Scripture:
Genesis 16:1-12, 15-6 or 16:6b-12, 15-16
Matthew 7:21-29
Reflection:
My, oh my. Today’s first reading from the Book of Genesis, which tells the story of Sarai and Hagar, is racy, to say the least. It’s a story that, were it not for being in the Bible, might well be banned from libraries these days.
The selection from the Gospel of Matthew is equally challenging. There is a tendency to shroud ourselves in righteousness, as if we speak for God like some spokesperson. Of late, there is a whole lot of name-calling and disparaging of others with crude and demeaning epithets by God-fearing, cross-wearing Christians who believe, like the disciples, that they are doing the Lord’s work. To them, Jesus says, “Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’”
The saying “God writes straight with crooked lines” may help us remain humble and open to God’s wisdom. We don’t know what marvels God can work in the minds and hearts of others. We don’t know how there can be wholeness/holiness from what looks broken or sinful. Abram becomes Abraham, and Sarai becomes Sarah. Peter, the denier, becomes the rock upon which God builds the church. The last shall be first and life from death.
We are all on a journey. We don’t know the whole story. We don’t know the mind of God. What we do know about God is this: God is love. God loves us and Jesus shows us how to love one another, especially the poor and outcast. Maybe this will keep us busy enough that we will have less time to judge and disparage others.
Robert Hotz is a consultant with American City Bureau, Inc. and was the Director of The Passion of Christ: The Love That Compels Campaign for Holy Cross Province.