Homily: Twentieth Thursday of Ordinary Time
Twentieth Thursday of Ordinary Time (Judges 11:29-39) “Be Careful What You Promise.”
The story of Jephthah’s daughter is a disturbing one. We have any number of stories in the Bible of military leaders slaughtering the innocent in the name of God. We could be reminded of religious wars throughout the centuries. One could also be reminded of some of the atrocities committed during the crusades in the name of Christianity.
Jephthah had a checkered life. He was born illegitimately. His family expelled him. But he became what we might politely call a bandit who was a great military leader. When the Ammonites became a threat to Israel, the people came to Jephthah asking him to lead their armies. At first, he was reluctant, because of how he had been treated as a young man, but they he saw an opportunity for legitimacy. He took on the task of warring against the Ammonites and defeated them in battle.
Unfortunately, he made a vow during the battle to sacrifice the first person to come out of his house when he returned home. His favorite daughter came out to meet him. Was she a victim or is there another side of story?
Jephthah’s daughter represents the plight of all women in Biblical times. Woman were pieces of property without many rights. But we know how many great women in the Bible did extraordinarily heroic and unselfish things.
Some speculate that Jephthah’s daughter heard of his vow before he ever returned from his military campaign. She went out to meet him rather than to have one of the servants go out. In other words, she decided to sacrifice herself to protect others.
She is considered a Biblical heroine. Jephthah’s rashness was exposed. We should be careful when we think we are doing something that will please God. Quite often we are misreading the desires of God. Engaging in violence in the name of God is most often a mistake. Jesus was nonviolent and reflects the nature of the God we believe in.
Reflection Question
- Is there a Biblical Story that makes me question the nature of God? What would it be?
- Have I ever tried to make a deal with God? Did it turn our well or was there a bad result?
Dear Parishioners,
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to stalk all of us. The most recent problem that our church community has encountered is that our Catholic Schools have been delayed in opening.
The recent surge in Rock Island County has led to this decision. Hopefully, we will be able to open the school year starting on Monday. This seems like a realistic goal.
Our children will be required to wear masks in their classrooms. It would seem prudent for us to do the same. I had two meetings last night and everyone kept masks on the whole time. I appreciated the concern that was shown for others.
I would encourage parishioners to wear masks when attending Mass. Let us show our love by this concrete action.
May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark