace,
Brandon Meyer