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Wednesday of the 7th
Week in Ordinary Time
St. Luke’s Institute
May 22, 2013
WHAT DID HE SAY? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø “If
you’re not with us, you’re against us”
Ø That phrase rolls off the tongue so easily
and it characterizes many polarized debates today…
Ø From both extremes of the political and
religious spectrums
Ø With that familiar phrase as a backdrop for
contemporary readers, Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel elicit a double take
Ø His words turn that exclusive and demanding
sentiment on its head
Ø He says, “Whoever
is not against us is for us.”
GETTING IT STRAIGHT ++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø Jesus’ words are instead generous and open
Ø He gently chastises John, who may have been
faithfully trying to guard their ministry against imposters, and tells John that
someone doing good works in Jesus’ name is by definition on their side
APPLICATION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø Jesus’ words are a reminder to us not to
assume the worst about others, especially those who might be considered suspect
in some way because we aren’t sure of their political or religious purity
Ø Seeking common ground is not an admission of
weakness or defeat
HOWEVER ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø Yet in
talking with John about those for and against their ministry, Jesus does acknowledge
that some indeed choose to be against him
Ø And so in another Gospel passage about a
different incident, Matthew (12:30) quotes Jesus as saying more strongly, “Whoever is not with me is against me”
CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø It’s true: some issues demand taking a stand;
some matters have no middle ground
Ø If one consciously chooses to be against him,
one has indeed chosen a side – a choice that matters profoundly
Ø But today it’s seek common ground with anyone
wanting to do good
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
