Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
In the opening reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah, we hear of the obstinate refusal of the people to listen to Jeremiah’s message (Jer 38:4-6, 8-10). So staunch was their denial that they cast the prophet into a cistern with the intent of leaving him there to die. It is in this context that the entrance antiphon of today’s liturgy takes on special significance: “Turn your eyes, O God, our shield; and look on the face of your anointed one…” (Ps 84:10). The responsorial refrain echoes Jeremiah’s plea from the bottom of the cistern, “Lord, come to my aid!” (Ps 40:14). This too, is our cry when we are trapped in a cycle of sin and addiction. We all long to hear the words of Psalm 40: “The Lord heard my cry. He drew me out of the pit of destruction, out of the mud of the swamp…”
The second reading from Hebrews 12:1-4 is a word of encouragement in the midst of our struggle to “rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us.” We are urged to keep “our eyes fixed on Jesus.” He it is, who for our sins, “endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” From his throne in heaven, Jesus continues to intercede for us who, in our struggle against sin, “have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.”
Today’s gospel opens with the mysterious phrase, “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing.” While at first glance this may seem like a violent and destructive fire, ponder for a moment on the role of “fire” throughout salvation history. God’s presence was revealed to Moses in the flame of the burning bush. It was a pillar of fire that led the Israelites through their desert trek to freedom from slavery in Egypt. And tongues of fire descended upon the disciples on Pentecost, indicating the strengthening and healing presence of the Holy Spirit. Such divine presence may well cause division among those who refuse the message of salvation, but its ultimate goal is unity, healing, forgiveness, and freedom.
We sing confidently at communion the refrain: “With the Lord there is mercy; in him is plentiful redemption” Ps 130:7. It is God’s desire to free us from sin, division, and our own self-destructive behavior that we may enjoy the vision of heaven and know that “one day within your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere” (Entrance antiphon, Ps 84:11).
Prayer for today: Lord, come to my aid! Free me from sin and those forces of evil that threaten to destroy my life. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, whose path of self-abandonment I must follow in order to dwell in your courts for all eternity.
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections