17th Friday in ordinary Time Yr 2 – August 2, 2024
Jer 26:1-9; Ps 69: 5, 8-10, 14; Mt 13:54-58
It seems lately, Christianity is being pushed to the forefront of everyone’s minds. From the political landscape to the Olympics, there seems to be a huge attack on those who are Christians. Not just the Catholic faith, but all Christians. With the war going on in Israel, you can even say Judaism is under attack as well. Times are tough we say, so we need to stand up for our faith and turn the other cheek at the same time. As a friend of mine said, “It would be nice if following God would be easy, but it’s not.” Very wise words. Yet, we must follow God’s will and be obedient to His word. When we do, God’s promises to us will be fulfilled. He never said it would be easy.
I was pondering that thought when I read today’s readings. How hard it must have been for Jeremiah to hear God’s word and then be told to repeat it to all of Judah. And of course, God says, to say them exactly as I told you. So, Jeremiah spoke. Unfortunately, the Lord had some very harsh words for the people of that time. Can you imagine being told that if you did not change your ways, judgment would come, and it would be swift? Ouch. It is no wonder they revolted and wanted to kill Jeremiah.
Now fast forward where we have Jesus coming back to His hometown for festivals. Of course, He went to the synagogue to pray, and it was there He ultimately preached. But just like Jeremiah, He was questioned. In fact, they took offense to them. I guess that is a nice way to say they drove Him out. “Who are you, a carpenter’s son, telling us about the Torah?” I would also imagine during Jesus’ time; a carpenter was a manual laborer and down lower on the society chart. For Him to preach in the temple would be unusual. So, it was a double whammy for Jesus. Coming back to His hometown, getting ridiculed, and then forced to leave.
Yet, Jesus takes it all in stride. “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place.” Jesus was not worried about what His hometown would say. If they did not believe, well, He would just move on. He did not waste His energy there. Jesus reminds us that we too may not be accepted because of our faith. We too may be ridiculed and driven out of our hometown. But, if we keep our faith, we will receive our just rewards. That does not mean we roll over. If we see injustice, like what happened on the first day of the Olympics, we should speak up. Let our faith be known, even if you get persecuted for that faith. But do not let it get you down if you get rejected. After all, the same thing happened to Jeremiah and Jesus! If it does happen to you, keep focused on God’s promises as Jeremiah did. The promise that ends with your everlasting salvation. The one where you are received in God’s everlasting Kingdom. And that is a promise God will keep.
Saint James Catholic Church 