Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Jeremiah 14:17-22; Matthew 13:36-43)
John Hershey’s novel Hiroshima describes what it was like to be bombed with a nuclear weapon. It is a human story with people much like the ones we knew growing up. It is also a deadly story with an outcome not to be wished on one’s most feared enemies.
In one respect Hiroshima reads like Jeremiah’s description of fallen Jerusalem in the first reading today. The word “devastation” only hints at the misery. One is left only to cry and cry with the hopelessness of it all. War at any time is terrible. Nuclear warfare is a million times more horrible.
Jesus calls his followers to be “peacemakers.” This means becoming humble and wise. It entails teaching righteousness and promoting reconciliation. It requires prayer that people and nations learn compassion. In sum, we are to study Jesus’ ways and to live with his care for others.
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