Have you ever read a few lines of scripture that make you think of a popular song?
It happens all the time for me.
Some of our best musicians – particularly those in the 1960s and ‘70s – seemed inspired by biblical quotes.
Probably the most often-cited example is the opening lines of Chapter 3 of the Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes:
“There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born, a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill and a time to heal …”
If you’re not already singing this song by the Byrds … then you should take a few minutes and check it out. Great song!
Fans of the Irish rock group U2 are familiar with the song “40” … which is inspired by Psalm 40.
Another one popped in my head today when I read our first reading from the Book of John. I will put the pertinent lyrics below … read them and see if you had the same thought as I.
“Beloved, we love God because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. This is the commandment we have from him: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.”
These words, compelling us to love our brothers, got me to flash back to another great song from the 1960s by the Hollies. I remember hearing it as a child and not really understanding its meaning. Fortunately, with age comes wisdom.
The lyrics are beautiful and seem to be inspired in part by today’s first reading.
Take a listen and watch this video … then come back and learn the rest of the story.
We will wait.
(Pause)
Now … wasn’t that beautiful?
And the great thing about the internet is that with just a little digging, you can find out so much about a song, its lyrics and the performers who made them famous.
In this case, the song He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother was actually inspired by Boys Town, the Nebraska-based home for troubled boys (and now troubled girls as well). It was established by the famous Fr. Edward J. Flanagan who came to America from Ireland in 1904. He was assigned to the Diocese of Omaha in 1912 and was appointed Assistant Pastor to Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Omaha one year later.
According to the Boys Town website, Fr. Flanagan opened his first Boys’ Home in a run-down Victorian mansion in downtown Omaha. In 1921, the Boys Home moved to Overlook Farm in western Omaha where it remains today.
Why might you already know this story?
Fr. Flanagan and Boys Town were made famous by the 1938 movie, Boys Town starring Spencer Tracy. The film, which won Academy Awards for Best Story and Best Actor, helped Fr. Flanagan become a well-known expert in the field of childcare. He toured the United States discussing his views on juvenile delinquency.
Flanagan had a dream that children of every race, color and creed could be productive citizens … if given love, a home, an education and a trade.
Ah, what a lovely dream … that many still wish for – and pray for – today.
After World War II, President Truman asked Fr. Flanagan to travel to Asia and Europe to attend discussions about children left orphaned and displaced by the war. Sadly, during a tour of Europe, he fell ill and died of a heart attack in Berlin, Germany, on May 15, 1948.
He is buried at the Dowd Memorial Catholic Chapel at Boys Town.
Fr. Flanagan captured the essence of today’s scripture with everything that he did at Boys Town and beyond. For him, there was never a question about “who is my brother.”
Our brother is everyone.
Tragically, not everyone has agreed on this. Many prefer to choose their own brothers.
Here is some interesting history on Boys Town.
In March of 1921, Fr. Flanagan ran into opposition when he sought to purchase a former seminary in north Omaha for the site of his children’s home. Once the neighbors heard of this, they organized committees (including seven churches) to oppose the prospect of Boys Town joining their community.
In their opposition petition they stated they had tried to create “…the right sort of environment for their children…,” and the Boys Town children would be a “determent” to their neighborhood.
Fr. Flanagan made the decision to leave Omaha and buy Overlook Farm 10 miles west of the city. In that open rural area, Fr. Flanagan and the boys were able to live without opposition, and it proved to be a wise move for the future of Boys Town.
So … Who is your brother?
Everyone God puts into your path on a regular basis.
He … She … They … (even that guy you can’t stand!!!) … are your brothers.
Love them. Care for them. Die for them.
Because in the end, they are truly the brothers of Jesus.
They are Christ.
You wouldn’t hesitate to help Jesus if you saw Him struggling …
Don’t hesitate to help His brothers.
After all … they ain’t heavy.
