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24th Sunday in Ordinary
Time, Cycle B
Terranuova Hermitage
September 16, 2012
Pieces of a Mirror
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
The Challenge of the Mirror
I read a story recently about a Greek professor at a
conference who had survived the atrocities committed by the Nazis in his
homeland during World War II. As a result he had dedicated his life to
establishing an institute to heal the wounds of war among his countrymen and
women.
The professor ended his presentation by taking from his worn
leather billfold a very small round mirror.
He explained: “One day
as a small child, during World War II, I found the broken pieces of a mirror on
the road near our home. A German motorcycle had been wrecked in that place.
“I
kept the largest piece and by scratching it on a stone I made it round.
“I
became fascinated by the fact that I could reflect light into dark places where
the sun would never shine – in deep holes and crevices and dark closets.
“It
became a game to get light into the most inaccessible places. I kept the little
mirror, and I would take out from time to time and continue the challenge.
“I
grew to understand that this was not just a child’s game, but a metaphor for
what I might do with my life.
“I
came to understand that I am not the light or even the source of light. But
light – as truth, understanding, and knowledge – is there, and it will only
shine in many dark places if I reflect it.
“Yes,
I can be the reflected light that changes people.”
The Challenge of James
In today’s second reading, the author of the Epistle to
James realizes that the members of the newly formed Christian communities need
concrete guidance about how to make ethical decisions in real-life situations.
Even today, James’ very practical advice continues to challenge
believers to have integrity and not to tolerate a dichotomy between the faith
that is professed with our lips and what is professed by our choices in life.
James addresses that dichotomy and says, in effect, “Put your money where your mouth is.” James
is calling upon believers to translate their words of good will into actions
that extend that goodwill to others in practical and helpful ways.
In essence he’s challenging us to be, like the little round
mirror I made,“a fragment reflecting
light into dark places; a light that changes people.”
In a well-balanced life, there must be both good thoughts
and decisive actions grounded in those thoughts.
Therefore, for a person of authentic faith, it isn’t enough
to simply think of helping another. Rather, thoughts and prayers bring faith to
life in concrete actions and efforts that tend to the needs of others with
generosity and love.
The Challenge of Our Baptism
At baptism we are given a small candle lighted from the
Paschal candle. The light symbolized the faith we had just embraced.
The priest then charged us to reflect the light of Easter
faith to others.
Again, in baptism we became a piece of the broken mirror
that is the light and face of Christ.
We were called to reflect the light of Christ that is within
us into dark places:
Ø They
may be the downcast hearts of people who come to worship needing to hear a
hopeful word
Ø Or
the minds of children and youth in our cul-de-sac
Ø Or
the empty stomachs of the hungry
Ø Or
those with whom we work
The good works that flow from our faith that support and
nourish others are how we become “pieces of the mirror” in which we reflect the
healing and reconciling light of the Risen Christ.
Conclusion
Are you ready for that challenge?
