Reflection for Tuesday, November 20, 2007: 33rd week in Ordinary Time.
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Authors
Schuler, Jeanne
Issue Date
2007-11-20
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Essay
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en_US
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Abstract
Come Down From that Tree||The court officials make Eleazar a deal: replace the pork in the ritual sacrifice and he would not die. Sure of their generosity, they are stunned by Eleazar's refusal. Rebuffed, they order the torture to begin.|For Eleazar, life is good. But not everything is for sale. In dying, he remembers those coming after him. He gave the young a gift of his integrity: not all elders can be bought off. A time comes to act, to speak out and say "no more."|Initially we blink at the resolve of martyrs and side with Eleazar's erstwhile friends: "It's only pork. Laws change. Our ancestors were crazy. Don't be a victim. Keep a low profile for the sake of the children." In a flicker, we can recruit reasons for going along. Sometimes we forget what's it all for. How some things just matter.|Later, when we get it, a stillness comes. Doing the right thing is one of the beauties of this world. Without it, we stay hidden in the sycamore tree. Even in the midst of a busy life, we have just come to watch.|We have been invited. Now is our time to climb down from that tree and stand our ground. Here I am, Lord.
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University Ministry, Creighton University.
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These reflections may not be sold or used commercially without permission. Personal or parish use is permitted.
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Lectionary number: 498