The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite contemplation of the depth of the impact of faith in God in our lives.
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| Faith and our journey |
In the reading from the Prophet, Isaiah reassures King Ahaz by declaring “If you do not stand firm in faith, you shall not stand at all.”
* [7:1–8:18] These verses (often termed Isaiah’s “Memoirs”) contain a series of oracles and narratives (some in first person), all closely related to the Syro-Ephraimite war of 735–732 B.C. Several passages feature three children whose symbolic names refer to the Lord’s purposes: Shear-jashub (7:3), Emmanuel (7:10–17; 8:8–10), and Maher-shalal-hash-baz (8:1–4). Judah and its Davidic dynasty should trust God’s promises and not fear the combined armies of Israel and Syria; within a very short time these two enemy states will be destroyed, and David’s dynasty will continue.1
Psalm 48 praises the holy city as the invincible dwelling place of God.
* [Psalm 48] A Zion hymn, praising the holy city as the invincible dwelling place of God. Unconquerable, it is an apt symbol of God who has defeated all enemies. After seven epithets describing the city (Ps 48:2–3), the Psalm describes the victory by the Divine Warrior over hostile kings (Ps 48:4–8). The second half proclaims the dominion of the God of Zion over all the earth (Ps 48:9–12) and invites pilgrims to announce that God is eternally invincible like Zion itself (Ps 48:13–14).2
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus sees woes for unrepentant cities.
* [11:23] Capernaum’s pride and punishment are described in language taken from the taunt song against the king of Babylon (Is 14:13–15).3
Andy Alexander, S.J. comments that the highly "religious" people - the scribes and Pharisees - simply didn't accept an anointed one who was so kind and merciful. Even though that is the image of God shared with them in the Hebrew scriptures, they hadn't opened their hearts to compassion and forgiveness. In their self-righteous judgmentalism, they rejected Jesus.
Today could be an invitation to examine how deeply we let the message of Jesus fill us. Are we judgemental? Are we harsh with others we see as sinning or failing or simply annoying us? Have we divided our world into "us" and "them"? This can be a day when we can give thanks and praise for Jesus' mercy toward us and beg for the grace to open our heart to his love. It can be the day we can beg, "Make my heart like yours, dear Jesus. I want you to soften me and teach me compassion and give me a loving heart like yours."4
Don Schwager quotes “Even after miracles they did not repent,” by Jerome (347-420 AD).
"Our Savior laments Chorazin and Bethsaida, cities of Galilee, because after such great miracles and acts of goodness they did not repent. Even Tyre and Sidon, cities that surrendered to idolatry and other vices, are preferred to them. Tyre and Sidon are preferred for the reason that although they trampled down the law, still Chorazin and Bethsaida, after they transgressed natural and written law, cared little for the miracles that were performed among them." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 2.11.22.1)5
The Word Among Us Meditation on Isaiah 7:1-9 notes that as disturbing as these readings may be, they also offer God’s wisdom on how to become peacemakers.
Isaiah urges King Ahaz to stand firm in faith rather than take up arms. This kind of faith is more than saying, “I believe in God.” It’s the faith that trusts in God and doesn’t engage in treachery or betrayal. It’s the faith that believes that God can bring good out of evil—and so it pushes ahead humbly in the midst of hardship.…Are you facing some kind of conflict? Take Jesus’ words to heart and repent. Try to bring peace by making small changes to your words or actions. Maybe try a lighter touch or offer a kind gesture to an “adversary.” Choose mercy over judgment, just as God has done for you.6
Friar Jude Winkler fleshes out the political situation facing Judah as Isaiah predicts the eventual downfall of Egypt and Syria. Matthew’s Gospel has a very Jewish tone, yet it is Jewish towns that are condemned. Friar Jude reminds us that God sees the gifts and weakness of people and we often judge without this perspective.
Barbara Holmes writes about Fannie Lou Hamer (1917–1977), who is remembered for her strength and courage in the face of an oppressive system. During the Civil Rights Movement, she inspired others to reclaim their God-given dignity and demand full citizenship in the United States.
Hamer was centered; she drew power from the example of her parents in their struggle to transcend the impossible situation of their lives. She faced daunting odds, as she was not dealing with an abusive individual but instead the power of federal, state, and local governments and cultural traditions that deemed her to be a nonperson. This designation of non-personhood did not deter her, for her contemplative entry into a deeper “knowing” came through her commitment to nonviolence. Adherence to the spiritual disciplines of civil rights activism required that she love the crucifier, bless the torturer, embrace the jailer, and pray for his or her salvation.7
Our vision of the situations of our neighbours is imperfect. We are called to trust that God’s plan will bring the best result for all.
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