24th Sunday Ordinary (Cycle “C”)
September 16, 2007

Q. 441: Worshipping a golden calf in place of the living God is a crime that heads the list of Commandments. Why shouldn’t those people pay with their lives?

A. 441: Our First Reading (Ex 32:7-11, 13-14) shows a very “angry” God, who “feels” betrayed by the very people he saved (remember, humans speak of the Divine in “human” terms). Punishment for disobedience to the Torah (Law) regarding idolatry was very severe (see Deuteronomy 13). Nevertheless, Moses pleads on behalf of the people. His intercession basically says, “Lord, these are YOUR kids; YOU saved them. So why kill them now when you promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that their descendants would inherit the land?” The appeal is to God’s fidelity to his own word. God heard this worthy appeal, and “relented.”

The lesson is repeated in the Gospel (Luke 15:1-10). God does not desire the death of anyone, but seeks out the lost and the stray, in His desire to keep the flock united. The picture of a rejoicing host of angels in heaven, celebrating over the return of one lost soul to the flock of Jesus, is absolutely wonderful.

So we see in these readings two important things: (a) Intercessory prayers offered humbly are heard by God, and are received favorably by Him; and (b) God desires that everyone be saved, and pursues us until we accept or reject his saving action. Who do YOU consider the world’s worst “type” of sinner? An abortionist? A terrorist? a child molester? A pornographer? Now the tough question: do YOU intercede for the salvation of those "apparent sinners"? After all, isn’t it God’s will that everyone be saved – including those who seem to have strayed the farthest from the flock?

KNOW YOUR CATECHISM! Are you a finger-pointer, or are you a merciful intercessor (CCC #589)? Conversion comes from witnessing to God’s mercy towards everyone (CCC #545). Learn from Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, who acted on behalf of others (CCC #2635), and imitate their humble intercession. The destination of Souls depend partly on you!

Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha

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