15th Sunday of Ordinary Time [A]

 

15TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME [A] 


The unfortunate truth is that we live in a fallen world. You can read about The Fall if you refer to the Book of Genesis chapter three. As a result of this fall, the world finds itself locked into a pattern of “futility.”  At least, that’s how Saint Paul describes the situation (see Rom. 8:20). All the world can do is struggle along, moaning and groaning (8:22-23). Obviously, the world needs help. It does not possess the ability to help itself; the help will have to come from some other source. Thankfully, we do hear about a means of support that seems to be descending from somewhere up above. 


God is sending his Word to us. It’s a phenomenon that can be compared to the arrival of precipitation: namely, the arrival of rain or perhaps snow (Isaiah 55:10). The Word is definitely being sent to us. But how do we feel about this gift from above? If the Word is indeed raining down upon us, are we positioned so that it can be absorbed? Or are we more concerned with seeking shelter? It’s possible that this question can be answered through an illustration—or a pair of illustrations. 


Some of you will remember a newspaper comic strip called “Calvin & Hobbs.”  In one particular episode we see the little boy Calvin outside, running back and forth through the sprinkler. When he notices that it’s beginning to rain, he runs to the house—so that he won’t get wet. The irony is unmistakable. I am fine with the idea of getting wet, as long as it’s happening under the controlled circumstances of a hose being connected to a sprinkler. The issue has to do with where the water is coming from. Everything is fine if it’s coming from the sprinkler. But if it’s coming from the sky, then all bets are off. 


Contrast this example with the example of Gene Kelly, as he performs in the 1952 musical, “Singing In The Rain.”  You see him out there in the street, dancing away, getting completely soaked. He has an umbrella, but he’s not using it to shield himself from the rain. If anything, he’s using it more as a prop. When the number has finished, he hands the umbrella off to somebody who is passing by. No attempt is being made to escape the rain or to have any kind of protection against the rain. He’s as wet as wet can be. And he’s having the time of his life!!


Are you relating to the one approach? Or to the other approach? If you are identifying with the Gene Kelly approach, it means that the Word is reaching you. It’s soaking in; it’s being absorbed. Furthermore, you’re liking it!! You’re dancing and singing in the rain (the line Kelly delivers at the end of the routine). However, if you’re identifying more with Calvin, then it’s more about fear and seclusion. The Word is being rained upon you, as recorded in Isaiah 55, but you have decided to turn tail and run. It’s not a time for enrichment. It’s not a time for renewal. On the contrary, it’s a time for running away. 


Essentially, you’re thinking: I’m better off being locked into this pattern of futility. I don’t want to dance. I don’t want to sing. I prefer to struggle along, moaning and groaning my way through the journey of life. If we are talking about earthly measures of help, measures channeled through the hose and the sprinkler, then all systems are GO. Meanwhile, if it’s a measure of help that derives from above, if it’s a Word that will potentially pose a challenge, then my best option will be to run away. 

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