27th Friday in Ordinary time, October 13, 2023
Jl 1:13-15-2:1-2; Ps 9:2-3, 6, 16, 8-9; Jn 12:13b-32
Division seems to be all around us today. From our own political parties driving a wedge between Americans, to the recent violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict. There seems to be no end to the division. It even transcends down to our local towns, organizations, our homes, and yes, within our own faith. During a conversation recently, one person commented, “So why listen to the rhetoric? If it’s not doing you any good, why listen to it? Focus on what you know is good and think about that.” While somewhat good advice, it is not the total answer. We need to know and understand all sides of a story to be able to decipher the truth. Without the truth, no one can find the answer and we all end up biased. So, what do we do?
If we think about it, the answer is right in front of our noses. The prophet Joel and the psalmist both declare it is God the Almighty we need to turn to. And, at least for now, we can turn to our currency and see it clear as day, “In God We Trust!” Have we done that lately? Or have we put our heads in the preverbal sand and choose not to pay attention? I will admit, that seems like an easy way to deal with today’s issues. “I’ll just ignore it and the issue will go away.” It’s not my problem, I am fine, I don’t need to worry. And yet, we still worry and are confused about what is right, what is wrong, and what is the truth. And because we believe so adamantly about one way, we refuse to listen to the other side. And then we become divided. Just where Satan wants us.
While Jesus is being challenged by what authority He drives demons out, He also makes a strong statement about division today, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house.” While it is good to have discussions and differences of opinion, both of which lead to the betterment of everyone, division has no place in trust or truth. With division, there is a serious lack of trust. No one trusts anyone and nothing is truthful. In that environment, more division occurs, and we end up worse than we were before. As Jesus says, “Even if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?”
If we put our trust in God, and allow the Holy Spirit to dwell in us, the truth will come forth. We can have those fruitful conversations that bring real results, not the total opposition that leads nowhere. I have often heard that the truth is in the middle somewhere. But, when it comes to trust, the truth only remains in one place, in God.
God is the only One with the ultimate authority that we should trust. So, pull your head out of the sand, trust in God, and let Him be your guide, and maybe, just maybe, we will know the truth when we see it.
Saint James Catholic Church 