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.
(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.
