Friday, May 28, 2010

Homily – May 28, 2010 – Eighth Week in Ordinary Time - Friday

+ In our gospel passage today three important things happen: 1) Jesus curses a fig tree for not producing figs in the off-season (this seems odd); 2) Jesus casts out the money-changers from the temple (this too seems a bit odd); 3) Jesus connects faith and forgiveness (again, a seeming odd thing to do). Perhaps the key to understanding these odd events can be found in the first reading from St. Peter when he reminds us that WE ARE IN THE END TIMES: "The end of all things is at hand, Peter says, therefore be serious and sober-minded so that you will be able to pray. Be loving and hospitable. Serve the needs of one another with your God-given gifts. And don't be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, but rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly!" Remember, this was said by the same Peter, who not being filled with the Holy Spirit at the time, tried to dissuade Jesus from his own sufferings and Cross. Peter understands and preaches now the need for identifying with and bearing a share in the Passion of Christ in order to share in the glory of the Resurrection.

And so in this light, super-naturally, a fig-tree (symbolically representing us) ought to be expected to produce the fruits of grace both in and out of season; making a living – even as a banker (a modern-day money changer) – is okay so long as it is done not to cheat people and for the glory of God; and lastly, understanding and experiencing forgiveness from God and one another, and freely giving it, is the key that unlocks so many things including the peace of Christ and the very ability to have faith in the one who is the source of the forgiveness, the source of all grace, the source of all blessing: the source of all that we need. We can therefore do as Jesus tells us and ask for what we need and it will be given, but not unless we are familiar with forgiving and being forgiven!

Yes, we truly are living in the end times. It has been so for two-thousand years now. But with God, a thousand years are as yesterday! One "today" will be the "Last Day" – and it just makes sense to live all of ours as though it just might be this one. And, if we have the Divine Life of God already pulsating and energizing us from within because we are Baptized, Confirmed (and in my case Ordained) children of God – then we should have nothing whatsoever at all to fear about that Great and Terrible Day. For us it will be like an amazing and joyful family reunion, the likes of which we can only begin to fathom!

I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord, (both in season and out of season)!

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