Homily 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time (Jeremiah 28:1-17) “Who is Telling the Truth?”
Homily 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time (Jeremiah 28:1-17) “Who is Telling the Truth?”
We read about a lot of prophets in the scriptures. Some of them are labeled true prophets. Some are labeled false prophets. How can we tell the difference?
We read about a confrontation between a false prophet (Hananiah) and a true prophet (Jeremiah) in our first reading from Mass today. How do we know the difference?
Before there was media like we have today, the political commentators of the day were the prophets. Ancient people were like us, they tended to listen to the prophets that were saying the things they agreed with.
The government had its own group of prophets that were called in for advice when there was an important issue to be decided. These prophets were thought to have an insight into what the Gods were thinking. Those in power, would pay their favorite prophets.
And then there were the outlier prophets who maintained their independence. They quite often said things that people in power did not like.
The king, in this instance, was trying to decide whether to enter into a treaty with Babylon. It was thought this would bring peace and stability. Hananiah thought this was a good idea.
Jeremiah arrives at court wearing a wooden yoke. He says if Judah makes an agreement with Babylon it will be like choosing to wear a yoke around the nations neck. Hananiah removes the yoke and dismisses the danger. Jeremiah returns to court wearing an iron yoke.
In the end Jeremiah is right. Juda is enslaved by Babylon. Jeremiah is the true prophet because his words are not influenced by the desire to maintain privilege. We can perceive who is telling the truth if we can see who speaks with perfect freedom.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do I listen to experts who have opinions on all sides of an issue? Or, do I tend to listen only to those voices I agree with?
2. Who is a prophet I respect? Is there someone who is speaking to our nation right now who does so without regard for personal gain?
Dear Parishioner,
Please let Fr. Matthew or myself know, if there is someone in your household who needs to be anointed. I have been out several times the last couple weeks to minister to the sick. This brings people a lot of comfort. We can only come to the hospital or nursing home if we are specifically requested. We will take precautions. If, however, a person has the Coronavirus we will have to request a priest who is trained in how to use personal protective equipment.
I had someone say they did not know we were having Masses each day. We have called everyone in the parish, and we have sent everyone post cards. I would ask anyone reading this to spread the word.
May Our Lady and the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark