Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
(Ezekiel 24:15-23; Matthew 19:16-22)
The letter in the newspaper took aim at the pastor of the local church. It expressed -- so very publicly -- a complaint that the writer had regarding his relative’s funeral. The pastor refused to accommodate the wish of the writer in burying his relative according to local custom.
At times of birth and death humans cling tenaciously to traditions. They are moments when the enormity of life cuts through our lies and laziness. It becomes critical that the established order be followed to validate the deepest meaning we assign to life. For this reason the first reading today should scare acute listeners. Ezekiel demonstrates that God will effect the violation of the traditions of the people regarding the burial of their loved ones. He says, “You shall not mourn or weep.” He is indicating that outward displays of piety at death will no longer mask inner corruption. Radical reform is needed before God will allow pious burial customs to mean what they signify.
But reform comes only with great difficulty. Jesus introduces it at the cost of his life. He shows us how to live according to God’s own ways. More importantly, he dies and rises to send his Spirit freeing us from sinful tendencies.
