Reflection for Monday, July 18, 2011: 16th week in Ordinary Time.
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Authors
O'Connor, Roc, S.J.
Issue Date
2011-07-18
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Essay
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en_US
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Who is that "evil and unfaithful generation that seeks a sign?" Certainly, Jesus (as portrayed by Matthew) goes after the scribes and Pharisees. They have refused to accept his preaching and to discern the hand of God in his healing.||It seems that this was a very lively question in the early Church - why didn't everyone accept Jesus as the Messiah who had come into the world? Why did the scribes and Pharisees reject him?|I can see several aspects of this question today that hearken back to the early Church's plea. Yet, I also sense some differences that our situation promotes.|Why don’t more people accept the preaching of the Gospel?|Why have so many left the Church?|Why does a spirit of lethargy seem to permeate the Church? Why is conversion so difficult?|One thing that I believe I have learned is that I always have to include myself in any 'condemnation' or 'judgment' of others. When I see lethargy in the Church, I look for its roots and tangles in my life. When I wonder why "they" don't accept the Word, I also have to wonder why I am so slow to let it in. And when I criticize American culture for its narcissistic individualism, I look for its manifestation in my awareness and actions.|At least, that’s my intention. Sometimes I do it fairly well. Sometimes so poorly.|I pray that we all can reckon with the meaning of the sign of Jonah and so learn from Jesus' preaching the Word of Life.|Happy Summer!
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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: 395