‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty
or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison,
and not minister to your needs?’
or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison,
and not minister to your needs?’
Critics of the Church often challenge the faithful with complex questions while demanding simple, straightforward answers. Everything should be explained for them in soundbites and slogans, with an acrid taste of cynicism to fit their palette. We're usually unable to do so, and when we try we only make matters worse.
Although rationality is an enormously useful method for dealing with complexity, human life is mysterious, and not entirely rational.
For those who are genuinely eager and willing to submit to the authority of God and the complexity of life, the Bible offers useful answers, like the Ten Commandments. The list is not comprehensive and there remain more ways to interpret the Decalogue than there are people on Earth. But they are useful nonetheless.
The Beatitudes found in Saint Matthew's fifth chapter are also extremely relevant and revelatory. They demand much reflection of those who are willing to listen; but they also lead us into discouraging reflections upon the enormity of our sins and the unfathomable depths of evil which penetrates and saturates the world we have made.
Faith and today's gospel assure us the Day will come when every critical, cynical, barbed, and loaded question will be answered in ways that are simple and clear. Those answers will be given by One with authority, and no further discussion. But many will not be glad of what they hear.
And they will take their unanswered questions -- like the one in today's gospel -- with them into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his angels.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.