This City shall be desolate and deserted
This last week my bride, Anna, and I went to the funeral of a lady we never knew in a city 60 miles away. The reason we went so far to perform a corporal work of mercy was politics. The deceased was the grandmother of my daughter’s boyfriend. The funeral was in a Protestant Church and the people were warm and friendly. The eulogies were insightful and there is no question this lady is in glory as we speak. The Community was a loving and generous and loved and respected this great grandmother of eight.
The Hospice chaplain that lead the service gave the usual alter call for someone to come forward to commit their lives to Jesus. As Catholics we do the same thing but it is a lifelong process and not a moment. When we sin we turn away from that salvation commitment we made at Baptism and Confirmation and through repentance get back to the race Saint Paul talks about. Run in such a way as to win the prize ( 1 Corinthians 9 ).
The thing that I took from my experience and today’s readings was the generosity and love which Christ showed in our Gospel. Sure, He was rejected. However, the people in His home town loved Him at one time as Jesus, son of Joseph the carpenter. They loved Him but would not listen. It seems that every generation has to go through this process. We don’t have the miracles because of our lack of faith. We turn away because of lack of faith and end up sinning.
In Jeremiah’s time it was the same. Stand in the court of the house of the Lord and speak to the people of all the cities of Judah who come to worship in the house of the Lord; whatever I command you, tell them and omit nothing. Perhaps they will listen and turn back, each from his evil way, so that I may repent of the evil I have planned to inflict upon them for their evil deeds.
Today is the feast day of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. He was quoted, “Great care must be taken to show forth orthodox truth in such a way that if any heretics happen to be present they may have an example of charity and Christian moderation. No hard words should be used nor any sort of contempt for their errors be shown.” St Ignatius wrote these words at the time of the Protestant Reformation of Martin Luther.
Our lack of faith is more important than the place we worship. Our message to the world should be the same as Jesus gentle message of faith. The world looks at what you do, as well as, what you say and how you say it.
My comfort is that Jesus will take me back because I repent of my sinful ways. I have faith in Him and His promises of salvation. I am running to win the race.
God Love You Always
Bob Burford
