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30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mepkin Abbey, South Carolina
October 28, 2013
IMAGE LADEN WORLD +++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
We live in image-laden world
Ø
Advertising can change R buying habits / How we
see ourselves, politics, & R religious practices
Ø
There’s a stress on being able 2 make things
appear genuine, attractive, wholesome, & good
Ø
That = key demand: appearance
Ø
It might B good, but must appear good; not all cracked up 2B, but if marketed well, who
cares?
Ø
“More
fiber added”
Ø
This = world of the lie, where reality = perception
REALITY RATHER THAN
IMAGE +++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Reality is R business because it comes fr G
& will return 2 G & we have task of challenging the lie & we’ll B asked
about R performance of that
Ø
Getting behind appearance is difficult
Ø
Have 2 constantly have reality ck on what’s
being dished out and on what we’re buying into
Ø
Not being taken in by illusions we know = imp:
we don’t want 2B fooled, conned, cheated
Ø
But it’s also XTN’s task 4 we proclaim J 2B the
truth
Ø
Taking issue w/ hype & deception = part of R
witness to truth
Ø
Making sure we’re not engaged in deceptions = basic
of XTN discipleship
CHALLENGING THE
IMAGES +++++++++++++++++++++
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Gospel challenges us today at several levels:
Ø
1st
level of challenge is world of icons & brands
Ø
Pharisee = Very model of devout follower of Law
Ø
Tax collector = very model of “bad guy”
Ø
In world of stereotypes & images we’re 2 admire
1st & condemn 2nd
Ø
But G acts at level of truth, not of stereotypes
& manufactured expectations
Ø
2nd
level of challenge is contrast betw extrnl religious practice & desire 2B
relationship w/ G
Ø
G doesn’t dwell at level of external & hmn
display but in heart & it’s heart that grounds extrnl pract
Ø
3rd
= contrast betw self-decption & self-knowledge
Ø
We con selves into believing R own propaganda w/o
being aware of R faults & needs
Ø
All in need of greater integrity and of God’s
mercy & both addressed in contpltve presnce w/o thinkng
CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
We’re 2B people of “The Way” & = J is R
model we follow
Ø
Today’s it’s clear: takes challenging
icons/brands of what’s sold / religious practice not grnded in heart / &
enuf silence 2 look @ R self-deceptn & self-knw
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
