Thursday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

 Lectionary: 398

"But blessed are your eyes, because they see,
and your ears, because they hear.
Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people
longed to see what you see but did not see it,
and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."

Those who read, hear, and interpret today's first reading should notice that the lectionary's text differs from that found in the Book of Exodus. Verses 3-8 and 12-15 are not there. I am sure there are reasons for it, but the narrative as we hear it is rather disjointed. 

Adults who have heard and accepted the Gospel are charged with the responsibility of lifelong catechesis. That is, they must be continually learning to see what the Apostles saw, and to hear what they were told. That instruction must include explanations of difficult passages of the Scripture, like that of today's first reading. They should not need to be protected from certain verses, like vs 12: 

"Set limits for the people all around, saying: Take care not to go up the mountain, or even to touch its edge. All who touch the mountain must be put to death."

I remember my parents telling me not to do something under pain of death. I don't suppose they meant that literally, but I took it literally. They meant the warning to be taken very, very seriously. I feared for my life when I violated a parental command. 

Likewise, the Lord's word must be taken seriously. Religion and faith are not options of a free society; they are the commands given to a society that treasures its freedom. Do this and you shall live! 

Catholics in particular should take seriously the practice of our religion; the salvation of the world is at least facilitated by our integrity and faithful zeal. When we hear, "This is my body," we accept the Lord's word as it is. We should want to be there, and be prepared to receive his precious gift. Jesus has made it clear that by eating his body and drinking his blood we become his body and blood. 

And so, when we announce the Word of the Lord and make disciples of all nations, we are also offering our own body and blood for the salvation of the world. The priest says, and all the people amen, "This is my body!" 

Count how fortunate you are that these mysteries, hidden for so long, have been revealed to you.