Tuesday of the Twenty-sixth week in Ordinary Time
Did you know that Conception Seminary’s mascot comes from this Gospel? The seminarians are the “Sons of Thunder!”
James and John are on fire for God’s justice–Lord, let us pray for their destruction! The Lord roundly rebukes them.
We all have our passions that drive us to do good. It could be politics, liturgy, social justice, or <>. But those passions can get the better of us as well. Too often, they become black-or-white issues (no grey) or an irreconcilable “us versus them” relationship. Jesus rebukes us for this as well. As it was with James and John, the rebuke is not centered on their passion—Jesus later says, “Oh, how I wish the world was already on fire,” instead, his rebuke is their hearts do not allow for hope.
By calling for their immediate and total annihilation, James and John have no hope the people of Samaria can be saved. History will tell us they most certainly did. Instead of being patient and loving but firm in the truth–thus holding out in hope, they only want vengeance.
The sins of others frustrate and sadden us; they may even gravely harm us, causing those relationships to strain or break. Amid these feelings, however, we are not to lose hope. God says that vengeance is his; let us let him have it. Let us, instead, wait in loving patience, encouraging, exhorting, and correcting with the hope of reconciliation and healing.
Reflection by Fr. Etienne, Huard, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections