12th week in ordinary time- Feast of St Irenaeus – Friday, June 28, 2024
Kgs 25:1-12 Ps 137:1-6 Mt 8:1-4
Today, we continue reading from the second half of the Book of Kings. One would wonder why we need to go back through history and learn all about the persecutions of the Israelites. In this section of Kings, Jerusalem is being invaded and taken over by the Babylonian empire. It is one of the many times the Israelites were oppressed. Yet throughout the second half of the book of Kings, we also hear about two great prophets, Elijah and Elisha. It is through these prophets that we gain an understanding of how faithful the people were to God. And in the end, God overcomes the persecutions and rescues the people from their enemies.
In the gospel reading, we hear about a leper who was oppressed. Think about that leper as he approaches Jesus. During Jesus’ time, lepers were considered one of the most unclean lowest life forms on earth. Yet, out of faith and trust, the leper approaches Jesus. Heal me, he pleads, so that not just his physical life will be saved, but his spiritual life as well. And Jesus heals him. What is interesting is what Jesus says next. Tell no one, except the priests, so that THEY may believe. Nothing more is said in the Gospel of Matthew about this healing, but I have to believe it is a twofold message. The leper believes and is healed, but also, the example of faith and obedience are presented to the priests as well. Who has the authority to do this? None other than God himself. So, hearing that Jesus healed the leper, could only mean one of two things, either Jesus is of (or is) God, or Jesus has just created blasphemy by pretending to be God. Yet, Jesus listens to the leper’s pleas, and the leper is healed.
St Irenaeus, who’s feast day we celebrate today, spent many years combating the persecution of the Christians. In fact, he is known as one of the great theologians that combated many heresies. He wrote many treatises and is known as a foremost authority on scripture and tradition. He was the first to offer a coherent rational for a Christian bible, including both testaments. He became bishop of Lyons and remained so until his death around the year 200.
How critical we are sometimes of our own belief, our own trust and our own obedience. If only we had the faith of the leper, and St Irenaeus, how much better would our lives be? Do we need to suffer the persecution the Israelites had to when the Babylonians took over Jerusalem? Some would contend we are going through that now. Do we need to be healed like the leper? Or do we just need to believe, trust, and be obedient to God’s will like the Israelites did when listening to the prophets Elijah and Elisha? My hope is, we all choose to keep our faith and never give up. Yes, the persecutions are strong, but maybe it’s time for more modern prophets, you and me. Let us stand tall like St Irenaeus did and combat the falsehoods that are out there today. And then our children’s children will see the faith of their ancestors and believe as well.
Saint James Catholic Church 