June 17, 2012 - Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Interpreting Ezekiel's visions is always "iffy," but I would guess that the "cedar" that will be planted in Israel refers to what today we call Lebanon. Lebanon was the commercial center of the central eastern Mediterranean area. It's harbors were deep and calm. Tyre and Sidon, its major centers were world famous ports. Israel had almost no coastal development at all. Israel, then, was always a "second-class" economy, and with that, came "second class status" in so many things--ports brought diversity: culture, merchandise, fashion. Israel saw itself (and was seen by others) as a backwater hick camel stop! So, God is saying that what constitutes "greatness" (and Lebanon was known for its wood--its forestry industry)-- from the outside, can be brought "inside," and He will provide the creativity to create that.  I don't think God meant that Israel would compete in forestry or in naval expertise, but that "greatness" and what constitutes it would come from within it. When we reflect, we see that two major world religions (Judaism and Christianity) did just that, and a two others (Islam and the Bahai) have holy places there, too. So, WHAT IS GREATNESS? Is it what is "currently popular?" Or, is it something deeper?  Paul defines "greatness" as courage. "We are courageous," he says. Jesus says that "greatness" (His "Kingdom talk") just grows silently inside one--almost unnoticed, and then, when it's needed, voilá, it's there! He goes on to say that true greatness is not what protects the "great" but how the "great" protect others. Something wise to think about...no?

- Fr. Bill 

Our readings today talk about the one who planted and began life, whether we speak of nature, humanity or the faith. God is the one who began all things and the one to whom we owe our life and existence. In Ezekiel it is stated so beautifully and poetically. God is the one who has the power and love to begin new things. We are the fruit of His creation, not the creator. Let us spend some time this week pondering this and thanking our God for creating all the beautiful things we have on our earth.

Over the next couple of weeks we have been asked to bring to people's consciousness the struggles throughout the world where faith is being attacked and religious freedom challenged. I would ask that we as a community pray for religious freedom, especially in those parts of the world where they are being persecuted and killed for believing in a God who is different from them. Let us also pray for ourselves, that we not become people who judge others who may be different from us, speak a different language, look different or believe in a God that is not ours. Let us strive to remember that God created this whole planet and everything on it, and He is the boss, not us.

Have a good week,

Sr. Karen