23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time [A]

 

23RD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME [A]


You find yourself in front of the TV, channel-surfing. You pause for a moment on a broadcast of the 1964 production: My Fair Lady. You know that it’s supposed to be a love-story. But as you tune in, you’re thinking that it doesn’t sound like much of a love-story. Here’s Dr. Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) being vigorously scolded by Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn). Her tone is severe and her words are highly critical. As for Professor Higgins, he’s definitely NOT feeling the love. If anything, he’s feeling pain and also a measure of shock. 


Having joined the film in progress, you’re wondering how she can be classified as a “fair” lady? It seems to you that she is being decidedly unfair. That’s certainly how Henry Higgins is looking at the situation. At least, that could be regarded as his initial assessment. Now, he’s seeking out a moment of solitude, so that he can ponder and reflect. And it’s clear that something is happening to him as he enters into this period of reflection. His eyes are being opened. A sense of humility is setting in. It could be said that his attitude is in the process of being adjusted. 


Those who have been watching ever since the opening credits understand that he has had it coming for quite some time. He’s finally being put in his place. He needed to be scolded. She actually is being “fair.”  Furthermore, this really is a love story. She does love him. And now, it can be said that a profound love is being awakened within him. Yes, it was an explosive confrontation. Nevertheless, we should consider the possibility that love and confrontation sometimes have a way of going hand in hand. 


We hear about the necessity for confrontation in the Book of Ezekiel, chapter 33. And the concept  is being reaffirmed in this selection from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 18. These are two very prominent “calling your neighbor to account” passages. Having said that, let’s be careful not to overlook this message from St. Paul. He’s outlining the “how.”  In Ezekiel and in Matthew, it’s more about the “what;”  in Romans 13 we are focusing upon the “how.”  How should you go about calling your neighbor to account? How do you engage someone, when it appears that they are at fault? The person being engaged will hopefully be able to detect an undercurrent of love. As far as Paul is concerned, love represents the fulfillment of the law (Rom. 13:10). 


It wasn’t an attitude of superiority that motivated Eliza Doolittle. It wasn’t pride or conceit. It was a spirit of love. She is a Fair Lady. The scolding does qualify as a fair scolding. The immediate effects could be listed as outrage, indignation, denial. However, with some time and some reflection, his emotional state will take a more positive turn. Essentially it boils down to the following principle: love breeds love. Give the virtue a legitimate chance. Appreciate the fruits that are being produced. They may not materialize all at once. But the results will take shape with the passing of time. Professor Henry Higgins can be described as a man who has been sorely offended. Still, all we have to do is wait. Soon enough, we will be describing him as a man who is in love. Formerly he is offended; ultimately, he is…in love. 

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