The Community at Prayer
Reflection by Father Paul M. Baca
March 6, 2011, 9th Sunday in Ordinary Time
See the readings
As we look around us at the realities of the human condition, today's readings remind us of how true the words of the First Reading have become in our world. "Take these words of mine into your heart and soul. Bind them at your wrist as a sign and let them be a pendant on your forehead. I set before you here this day a blessing and a curse: a blessing for obeying the commandments of the Lord your God which I enjoin on you today; a curse if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way I ordain for you today." We are made aware of the tremendous suffering that has been wrought on most of the human family through the economic downturn which by many is blamed on unlimited greed. The disregard for the law of justice has brought about a real downturn on the economy. So those who make money their god instead of letting it be a means of bettering the lives of all have brought upon us a curse. Then there is the sad and hurtful reality of the tyrannical dictators who have made the people of whole nations suffer by their cruelty resulting from their love of unlimited power.
The sacred author continues, "Be careful to observe all the statutes and decrees that I set before you today." It seems to me that so many of those who have the power always choose to do what benefits them, in one way or another. In days gone by I remember the leaders of the church forever preaching the social teaching that we learned from scripture, especially from the words of Jesus. I find it sad that religious leaders who could have an impact on the betterment of our society have become so polarized on the issue of abortion that proclaiming the social teaching of the church becomes an afterthought.
I remember long ago reading the words of a philosopher and I can't even remember which one it was, who said that the best form of government would be a benign ruler who deeply cared for the rights and needs of all his people. But then, that learned person pointed out that power corrupts and that absolute power corrupts absolutely. So in the final analysis he recommended a government of checks and balances, and to me this has always meant that legislators have a duty to legislate what is best for everyone and be totally focused on the Common Good.
In our gospel today St. Matthew puts it all in perspective for us as he says, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven. But only the one who does the will of my father in heaven ... everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on a rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the wind blew and buffeted the house but it did not collapse; it had been set so solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came and the winds blew and buffeted the house, and it collapsed and was completely ruined."
For anyone who reads history and reflects on it, these words are so true. We can look back at all the great empires of the past with all their power and they are no more. I remember the exploits of Alexander the Great who felt that with his legions he was unbeatable. I find the Roman Empire an interesting subject that bragged that there was no power on earth that could match their power. As I read history, I look for the cause of their demise and I know that true historians have different opinions about it all. I know that these predated the coming of Christ, but the same thing happened to Hitler and Stalin who were raised as Christians. So the readings today make us appreciate the words of scripture and the teachings of Jesus.
For us who live in the 21st century and were brought up with an appreciation found in scripture, we realize that there is more to life than just power, pleasure, wealth, etc. since these seem to be built on sand because they come and go. So again I conclude with the Responsorial Psalm, which all of us can pray with confidence in God's word. "In you, O Lord I take refuge. Let me never be put to shame; in your justice rescue me, incline your ear to me. Make haste to deliver me. Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety. You are my rock and my fortress. For your name's sake you will lead and guide me. Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your kindness. Take refuge and be stouthearted, all you who hope in the Lord."