Friday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

 Friday of the Twenty-third Week in ordinary Time

(I Timothy 1:1-2.12-14; Luke 6:39-42)

Twenty years have passed since the day of ignominy.  On September 11, 2001, a score of Muslim terrorists shocked and infuriated the most powerful nation on earth.  Approximately 3000 inhabitants of the United States were killed in the targeted crashes of four hijacked passenger jets.  Of course, the nation responded to the outrage with the result of, probably, a hundred times as many deaths in several Muslim countries over the years.

In today’s gospel Jesus speaks as a teacher and prophet.  He tells his disciples to take seriously his message so that they may not be blinded by unbridled passions.  How would he respond if asked to judge the clash of civilizations between radical Islam and postmodern western culture?

He would condemn the attacks as wicked.  He would tell the terrorists that their crimes are indefensible and call for retribution.  And he would have words of both consolation and instruction for the West.  They, for sure, have to protect their people from men blinded by pride and hatred.  But they also must open their eyes to see how lust, selfishness, and greed are deteriorating families. Communities, and cultures.  Greater tragedy will come unless all reform their ways to promote love in truth and justice in action.