14th Sunday in Ordinary Time (“B”)
Q. 535: Why do so many people rebel against the truth? (Return to INDEX page of "Didja Know?" series)
July 5, 2009
A. 535: The cartoon on the next page comes from Liturgical Publications Inc., to which our parish subscribes as a “publishing partner.” It zeroes in on a modern problem. Many times people demonstrate a lack of faith in the teaching and preaching of ordained clergy (pope, bishops, priests and deacons). However, if they hear it on their favorite radio or TV program from someone else, then they will accept it. This is really a sad commentary on life, when such distrust exists.
Both the Prophet Ezekiel and Jesus the Messiah faced the same situation in their own day. Ezekiel (2:2-5) was sent by God to a “rebellious house” who would not listen and obey God’s word. The people were stubborn and obstinate, but Ezekiel is told to persist in speaking the truth. Jesus ran into the same problem (Mark 6:1-6). Even in his own home town, his word was rejected by many, even though the people acknowledged the mighty deeds that they had heard were being done in other cities by Jesus.
Last week we talked about the direct link between humility, faith, and healing. In this week's readings we see that the elements of faith and humility are missing; therefore, Jesus is “limited” in what he is able to do on their behalf. Now, project those situations forward to our own modern times. The word of God spoken through the pope and bishops is still being rejected by those who are obstinate of heart! God will not retract his gift of free will. So a person who refuses to humble himself and listen obediently to the bishops, cannot bring his will into line with God’s will. But we do not give up hope on those folks! Like Ezekiel and Jesus, we continue to speak the truth with love (Eph 4:15, RSV), hoping that through God’s grace the dissenters will cease to rebel against the gospel message and become people who honestly and truthfully live out their faith.
KNOW YOUR CATECHISM! Sometimes pagans and outsiders came to true faith faster than the relatives of Jesus (or today, those who call themselves “Christian”) (CCC #2610). St. Paul warned that the time would come when people would “not endure sound teaching” but wander away from the truth. Nevertheless, we must not lose hope but remain constant in teaching the truth with all patience (2 Tim 4:2-3).
Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha
(Go back to Deacon Paul's HOME PAGE)
