Most Reverend Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv DD STL, Bishop of Parramatta
Homily for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
Readings: Amos 7:12-15; Psalm 84(85):9-14; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:7-13
14 July 2024
Called to continue the life-giving mission of Jesus
Dear friends,
We live at a time when there is much negativity about the Church, when the morale among the rank-and-file Catholics is low and when there is much internal bickering about the direction we are headed.
Yet despite all of these challenges, the Holy Spirit is with us as he was with that small group of disciples who huddled together in fear at the Upper Room. The same Spirit accompanies us on our mission of healing, comforting, strengthening and building up the body of Christ. The same Spirit urges us not to be an inward-looking institution, but a missionary and prophetic community of disciples, who despite their failings, continue the very mission of Jesus.
The Word of God this Sunday calls us to embody the message of the Gospel in our lives and relationships. Only by living and witnessing to Jesus’ style of simplicity, poverty, generosity and selflessness can we be His authentic disciples and the voice of conscience for our society.
In the first reading, Amos, who was a rural prophet, spoke without fear to the movers and shakers of society. Their indulgence and ‘business as usual’ approach were completely at odds with the plight of the poor and the impending disaster. Amos condemned their foolhardy behaviour and predicted a reversal of fortunes. Those who lived unjustly would fall victim to their own unjust practices. Thus, they would be the first to be exiled.
Amos’ central insight is that a society that is not aligned to God’s vision of justice, equality and harmony is not sustainable. Israel collapsed because its social fabric and internal relationships had disintegrated. Our own society may not be in the same situation that Israel was before the Babylonian exile, however, we cannot go on business as usual at the expense of the poor and the environment. Instead of protecting the status quo at all costs, we can learn to see the big picture that God desires for us. For only by building together a more just world and a more sustainable planet can we survive and thrive into the future.
The Gospel presents us with a similar if not more decisive challenge. Jesus puts to His disciples an alternative vision of life, which is polar opposite to what the dominant imperial system has to offer. He sends His disciples on an open mission to heal, restore and transform the lives of the poor and sick and the broken-hearted. Just as He Himself was sent to bring God’s justice, mercy and compassion to all, the disciples are given the same missionary mandate.
Jesus is also clear that wealth and privilege are real dangers that have the power to separate one from God and from the human community. Hence he warns them not to take anything for the journey, neither staff, nor haversack, nor bread, nor money and not even a spare tunic. This is a radical message that challenges our innate sense of security. It goes against the popular notion that the more we possess and the more riches we have, the more secure we are. Jesus’ injunction to us is to travel light, to tread the path of service humbly and trustingly instead of relying on our own devices.
As catalysts for the Kingdom, we are called to imbue the culture and the fabric of our society with the leaven of the Gospel. By any measure, Australia is a prosperous nation with a rule of law. But we cannot remain content with the status quo, especially when that status quo still falls short of a vision of a more inclusive and humane society. We cannot rest undisturbed when there is a chasm between us and others around us. The Gospel of Jesus Christ spurs us on to seek justice for those who suffer injustice, equality for those discriminated against, hospitality for the unwelcomed, shelter for the homeless, food for the hungry and the fullness of life for all. Pope Francis offered us this insight. He said, “The proof of authentic faith in Jesus is self-giving and the spreading of love for our neighbours, especially for those who do not merit it, for the suffering and for the marginalised.”
Brothers and sisters,
The Church today needs to enact the kingdom vision of Jesus more than ever. In the midst of the moral, economical and environmental wreckage, we are summoned to be the custodians and enablers of God’s life-giving dream. Let us pray that we may prioritise the common good and reflect the divine goodness instead of self-interest. May the teaching and example of Jesus guide us as we endeavour to build relationships and communities that mirror the Reign of God. May we become God’s priestly and holy people, anointed to serve and with the one who is the Alpha and Omega, may we bring the kingdom to birth and to fruitfulness in the world.
