Wednesday of the
Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (Independence Day)
(Amos 5:145-15.21-24; Matthew 8:28-34)
As the United States celebrates the anniversary of its foundation,
stress fractures appear along its base. The
people are deeply divided on a number of fundamental issues. At what point in a human life should a person
be given the protection of law? What
constitutes a family? Is there a right
to take one’s life? What
responsibilities does the nation have for the poor of other lands? To what extent should a person be allowed to
protect her own life? These questions are
testing the strength of the nation.
Turning to Scripture for help with answers, we find in today’s
first reading the prophet Amos exhorting Israel to act justly. Speaking on behalf of God, he stresses the
necessity that the people do what is good.
For Amos this means full adherence to the Mosaic Law, not just to its
prescriptions for ritual. Jesus in the
gospel demonstrates how this is carried out.
He goes out of his way to liberate two men who are possessed by
demons. It is an act of justice as well
as mercy. No one should be subjected to
the domination of evil.
As citizens of the United States we see Jesus as our hope
as well as our model. Like him we want
to assist our neighbors live in peace.
We also pray to him for guidance.
We need his Spirit to discern how to promote universal flourishing. We need as well his grace to lead the nation
in making sacrifices for that end.
