Homilies

Nearly 2,600 years ago, Jeremiah spoke to a people burdened by violence and loss, people exiled from their beloved Jerusalem. In their deepest despair, God promised a future of harmony and right relationship with him and each other.

Yet, as we look around our world today, we might find ourselves questioning the fulfillment of this promise. How many have witnessed the horrors of conflict, seen loved ones lost to violence, or felt the sting of hatred? Hatred remains a potent force, dividing us and distancing us from God and each other. It tempts us to assert our will through violence, seek revenge, and arrogantly claim mastery over our lives and solutions to worldly problems, contrary to the essence of our faith.

“Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave.” Jesus was quite strict when he sent his disciples out two by two. They weren’t allowed to take money, food, or extra clothing and they had to wander around all of Israel. If we had been in one of the cities of the time and seen the disciples, it would not have been a pretty sight. They would have been dirty, smelly, and hungry beggars. They would have been shouting at us “Repent! For the Kingdom of God is at hand.” I think many of us would have dismissed them without a moments consideration. Surely God can equip his messengers better than this.

“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” These words of Jesus are probably proverbial. That is, they belong to the simple folk wisdom that is passed around the culture and handed on through the ages, something like, “The early bird gets the worm.” The simplicity and commonness of these words belie a hidden depth. Jesus’ words cut to the heart and should cause to rethink our lives and especially our interactions with one another.