Reflection on the Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time

The first reading is a timely reminder that in tough times we still have what we need, just like a deeply rooted tree planted near water, and we can effectively continue to live out our commitments to work for peace and act for justice. God is with us and working through us. We are blessed with resources, personally and communally, to strengthen us spiritually, mentally and emotionally.

In the time of Jeremiah’s reading the people of Israel have made a pact with the Egyptians to prevent being overcome by the Babylonians. It didn’t work out well for them. The Babylonians tightened their grip, destroyed Jerusalem and sent many Israelites into exile. It turns out that placing too much trust in military might, political alliances and human institutions is no substitute for faith in God. So Jeremiah issues his stern warning.

For me, there are times when Clarissa Pinkola Estes is prophetic. There are times when I read the quote from her that says, “Do not lose heart. We were made for these times. For years we have been learning, practicing, been in training for and just waiting to meet on this exact plain of engagement.” She says we cannot choose to spend ourselves simply bewailing these difficult times. At times I struggle to remember that I was made for these times and that I/we have what we need. There are certainly some plains of engagement that I never imagined for myself, my country, or the world until they were upon us. But whether we saw it coming or not, it is the reality we need to accept at this moment. And if we can accept this reality within the context of our faith, it is to our benefit, and we can provide a witness to the world.

In the Gospel we hear Jesus tell us how those who are called might endure some of these difficult times. We may feel pain economically and feel even more connected to the poor and disadvantaged than in the past. We are reminded that those who are suffering now will have an end to their suffering. And people are blessed in the midst of their suffering. They are promised an end to their weeping, their hunger and the experience of being hated or despised by others. And I believe we are called to be a part of God’s work to end the weeping, the hunger and the experience of hatred.

I must confess that reading this Gospel at this point in time created a different reaction in me. For the first time ever I imagined myself standing somewhere in Washington, D.C., delivering the “Woe to you” message to the wealthy, the powerful and those who seem to demonize so many others in our midst. I doubt it would be effective, but it seemed like it would feel good to do it. 

But we are not just about feeling good; we are about doing good work and making a difference where we can. I recently read about an organization called Builders that  defines a builder as someone who is a flexible thinker and constructive problem solver who recognizes the dignity of all people. Their hope is to overcome the divides in our country – racial, political, economic and otherwise. As I read more, I thought that many of us in Loretto might be builders. We try to balance passionate convictions with critical thinking, we appreciate opportunities for growth, we value dialogue, reflection and we seek to identify and address root causes. I believe this is our call now on this plain of engagement. There are many ways we can work to overcome divides – to respond to fear, hatred and prejudice by showing respect and treating every person we encounter with dignity. We can still have hard conversations to speak our truth and listen to understand where others are coming from.

And thinking about all of this took me back to thinking about what it must have been like for the first apostles and disciples after Jesus was crucified. What a shock, loss and disappointment that must have been. Even as Jesus talked of his kingdom not being of this world, I don’t imagine most of his friends envisioned the brutal ending to his life.  After it happened, they might well have thought that the Romans would arrest them next. Some readings indicate they stayed together in fear in some space until the resurrected Jesus appeared to them. I don’t imagine that they initially thought of themselves as builders, as the ones who would build a lasting institution based on Jesus’ teachings.

And that is where I find a connection to the second reading. The early apostles and disciples needed the resurrected Jesus to give them strength and courage to carry on as builders when he was no longer in their midst. Today we need the reminders and promises Jesus left us in the Gospels to redouble our efforts to carry on the work we have been called to do at this time on this particular plain of engagement. We, along with so many others, can and must help to build a better tomorrow in the chaos of today that is inflicting so much harm and fear on so many in our midst.