Fourteenth Sunday, Ordinary Time [B]

 


14TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME


A classic western film will typically feature a hero who rides in at the beginning—from parts unknown. He deals with a particular crisis, and then what does he do? He rides back out. The 1953 production “Shane” exemplifies this time-honored format. Alan Ladd plays the role of the hero who rides in, saves the day, and then rides back out. 


For his part, Jesus has committed himself to saving the day. However, he’s not gaining any traction in the community of Nazareth. They regard him as a local (Mark 6:1-6). Perhaps they would be more likely to take him seriously if was seen riding in from parts unknown. The general impression is that the Messiah will arrive from an unknown location (see John 7:27). They are not willing to accept the notion of a home-grown Messiah. 


It’s the same old song and dance. We’re not talking about anything new; this represents a continuation. We’re carrying forward a pattern that originates in the Old Testament period: it’s revealed as a pattern of rejection. For example, what can we say about the ground-rules laid out in the Garden of Eden? They end up being rejected. What about the covenant formed on Mt. Sinai? It’s going to be rejected. What about the prophets who are commissioned to promote the theme of repentance? They likewise will face the experience of rejection. It seems that soon it will be Ezekiel’s turn. At least he’s being given fair warning about the crowd that he will be confronting (Ezk. 2:1-5). 


So the pattern that develops in the Old Testament is now spilling over into the New Testament. Add Jesus to the list; he is essentially being rejected by the people of Nazareth. Nevertheless, the love of God will prevail. The plan of salvation will march forward, in spite of the interference, in spite of the dysfunction. We will be blessed with a New Covenant: a Covenant that has more to do with grace than with legalism. 


We hear something about the gift of grace in our second reading. Note the request being made by St. Paul: he wants a particular component to be removed; we can call it the component of weakness. If you take away my weakness, Lord, then I will be able to live like a true disciple. How does the Lord respond? He responds by assuring Paul that a sufficient level of grace is constantly being provided (2nd Cor. 12:9). Take advantage of the grace that is being made available. It will more than compensate for the weakness that dwells within you. 


Does Paul present any kind of counter-argument? Actually, no. Therefore we can assume that he is taking God’s message to heart. From this point forward, I will learn to recognize the grace that is being produced on my behalf. I do sin, and yet there is no law saying that I HAVE TO sin. I possess all the grace that I will need. This means that I can take the high road, rather than the low road. If I find myself traveling along the low road, it’s an indication that I am rejecting the grace that has been dispensed. Regrettably enough, instead of reading about the pattern of rejection, now I’m choosing to live that pattern of rejection. 

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