June 22, 2008
Dear Parishioners,
The prophet Jeremiah has been calling Israel to fidelity to God. They are threatened by the political and physical take over by the Babylonians. They are trying to make unholy political alliances with Egypt. In the end, because they did not remain faithful to their religion, living in God’s presence and according to His law, Jerusalem will fall and many of the Israelites will be carried into exile into Babylon. Much like the Potter’s flask which Jeremiah will break in their sight, the Israelites will be broken.
Today’s first reading follows the punishment of Jeremiah for his harsh preaching and visible symbol of the destruction of Israel; he was beaten and put in stockades. Now he prays in reflection. Even though there are people on every side of him telling him he is wrong and to be quiet, to go along with the crowd in their unholy alliances and accommodation of the law, Jeremiah will trust in God and be faithful to the message he has been given.
Christ encourages the apostles whom He called in last week’s Gospel, that even though the world will want them to “go along” with the winds of what is popular and easy, and even though they will be persecuted, they must:
“ Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.
What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.”
Fidelity to revelation begins in the individual soul with our personal decision to be intentional and integral Catholics. The formation of a correct conscience is key to our ability to be faithful. You and I are “Jeremiah”. We must protect the “country,” the “kingdom” of our souls so that we are not carried into exile away from Christ. Fr. Fernandez writes: “Jesus encourages us to be afraid of nothing, except sin, which destroys our friendship with God and leads to eternal damnation. When faced by difficulties we must be strong and brave, like true sons of God…Bodily evils, even death itself, are as nothing compared to the evils of the souls, to sin.”
No matter what temptations we may experience to “go along” with a given culture, group or idea, we must be careful to be faithful. Fr. Fernandez reminds us: “At times we will keep silent because that is the best thing to do, for reasons of supernatural prudence, or charity, but never out of fear or cowardice. We Christians are not friends of darkness and hidden corners; we are friends of light, of openness in our lives and in our words. The times we live in are such that we need to proclaim the truth clearly.”
Do not be afraid to live your Catholic faith. This is the only way to hand on to our youth the content and method of redeeming the world as Jesus taught us; it must be done one soul at a time. To give our young ones the knowledge and skills of making decisions with a Catholic mind is to ensure their participation to live in the light of Christ Who is Truth and thereby to build good parishes, families and a nation which honors the God Who has created us for eternal union with Him.
May our Lord grant you blessings and our Lady keep you in her care.
With my prayers,
Fr. Arnsparger