Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
(Exodus 19:2-6a; Romans 5:6-11; Matthew 9:36–10:8)
This Sunday we resume reading the Gospel according to Saint
Matthew. It will be our guide until Advent. Matthew’s Gospel emphasizes
discipleship. It teaches us how best to
serve the Lord.
In today’s reading, Jesus notices how much the people need
pastoral care. He sees them as “troubled and abandoned.” To a large extent, the
Jewish leadership has failed them. The scribes are preoccupied with the
minutiae of the law, while the people long to hear about God’s love. The
Pharisees seek places of honor at banquets, while the people need to know how
to respond to God’s goodness.
The lack of adequate pastoral accompaniment continues today.
However, the problem is not so much that people feel “troubled and abandoned.” Rather,
the faithful are often confused and bewildered by the things they see around
them. Many people in Western society desire affirmation even when they act in
ways that were once considered abominations. The problem is not so much that
they want to tattoo their arms up to their shoulders or dye their hair green.
Rather, they show little regard for the primacy of the family. They want to
live with their partner outside of marriage, to have a same-sex partner, or
even to change their biological sex.
These irregularities become particularly visible during this
month of June, designated by some as “pride month.” It seems strange to us that
so many people want to boast publicly about things that were once considered
private. As disciples of Jesus, how should we respond?
Jesus’ recommendation in the gospel that we pray to the
Father is particularly appropriate. These sexual matters are profound and
sensitive. Wisdom is needed to address them appropriately. What else could we
do?
In the first reading, God indicates what He wants from
Israel. He says that they will be His chosen people if they keep His
commandments. He adds that He will protect the nation as long as it maintains
the covenant it has made with Him. In addition to advising prayer, in the gospel
Jesus chooses the Twelve Apostles to proclaim this same message of election and
protection. He sends them particularly to those who have gone astray to guide
them back to the right path. The message remains relevant today.
God's love does not allow us to condone habits that distance
those involved from Him. Behaviors such as having sex outside of marriage do
precisely this. We may have the opportunity to speak honestly and openly to
those in these situations. If so, we can convey to them how their actions
offend God. At the same time, we want to hear their personal histories if they are
willing to share them. In this way, the give and take will foster mutual understanding
and goodwill.
Let's take the case of a Catholic school teacher who has a
child in her class with two fathers and no mother. Some might wonder if the school
administration should admit children in this situation. However, the Church
does not consider admission impermissible in such cases. It reasons that the
child will receive a Catholic education. It can be further hoped that by dialoguing
with the teacher, his parents will come to value chastity. At the same time, the
teacher will learn something about the reasons for and difficulties of having
homosexual tendencies.
One might ask if our era is the best time to live in
history. Who knows? It is true that we live more comfortably today than at any
other time in history. On the other hand, it may be harder now than ever to
convey the teaching of Christ. Nevertheless, we are called as ever to follow the
Lord Jesus. We must ask for his help as we proclaim his truth.
