Sunday, July 21, 2024

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – b24 – July 21, 2024

(Jeremiah 23:1-6; Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34)

Instead of focusing on the gospel, today I would like to comment on the second reading. You know that the second reading of Sunday Mass is almost always taken from an apostolic letter. The letter in question now is to the Ephesians, the people of a large city in Western Asia.

We are used to hearing that Paul wrote the Letter to the Ephesians. And it's true, the letter begins with his name. However, Bible scholars today say that the author was a disciple of Paul who used his name to get readers' attention. (We do find this practice strange, but it was evidently not frowned upon in ancient times.) Apparently, the letter was written after Paul's death because it indicates a different situation from the time of his martyrdom. However, the Letter to the Ephesians is considered a key work of the New Testament.

The reading today emphasizes that Jesus Christ came to reconcile the Jewish and Gentile peoples within himself. This concept is expressed with one of the most beautiful phrases in all of Scripture: “…he is our peace.” That is, Jesus' death on the cross brought about reconciliation with God for both Gentiles and Jews. Furthermore, his death reconciled the two peoples with each other.

Reconciliation with God was the result of the sacrifice of the God-man. As a man, Jesus represents all humanity. Because he is God, his giving of his life has universal ramifications. The penalty accumulated for the sins of the world is now paid. All women and men are justified when they adhere to Christ.

Jesus achieved reconciliation between people through his bloody death. When the two peoples see their Savior, innocent of crime but mercilessly hanged for their sins, they share their misery. It's like the final scene of the drama Romeo and Juliet. The families of the protagonists recognize that their mutual hostility caused the death of their beloved youth and promise to always live in peace.

Furthermore, the resurrection and ascension of Jesus has released the Holy Spirit to call all of us in the Church. Initiated by Baptism and strengthened by the Eucharist, we see each other as brothers and sisters called to unity in truth and love.

Jesus brings us peace by being a model of respect for authority. He never pretended that he was greater than the civil law. Progressives and traditionalists must accept the will of the majority in civil matters. Jesus is also the cause of peace when we appeal to him to heal a deteriorated situation. He has an infinite number of ways to intervene in human activities. He should always be our first and last resort in trouble. Finally, Jesus is our peace when we take to heart his commandment to love our enemies. By doing small acts of kindness for those who see life differently we will be seen as sincere in our concern for the common good.

Anyway, we don't have to be unduly concerned. Jesus has conquered evil, although this is often veiled. His victory may take the rest of time to become evident to all.