Memorial of St. Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Today’s readings seem to contrast each other. In the first reading from Zechariah, people from all nations who speak different languages were seeking God in Jerusalem. The Gentiles (non Jews) identified the Jewish people as the ones who knew God first and saw them as key in their search for God. On the other hand, in the Gospel, Jesus sent his disciples ahead of him in Samaria to see how the people there would welcome him. The Samaritans rejected Jesus. Consequently, James and John asked Jesus if they should ask God to destroy them. Jesus replied no and they proceeded to the next village. Despite their differences, these readings are connected to each other. Similar to the first reading, the Samaritans eventually receive the Gospel with joy as the Acts of the Apostles recount Philip’s time in Samaria (Acts 8:4-8). Both the Gentiles in Zechariah and the Samaritans in Luke needed more time to accept God.
What does this mean for us today? In our own ways, we are all seeking God. Today’s readings invite us to reflect on our journey of finding God. When in your life have you searched for God? Maybe you are still searching. Where and in whom do you find God? Many other people in our world search for God too. As people who know Christ, how can you help others find him? Like how Jesus was towards the Samaritan village, may we have mercy and patience with others and ourselves in this quest.
Let’s conclude this reflection by praying a prayer attributed to St. Jerome, whose feast is today and sought God in worldly things before being baptized:
O Lord, show Your mercy to me
and gladden my heart.
I am like the man on the way to Jericho
who was overtaken by robbers,
wounded and left for dead.
O Good Samaritan, come to my aid.
I am like the sheep that went astray.
O Good Shepherd, seek me out
and bring me home in accord with Your will.
Let me dwell in Your house all the days of my life
and praise You forever and ever with those who are there.
Amen.
—Sr. Emily Sandoval, FMI