August 28, 2011
22nd Sunday Ordinary Time
People are choosing to stay in place in face of Hurricane Irene. I am not speaking of the curious and clueless. But those who risk their lives for the wellbeing and safety of others. In our Gospel reading today from St. Matthew Jesus explains the meaning of the title "Messiah" that Simon Peter -- the Rock -- has publicly attributed to Jesus. Peter likens Messiah to a King David who will defeat the Roman army occupying Judah and Galilee but Jesus understands Messiah as one chosen by God to announce the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus rebukes Peter and explains to his disciples that following him entails accepting the reality of the cross. Suffering with Jesus and for the inauguration of the Kingdom is foreshadowed by Jeremiah and John the Baptist -- two great prophets. It is the price a prophet pays to speak the word of truth. The storm moving and pounding the eastern seaboard has canceled the dedication of the memorial to Martin Luther King JR. in Washington, D.C. He spoke up about inequality and prejudice in America. Following Jesus, MLK embraced non-violence. He opposed war in Vietnam war and violence on streets in U.S.A. For his witness and words, MLK was opposed and assassinated. Today let us pray for the safety of people being battered by the storm and for the fulfillment of Rev. Martin Luther King JR. dream of America where the dignity and equality of the person is respected and we choose to solve our differences in a peaceful manner.
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21st Sunday Ordinary Time
