“We
must overturn so many idols, the idol of self first of all, so that we can be
humble, and only from our humility can learn to be redeemers, can learn to work
together in the way the world really needs. Liberation that raises a cry
against others is no true liberation. Liberation that means revolutions of hate
and violence and takes away lives of others or abases the dignity of others
cannot be true liberty. True liberty does violence to self and, like Christ,
who disregarded that he was sovereign becomes a slave to serve others.” ― Archbishop
Oscar A. Romero: (1917 – 1980: was
a prelate of the Catholic Church in El Salvador, who served as the fourth
Archbishop of San Salvador. He spoke out against poverty, social injustice,
assassinations and torture. In 1980, Romero was assassinated while offering
Mass in the chapel of the Hospital of Divine Providence.)
Gospel
Text: (MT 11:20-24)
Jesus began to reproach the towns
where most of his mighty deeds had
been done,
since they had not repented.
"Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to
you, Bethsaida!
For if the mighty deeds done in your
midst
had been done in Tyre and Sidon,
they would long ago have repented in
sackcloth and ashes.
But I tell you, it will be more
tolerable
for Tyre and Sidon on the day of
judgment than for you.
And as for you, Capernaum:
Will you be exalted to heaven?
You will go down to the
netherworld.
For if the mighty deeds done in your
midst had been done in Sodom,
it would have remained until this day.
But I tell you, it will be more
tolerable
for the land of Sodom on the day of
judgment than for you."
We may no longer worship false gods
and images, as the ancient Greeks and Romans did; but we do have many gods in
our lives- money and success, power and prestige, the approval of others and
our own self-esteem, sex and drugs - the list goes on. The evil one is very
good in turning what may be good in itself into idols to replace God in our
lives. In pursuing these, we may be shutting out the voice and values of Christ
in our lives.
Despite
the many good things and talents God has given us, we can forget about him in
our pursuit of these false gods and values. We can be so attached to our own
will and "success" that we forget God's will and values.
Let us heed the warning of Jesus in
the Gospel reading, that we may discern God and his actions in our lives,
repent and keep his commandments,
No comments:
Post a Comment