At first blush I didn’t see a clear relationship between today’s first reading and today’s Gospel; however, as usual Jesus opened my blind eyes. In both our first reading and our Responsorial Psalm we witness the pain and sadness surrounding our physical death. At some point we must say farewell to our loved ones as we enter into the mysterious world of the afterlife.
Hezekiah “wept bitterly” as he tried to come to grip with his impending death. He presented himself to God, hoping he lived a life worthy of spending all of eternity with the Lord. God so graciously provided Hezekiah with a miracle that must have assured him that the Lord is indeed near and all will be well. Our Psalm also shares with us the sadness felt as we leave this world and say goodbye to our loved ones. Yes, the thought of leaving our loved ones behind brings sadness to our hearts indeed. It seems that for many of us knowing that we will meet them again someday in heaven isn’t enough for our hearts.
Irish Eyes are Smiling
As I type this I am currently sitting in the Dublin airport in Ireland, getting ready to board my flight back to the United Stated. Over the last nine days I have been blessed to participate in a nine day pilgrimage to Southern (Catholic) Ireland with a group from my church – Our Lady of Mount Carmel. It has been an amazing pilgrimage. My long time childhood friend, Laura, joined us from Germany and the two of us often founds ourselves giggling like school girls again. My fellow parishioners welcomed my dear friend with open arms and hearts. Our group visited many beautiful churches, religious sites and historical landmarks together. We prayed together, we enjoyed daily Mass together, and even visited Our Lady of Knock. There was much laughter as we created some beautiful friendships. I have to say I am leaving part of my heart in Ireland.
The pilgrimage offered countless blessings and opportunities to help me better understand my Irish heritage. Most of all, the pilgrimage provided a profound understanding of the losses Ireland has suffered over the years. From the potato famine to political oppression to the plagues, Ireland has lost its sons and daughters to immigration and death with a frequency that seems unbearable. The landscape with its many churches and gravestones serves as a continual reminder of the finite nature of our human life. Stories of loved ones who left for America leave you with a sense of loss in your heart that seems too much to withstand.
Yet, despite all Ireland’s losses, I observed that the people of Ireland hold within their hearts an internal sense of peace and happiness. The Irish people I met are kind, friendly and they wear beautiful smiles across their faces. Then as I reflected on my observation. I wondered how could these people, who have suffered such loss as recent as their civil war in the early twentieth century, find it in their hearts to be so kind. I believe the answer is found in their faith. Churches cover the landscape and their devotion to their Catholic faith is impossible to miss. (Mind you I was in Southern Ireland which is predominately Catholic).
Reflecting on the joy of the Irish people brought today’s readings together for me. You see, the Irish people are acutely aware of the pain death and separation create in the heart. They have lived with this pain for many generations and, by worldly measure, they have every reason to be bitter, stuck in unforgiveness, hate and despair. Yet, Jesus is alive in Ireland and he is guiding them in his love as only he can. Many great saints, from Saint Patrick to Saint Brigid, have left their mark of love for Ireland on her land. Even our Lady has appeared in Ireland along with our Lord, Saint Joseph and Saint John the Evangelist at Knock – a Vatican approved apparition visited by Pope John Paul II. Yes, the people of Ireland have remained very faithful to God and God is blessing them with kind hearts.
Jesus’ Mercy
All of this brings us to Jesus’ mercy and today’s Gospel. Jesus doesn’t desire our sacrifice – he desires mercy. He desires that we extend mercy, love and forgiveness to one another. By remaining close to Christ and inviting him into our hearts we become more like him, we become kind and merciful. This is what the Irish people have done. Overall Ireland is a very faithful nation, a very Catholic nation. They invite Jesus into their lives and they live their faith on a daily basis – not just on Sunday. In return, God is blessing them with kind hearts in spite of what the world has given them.
The Pharisees practiced judgement and condemnation as they witnessed the disciples pick of the grain on the Sabbath. Sadly, they missed the fact that the One who created the entire universe, the Lord of the Sabbath, was in their midst revealing to them the way to eternal life. They missed the profound worth mercy holds in the lives of mankind and the peace it promises the heart at every stage of life – including the moment when we take our last breath. And most sadly, they missed how easy it is to partake of Jesus’ mercy. Fortunately for us, we have our Church to turn to for instruction where we learn how to follow the Lord of the universe through the practicing of our Catholic faith. In return for our faithfulness, Jesus will instill in us a kind and merciful heart.
Saint Patrick and Saint Brigid – pray for us.
Mother Mary of Knock – pray for us.
Saint Joseph – pray for us.
Saint John the Evangelist – pray for us.
Sacred Heart of Jesus – have mercy on us.
Today’s Readings: Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22,7-8; Psalm (Is 38); Matthew 12:1-8
