Fifteenth Sunday, Ordinary Time, [B]

 


15TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME [B]


We’ll begin by looking back on the “Be A Pepper” campaign. This refers to an advertising campaign launched in 1977 by the Dr. Pepper bottling company. The pitch-man spells it out for you: 


I’m a pepper, he’s a pepper, she’s a pepper; wouldn’t you like to be a pepper too? 


In other words..


I’ve had a taste. He’s had a taste. She’s had a taste. Upon tasting it, I now identify as a pepper. So does he. So does she. We’re betting that you will want to be a pepper, once you’ve tasted this particular soft drink. So we’re encouraging you to: HAVE A TASTE!!


It’s a campaign that can be regarded as a crude form of evangelization. It’s being aimed at your taste buds, or perhaps your wallet. Meanwhile, the evangelization project featured in Mark chapter six has more to do with bringing satisfaction to the human soul. The disciples are being sent forth to promote the benefits of the New Covenant. They go willingly. They go willingly because they have chosen to be chosen. Similarly, Amos has chosen to be chosen. He explains to Amaziah: 


I’ve taken up the role of the prophet, not because I need some way to make a living. I was doing quite well as a tree farmer (7:14-15). However, God has chosen me for this task. And for my part, I’m choosing to be chosen. 


So we’re reading about people who have chosen to be chosen. The point being made by St. Paul is that we are likewise being implicated. Count yourself among those who have been chosen (Eph. 1:3-6). There is no question about it, as far as Paul is concerned. But there is some question when it comes to the nature of our response. Are you choosing to be chosen? Maybe you are. Or perhaps not. If you have had a taste of the Lord’s goodness (Ps. 34:8), then there won’t be any hesitation. You will choose to be chosen. You will want to spread the word. It won’t be enough that I am a pepper. It won’t be enough that he is a pepper. It won’t be enough that she is a pepper. Upon having a taste, you will want to be a pepper too! 

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