Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
My hope is that in some ways you have been keeping abreast of the devastation created by super-storm Haiyan. I have heard numerous heart-breaking conversations over the media. It is hard to imagine the devastation and tragedy. There is something I am struggling with. On the one hand, millions of people who survived the storm are now facing death because of hunger, thirst and disease; on the other hand, for us, the holidays are approaching. If you are not ready yet, the high-pitched TV commercials will soon enough get you there. On the one hand I see unimaginable misery, and on the other hand I see superficial, profit-obsessed commercial glitter. The misery and the fake glitter do not seem to be adding up for me. I do believe in hope, but sometimes, just sometimes it is good for the rest of humanity not go on with business as usual unless those who are left behind have caught up with us. But I do not think that is what is going to happen.
I have chosen to begin my homily this way for two reasons. The first reason is that today’s gospel reading tells us that one day it will not be business as usual for all of us together. Someday, superficial glitter won’t do. "All that you see here,” Jesus says, “the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down." For the people in Philippines, their apocalypse seems to be at hand. The second reason I want to talk about this is because we are reaching the end of both the liturgical year and the calendar year. As we come to end of one season and year and move to another, the scriptures are trying to helps ways to continue to live meaningful, purposeful, and faith-filled lives.
In my three practical implications I hope to draw lessons from scripture.
1. A Reflective and Visionary People. Jesus says, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky” (Lk 21:10-11). What meaning shall we draw from these words? Are they meant to frighten us to submission? I think they are meant to help us become a certain kind of people – a reflective and visionary people. At a meeting last week with parents of our Confirmation candidates, I got a glimpse of how fast-paced life is. Between national, college and school sports; from baseball season, to football season to basketball season; from summer, to fall, to winter holidays; between work, and school and the daily drudgery of life – there is not much time left for quite time, prayer and reflection. How many families do you think get the time to ask, “What are we about?” “What direction is life taking?” Even families that make it a priority to make it to church struggle to then reflect on the deeper meaning of faith and God. So here is my first practical implication. It seems to me that the super-storm in the Philippines can remind us that we need to slow down. We cannot take anything for granted. Instead of unreflectingly getting caught up in the holiday and commercial frenzy, please, take the time to reflect on how to best spend the time and resources we have. Instead of succumbing to preposterous deals in the stores, please, take the time to strike a deal with God and with humanity.
2. Perseverance. It has been the trend in our modern world to focus on the dramatic in apocalyptic literature. Last year this time people all over the world were waiting for the end of the world as predicted by the Mayan calendar. Some churches cashed big time on this prediction. Even in today’s gospel reading the temptation is to focus on the “powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.” And seeing what happened in the Philippines one cannot but focus on the devastation. But that is precisely where Christ’s is saying the main focus should be not. The gospel ends with the words, “By your perseverance you will secure your lives” (Lk 21:19). Malachi says in today’s first reading, “But for you who fear my name there will arise the sun of justice with the healing rays” (Mal 3:20a). Perseverance is the key. Our world will be rocked – illness, professional setback, broken relationships, betrayal, hardships, difficult children, uncommitted parents, hateful relatives – oh yes, our world will be rocked. But constantly and unceasingly persevering to keep our eyes on the Lord – that is the key to a meaningful end to the world and the meaningful end to our personal lives. So, for a moment, even as both misery and glitter are claiming our attention, let work on our own perseverance.
3. Apocalypse in the Philippines. Meanwhile, here is another thought. I wonder what this passage will mean to the people of the storm affected areas of the Philippines? How will they reflect on this passage as they go for mass? What does “By your perseverance they will secure your lives,” mean for them? It would be preposterous for me even to think that I could answer this question. But here is something we can do. We can help their perseverance a little easier; we can step in and do our part. As our focus gradually shifts to the holidays and as the commercials sell their best deal, I think the best deal would be to give hope to the people of the Philippines. Let me suggest a few ways to do this. I am making an announcement to both the parishes that those of you who have given me gifts do not do that this year but that you donate that amount to the Catholic Relief Services. Second, there will be a second collection today to help with the cause of rebuilding and recovery. Third, you could keep some amount of your own Thanksgiving and Christmas budget to help the people in the Philippines.
Today, as a reflective, visionary, persevering and faith-filled people, may our celebration of this Eucharist be an opportunity for us to be like Christ. May we break our body for our needy brothers and sisters. Amen.
- Fr. Satish Joseph