23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A
 
I am sure this morning/evening all of us have many concerns on our minds, we are reeling from the devastation from hurricane Harvey which impacted Texas and many other states.  We have a second collection today for the victims of hurricane Harvey  (pause)And if Harvey isn’t enough, as I am speaking hurricane Irma is battering Florida and the southern states.  I am sure that all of us have family or friends that have been impacted by one or both of these hurricanes. Let us pause briefly and pray for all those impacted or being impacted.(pause) Also this week we learned of the impending termination of DACA program - Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.  The  USCCB has spoken out plainly and strongly about this.  Please read their statement which can be found on our website or on the USCCB’s website which calls the “cancellation of the DACA program is reprehensible. It causes unnecessary fear for DACA youth and their families.”   
 
With all these events in our hearts and minds the readings today certainly resonate with us at this time.  The readings focus on this:   we have a shared responsibility for all in the community of God.  This responsibility is best summed up with our second reading from Romans: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law”.   Our faith requires us to love one another! To be responsible and demonstrate our love and care in our actions as we go forth from this church.  God requires us to act, not in the vague future, but in the here and now! We are called to act out of love. Love which is called out accordance with our faith.  We remember, that when two or more are gathered together, God is with us.  God calls us to live out our faith,  to challenging society’s values, to speak knowing that God is with us. 
 
In the first reading we hear about the plight of the Jews.  They have been exiled to Babylon, far from the temple. The Lord appoints Ezekiel as a mediator and watchman – to watch over the house of Israel.  Israel is tasked with responding to Ezekiel’s warnings.  Ezekiel helps the people of God to “see” from God’s perspective and they are expected to respond and act according to God’s will with dire warnings if they turn away from will of God.   God is offering a new chance for life, even in exile if they listen and act.  In a way, aren't we a bit like the Jews, do we feel a kind of exile? Our worldly values run so counter to the values of God.   However, God extends to us this same chance for new life.  We too are expected to act in love for neighbor in accordance with God’s will.
 
 The Eucharist calls us to help those who can’t help themselves, to reach out to all without regard!  We need to allow ourselves to hear the voices of those in need.  We are also called to act in accordance with our faith, even amidst our own trials, even if this is difficult or costly for us.
 
In the Gospel we also hear of the importance of love,  the gospel speaks to us about how we are expected to show love and respect for one another.  We remember earlier in the Gospel of Matthew that we are called to examine ourselves,  rather than  judging other.
 
MT 7:1-5
 “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? ….  You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”
 
 We need to allow ourselves to see clearly!  It is important that before we confront anyone about their offences we must first look at ourselves and our own sins and limitations.  
In the Matthean community, integrity and the community unity was paramount. Today’s gospel message is that we need to forge unity and love between everyone without limitation, to bring all into the community of God together regardless of nationality, race, color, no boundary! We all belong to God there are no exceptions! We must always let God’s values guide us rather than our own values or agendas.  We remember Jesus always embraced the poor and outcasts.  He set the bar very high for those in power, those who have wealth, he emphasized that they need to use their wealth, power, and authority wisely and advocate for all, particularly those who are on the margins or those who are unable to help themselves. 
 
It is hard for me to put out of my mind the pain and suffering I have seen on the television and internet of the devastation caused by the recent and current hurricanes.  It is so easy to feel powerless, to not know what to do. However,  it is often among the darkest of times that we can also see the  human spirit at its best.  There are many tragedies related to hurricane Harvey, but we also see the selfless example of so many who put the needs of others before themselves.  In Texas, the first responders put their very lives in danger to reach out to others.  Ordinary citizens organized a small makeshift navy to rescue thousands of people while ignoring danger and putting themselves at risk. People who homes were destroyed reached out and helped others.  They shared together whatever food and belongings they had with complete strangers.  For me what is unique was, as people helped each other, there was total disregard about who was being helped.  It didn’t matter what, race, nationality, color, creed, sexual orientation, nothing mattered!  The tragedy bound them all together.  People helped others because they needed help and because it was the right thing to do!  They are truly living out the gospel, the gospel of loving all giving without bounds, about giving without expecting anything in return. Truly helping those who couldn’t help themselves despite their own pain and loss.  So there is some small silver lining in this tragedy.  It is in these periods of time we can often see the best played out in the worst of conditions.  These communities are pulling together serving one another being an example to us all!  Imagine how the world could be different, if all had this attitude of reaching out and helping others without regard every day?
 
As we are fed by the Eucharist to go forth from this place, God calls us to look beyond ourselves. We are charged to look not only those impacted by these recent events, but to ask God to give us sight and courage.  To truly see those at the margins who may be invisible to us, to those who may be struggling with mental illness, depression, and those who are poor among us.  We remember and pray for those who are victims of hurricane Harvey and Irma. God calls us to see with our hearts and not ignore those who need our help.  And finally God calls us to have courage to act! To challenge the status quo, to challenge public policy when it runs counter to Christian values, to let our voices be heard!  Please read the USCCB statement on DACA program.   Let us all have courage – Let us “be not afraid”.   Find the mission God has for each of us and let us to go forth and live out our faith together!