Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time - A October 23, 2005

Exodus 22: 20-26 1 Thessalonians 1: 5c - 10 Matthew 22: 34-40

In all the reports of the devastations brought on by hurricanes this year, especially by Katrina and Rita, and now what might occur with Wilma, there are things which we in our security in Northeast Ohio simply cannot imagine. As much as we might try to comprehend them, the vastness of it all, the effect of it all, is beyond us.

Among the most difficult situations to understand are those isolated reports which have appeared of persons who sought to take advantage of these tragic circumstances, and the outpouring of generosity and support from everywhere, for their own personal and very selfish gain. Examples of this are the false internet sites which were established, using clever names, in order lure unsuspecting donors to send their money. These were fraudulent and deceptive efforts to make money on the tragedy of others. To anyone but the cruelest and most immoral minds, actions like these can only be described as repulsive. But they occur. They have happened, they do happen, they will happen. Such is the dept of sinfulness of which humans are capable.

Perhaps this is an extreme example. It certainly is a current example. It give meaning and context, however, to what we have heard from the Word of God today, especially what we have heard from the Book of Exodus.

In the passage which was read there are two examples given. They are efforts to illustrate how those who consider themselves to be in a relationship with God ought to act. They are practical ways in which those who are in a covenant agreement with God are to live life in accord with the Ten Commandments. If that relationship with God is to have meaning in one’s life, it has to have practical applications. Thus, those who are considered “foreigners” are not to be mistreated. Why? Because all of us were once “foreigners”, all of us were once “outcasts” who were treated with compassion by a loving God who gave us a homeland. Those who are in need, whose circumstances require them to ask for a loan, or for some food, or for some clothing, are to be freely assisted, helped without charge or cost. Why? Because all of us, at some time, in some way, have been in need. Our compassionate and loving God freely acted on our behalf, often through someone else.

As ancient as this teaching is, as old as is this description of how the relationship with God is to be lived out, we know that what it addresses is still an issue today. It can be heard in the debates that go on about immigration and immigrants in our country. It is found in the various issues in our country and around the world which deal with the response of those who have to those who do not have.

It is in this context, too, that we hear the simple and straightforward summary, given by Jesus and known by all of us, of the commandments of God. They describe the essential manner by which our lives are to be lived. They are the basic guide bu which we are to be what we have been made to be - reflections, images of our God. We are to love God and we are to love neighbor: without hesitation, without qualification, without restriction.

The example I gave of greed in the midst of tragedy is, indeed, repulsive. But there can often be some of that same attitude present in us. It is found whenever we seek to limit the meaning of Christ’s teaching, to rationalize the manner in which we respond or do not respond to what he states. Yet if we declare faith in God as Father who created us all, who loves all of creation, and if we profess faith in the Spirit of God, the giver of life, who remains with us, must we not also recognize that God the Son, the one who took on our human flesh, who became a part of humanity and is so united with us all, is found in all of his brothers and sisters who are part of our human family?

The summary given Christ of who we are to live out our relationship with God is not separable or divisible. In order to fulfill the first command we must fulfill the second. To love God is, purely and simply and without qualification, to love all of those who are our neighbors.