FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
OUR THEME FOR 2020
(Part 64)
WHY ARE YOU HERE?
August 9, 2020
Today’s readings:
1 Kings 19:9-13
Psalm 85:9-14
Romans 9:1-5
Matthew 14:22-33
The disciples were in the boat which “was being tossed about by the waves for the wind was against it.” (Mt 14:24). Today we are in the barque of Peter and the Church is being assaulted by waves of evil and buffeted by winds of adversity. This is why we need to be set solidly on the Rock that is Christ. Otherwise, our house will not stand, will sink into the sand, and we ourselves will sink with it.
In truth, there is much to be afraid of in today’s world, including what is happening within our Church. We can grow desperate like Peter, even as he was in the presence of Jesus. “But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” (Mt 14:30). We indeed should be frightened about the strong winds of evil blowing throughout the world, but we need not sink into the mire, as we have Jesus to save us.
Now to be built on Rock is to listen to and act on the words of Jesus. To act on the words of Jesus includes being prophetic. We not only deplore in our mind all the wrong things happening around us, but we speak against these. We are not only wary about false prophets but we rebuke them. We look to Elijah, whom God asked, “Why are you here, Elijah?” (1 Kgs 19:9b). Elijah had seen all that was wrong and was in hiding, fearful for his life. “I have been most zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts, but the Israelites have forsaken your covenant. They have destroyed your altars and murdered your prophets by the sword. I alone remain, and they seek to take my life.” (1 Kgs 19:10).
Christians today are the new Israel. And just as then, today many Christians have forsaken their covenant with God. There is growing apostasy. Most Catholics are lapsed. Even many clerics have fallen into grave homosexual sin. There has been desecration of the sanctuary by putting LGBT flags in front of altars. Authentic prophetic voices have been silenced. Those who speak out are marginalized.
We need to listen to and understand the commands of God. This is the way to peace rather than being subject to relentless buffeting in the world and within the Church. “I will listen for what God, the Lord, has to say; surely he will speak of peace to his people and to his faithful. May they not turn to foolishness!” (Ps 85:9). Unfortunately, many Catholics today, including clerics, have become foolish.
- They impart false mercy through political correctness.
- They accept and promote LGBT which is among the greatest scourges today.
- They favor social justice issues over morality and righteousness.
- They say all religions are OK and not just the one true faith of Christianity.
Catholics have become unwise, no longer in the fear of the Lord. They have become secular humanist and modernist, looking to the well-being of man rather than the omnipotence of God. No wonder the Church and the world are in such disarray. No wonder that many souls today are being lost. No wonder that society and the whole world are in the throes of darkness and deprived of the glory of God. We have forgotten the basic principle: “Near indeed is his salvation for those who fear him; glory will dwell in our land.” (Ps 85:10).
The world seeks justice and peace, and rightly so. But these can only come if there are love and truth. “Love and truth will meet; justice and peace will kiss.” (Ps 85:11). This is the love of God. This is our love for God. This is adhering to the truths of the gospel. This is listening to the words of Jesus and acting on them.
So this is also about our call to be prophetic. We need to speak out. We need to speak the truths about our salvation. Only then, as people listen and act, can everyone have the good that God intends for them. “Truth will spring from the earth; justice will look down from heaven.” (Ps 85:12). Only with the truth of God’s words can heaven and earth meet, and the reign of God be upon the world. And so we say as Paul did: “I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie” (Rom 9:1a).
Paul says, “I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart.” (Rom 9:2). Why? He was greatly saddened by what had happened to God’s people Israel. What God had made of them was glorious. “They are Israelites; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Messiah.” (Rom 9:4-5a). Paul could thus rightfully exult: “God who is over all be blessed forever. Amen.” (Rom 9:5b).
Now Christians are the new Israel. We are inheritors of the covenant. We have a glorious heritage, we are destined for greatness, and we look to a glorious future. But what is happening in the world and in the Church today is not reflective of all this. We have lost the truth of our faith. How truly sad that is.
Let us never forget who our God is. Let us never be afraid to speak God’s truth. Even in the midst of lies and oppression, we must stand on Jesus’ assuring words: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” (Mt 14:27). If God wills it, we can even walk on water.
MFC, why are you here?
