Deacon Larry

 

Thursday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time

Mal 3: 13-20b; Lk 11: 5-13

Dc. Larry Brockman

Indeed, things haven’t changed have they?  The wicked in the days of the Old Testament just decide to ignore the Lord and do as they please, seemingly reaping the benefits of dishonesty and cunning evil.  It’s easy for us to get discouraged like the folks 3,000 years ago as we look around us and see people prospering, yet who are lying, cheating, and backbiting their way through life just to get ahead, people who seem fearless of the wrath of God.  Nothing seems to stop them; nothing seems to get in their way.  We ask ourselves, “where is God”?  Why doesn’t he reward those who are honest?  Why does he let these people who ignore his laws get ahead? 

And yet, Malachi tells us the time is coming when all the proud will be made stubble.  So there is this message of hope, hope for the coming of the Kingdom when all evil will find its true reward, and those who are honest and faithful to God are rewarded. 

Two things came to mind as I pondered these readings.  First, we must be firm in our resolve to be honest  and do what is right no matter how dishonest the people of the world are around us.  God will reward us in his way and in his own time. 

Recently, I went to a tire dealer to get a flat tire repaired.  I can think of few tire businesses where one can count on honesty.  But I found one a few years ago.  On my way, I passed a few shops that were nearly empty.  But I went to a particular shop because I trusted them.  Because I knew this shop would fix the tire right for a fair price, and they would tell me I needed a new tire, but only if I really needed one  They wouldn’t try to con me into buying new tires when I didn’t need them.  I had to wait quite a while, because the place was packed.  Now as I looked around, while I waited, I couldn’t help but be struck by the tremendous volume of business compared to the two places just down the street.  You see, people eventually find out who is honest and who isn’t.  And this man’s business was a living testimony to that.  In essence, he was receiving his reward, even in this world.  I know it wasn’t always that way for him, because I have been going there for many years, and they weren’t always so busy.  Sometimes it takes patience and resolve, but it can and does happen. 

Second, we must be persistent in asking God for what we need, especially when we are faced with injustice.  Jesus makes this point very clear in the Gospel.  That God will hear those who are persistent.  So, when you feel downtrodden, be a pest to God in your zeal for what you ask.   

The key thing is that we must trust in the Lord always,  Because he has only the best intentions for those of us who love Him. 

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 8th, 2009 at 3:22 pm and is filed under Holy Family Weekday Homilies. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.