Homily: Fourth Tuesday of Ordinary Time
Homily: Fourth Tuesday of Ordinary Time (2 Samuel 18:9ff.) “An Irrational Love”
I once knew a man who had a grown son who was addicted to drugs and alcohol. The son got into trouble any number of times. He lost jobs and went in and out of rehab on several occasions.
The son would come to his father and mother’s house at any time of the day or night when he was intoxicated. He berated his father and insulted his mother. His Dad would listen patiently and try to get him to try rehab one more time. At times the father would be called in the middle of the night to bail his son out of jail.
I often listened to the father describe what was going on with his son and how he had tried to help financially, emotionally and ever other way. What hurt most was when the son accused the father of being a bad parent and an unloving one.
I, along with many others, suggested that maybe the time had come to cut ties with his problem son. The father knew where I was coming from, but he could not bring himself to tell his son that he wanted no more to do with him. In the end, the son did have a successful rehab stint. And he straightened out his life. I was amazed at how loving his father was and how his patience finally paid out through the grace of God.
This whole situation reminds me of what David is going through as he deals with his son Absalom. Absalom turns on David. He wants to take over the kingdom of Israel. He leads an army in rebellion against King David. David is in great danger.
But then we see Absalom come to a bad end. His long hair gets caught in a tree as he is riding his horse. One of David’s lieutenants runs a spear through his heart as he hangs in the air. We would think David would be happy this disloyal son is dead, but he weeps and grieves.
This story shows us that David was first a father. Even if his son was trying to kill him, he would not strike his son down. And this is how God is with us. No matter how we sin, God refuses to end the relationship he has with us. Our divine parent’s love is without end.
Reflection Questions:
- Have I ever felt like God is punishing me? Why?
- Is God’s love for me like David’s affection for Absalom? In what way?
Dear Parishioners,
I presided at Mass for the School Children today as they started Catholic Schools Week. This is usually a special week with many fun activities. As with other things, the activities are a bit muted this year so that we may keep our students safe.
I asked the children today what the most important subject they were studying was. Some of the answers concerned religion and prayer. I think those answers were very sincere.
In our society, there are not many opportunities to teach the young about God. Without Catholic Schools I would not have had a forum to preach to the children today about Jesus the teacher. Our schools are so very important. Thanks to all of you who offer your support to them.
May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr Mark