Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Tuesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time

(Ephesians 2:12-22; Luke 12:35-38)

Romeo and Juliet is never considered one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies.  Its poetry at points supersedes its plot, and its heroes are too immature to have truly tragic dimension.  Yet more than Hamlet, Macbeth, or other of the more esteemed works, Romeo and Juliet accomplishes the purpose of the tragic form.  It purges viewers of the destructive flaw in their lives that brings about catastrophic outcomes. Romeo and Juliet works in a way like the Christ event in today’s first reading.

As the death of the young lovers brings peace to their feuding families, the death of Christ reconciles the world to God.  It says that Jesus preached peace to Jews and Gentiles. Although his main thrust was among Jews, Jesus also proclaimed his Father’s love by healing Syro-Phoenecian woman’s daughter and driving the demons from the Geresene strongman.  A conspiracy of Jews and Gentiles brought about his death although he was innocent of all sin.  Yet he offered himself to it in obedience so that all human disobedience may be forgiven.  All can now look at his crucified image to experience a wave of contrition followed by a spring of transforming grace.

Beyond thanks our response to Christ’s reconciling death is to seek peace with others.  Through dialogue and patience we strive for understanding and care of all people.  As Christ is brother of all, we become family to members of other nations, beliefs, and races.