The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to accept the prompting of the Spirit to reject the influences that impair our vision of the Way of Peace.
The reading from the Book of Judges describes the calling of Gideon.
* [6:16] I will be with you: narratives telling how the Lord commissions someone for a task depict the person’s reactions of reluctance, confusion, or sense of inadequacy, and the Lord’s reassurance (“I will be with you”), sometimes accompanied by a sign (cf. Ex 3:12; Jer 1:8). Lk 1:28–37 is modeled on this pattern.
* [6:19] Ephah: see note on Is 5:10.
* [6:22] Ancient Israel thought that seeing God face to face meant mortal danger, as Ex 33:20 indicates and as Gideon’s reaction here shows. Compare the reaction of Samson’s parents (13:22–23) when they realize they have been conversing with the Lord.
* [6:24] Yahweh-shalom: a reference to the Lord’s words, “You are safe” (v. 23), lit., “Peace be to you!” (Judges, CHAPTER 6, n.d.)
Psalm 96 offers Praise to God Who comes in judgement.
* [Psalm 85] A national lament reminding God of past favors and forgiveness (Ps 85:2–4) and begging for forgiveness and grace now (Ps 85:5–8). A speaker represents the people who wait humbly with open hearts (Ps 85:9–10): God will be active on their behalf (Ps 85:11–13). The situation suggests the conditions of Judea during the early postexilic period, the fifth century B.C.; the thoughts are similar to those of postexilic prophets (Hg 1:5–11; 2:6–9). (Psalms, PSALM 85, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus describes difficulties for the Rich.
* [19:16–30] Cf. Mk 10:17–31. This story does not set up a “two-tier” morality, that of those who seek (only) eternal life (Mt 19:16) and that of those who wish to be perfect (Mt 19:21). It speaks rather of the obstacle that riches constitute for the following of Jesus and of the impossibility, humanly speaking, for one who has many possessions (Mt 19:22) to enter the kingdom (Mt 19:24). Actual renunciation of riches is not demanded of all; Matthew counts the rich Joseph of Arimathea as a disciple of Jesus (Mt 27:57). But only the poor in spirit (Mt 5:3) can enter the kingdom and, as here, such poverty may entail the sacrifice of one’s possessions. The Twelve, who have given up everything (Mt 19:27) to follow Jesus, will have as their reward a share in Jesus’ (the Son of Man’s) judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Mt 19:28), and all who have similarly sacrificed family or property for his sake will inherit eternal life (Mt 19:29).
* [19:16] Gain eternal life: this is equivalent to “entering into life” (Mt 19:17) and “being saved” (Mt 19:25); the life is that of the new age after the final judgment (see Mt 25:46). It probably is also equivalent here to “entering the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 19:23) or “the kingdom of God” (Mt 19:24), but see notes on Mt 3:2; 4:17; 18:1 for the wider reference of the kingdom in Matthew. (Matthew, CHAPTER 19, n.d.)
Ed Morse comments that like Gideon, our Lord calls us to respond in faith to the reality of the “not yet”. Remember that things are not always as they seem! Many who think they are first will be last, and vice versa.
What is the foundation for this faith? It is not our subjective will, putting your head down and “fake it ‘till you make it”. Faith comes from the objective reality of the nurturing graces that flow to us through the church, the sacraments, and prayer – our own as well as the prayers of others. Those now living and those who have passed into the cloud of witnesses are helping us in ways we do not understand. Our Blessed Mother is among them.
From time to time, our wills may become weakened and weary. But do not fear. Grace is real. Pray for one another, seek the prayers of others including the saints, and be nurtured regularly by the sacraments. Thanks be to God. (Morse, 2023)
Don Schwager quotes “Who can enter the kingdom of heaven?” by John Chrysostom, 347-407 A.D.
"What then did Christ say? 'How difficult it will be for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.' He was not criticizing money itself but the wills of those who are taken captive by it. If it will be difficult for the rich, how much more so for the avaricious! For if stinginess with one's own wealth is an impediment to gaining the kingdom, think how much fire is amassed for taking someone else's. But why does he say that it is hard for the rich man to enter the kingdom, to the disciples, who were poor and had nothing? He teaches them not to be ashamed of their poverty and, as it were, gives the reason why he did not allow them to possess anything. After saying it is hard, he also shows them that it is impossible, and not simply impossible but even in an exaggerated way impossible. He shows this from the comparison of the camel and the needle: 'It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.' Hence Christ demonstrates that there is a significant reward for the wealthy who can practice self-denial. He also said that this had to be the work of God, that he might show that great grace is needed for anyone who is going to achieve it." (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 63.2) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Judges 6:11-24 comments that the Lord told Gideon that the key to success was not his own qualifications but God’s presence with him. That’s what would make him confident. When our hope wavers, we can recall that the Lord is with us, too. He has called us to follow him and to be his saving presence in the world. It’s his grace and power that can make things better.
Today, if the problems surrounding you seem unsolvable, learn from Gideon: trust in God’s grace, use the gifts you have, and be a champion!
“Lord God, thank you for calling me and equipping me to make a difference.” (Meditation on Judges 6:11-24, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler notes that Gideon is called as one of the judges of Israel, a leader of the army and people called characteristically. Jesus continues to consider the encounter with the Rich Young Man and the sense that the rich control their own destiny with their resources. Friar Jude notes the existence of the narrow gate in the wall of Jerusalem and the frequent use of “Jewish exaggeration” in Jesus teaching. Finally, we are created by God to serve others in the Way of Jesus.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, teaches that restorative justice is not about denying harm, but about speaking truth in the service of forgiveness. Jesus, many mystics, and other wisdom traditions—such as the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous—show that sin and failure are, in fact, an opportunity for the transformation and enlightenment of the offender.
Only mutual apology, healing, and forgiveness offer a sustainable future for humanity. Otherwise, we are controlled by the past, individually and corporately. We all need to apologize and we all need to forgive or this human project will surely self-destruct. No wonder almost two-thirds of Jesus’ teaching is directly or indirectly about forgiveness. Otherwise, history devolves into taking sides, bitterness, holding grudges, and the violence that inevitably follows. As others have said, “Forgiveness is to let go of our hope for a different past.” Reality is what it is, and such acceptance leads to great freedom, as long as there is also both accountability and healing forgiveness. (Rohr, 2023)
Our anxiety over our material possessions can obscure the gift of peace we are offered as servants of the Love of Christ.
References
Judges, CHAPTER 6. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/judges/6?11
Matthew, CHAPTER 19. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/19?23
Meditation on Judges 6:11-24. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/08/22/765119/
Morse, E. (2023, August 22). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/082223.html
Psalms, PSALM 85. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/85?9
Rohr, R. (2023, August 22). Truth and Reconciliation — Center for Action and Contemplation. CAC Daily Meditations 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/truth-and-reconciliation-2023-08-22/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Who Can Enter the Kingdom of Heaven? Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=aug22
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