This is a reflection on the Mass readings of the day.
The first reading from the letter to the Hebrews contrasts the experience of God in the Old Testament, which was at times terrifying, and the experience of God after Christ’s redemption, which is one of glorious rejoicing. The latter has superseded the former because, as the reading says, of “the sprinkled Blood that speaks more eloquently
than that of Abel.”
Still, we see in the Gospel that the Christian era hasn’t turned the awe-inspiring God whose sight terrified Moses into anything close to a milquetoast divinity. Jesus does not send the twelve out two by two to preach affirmation, but rather repentance. And if any town does not accept their message, they are to shake that town’s dust off their feet as a testimony against it.
Jesus’s good news about the Kingdom of God, and His own sacrifice, is a new lease on life, and opens us to an intimate, joyous, fearless relationship with our awesome God. But throughout the gospels, His response to those who do not welcome this message is not, “There, there, it does not matter. I understand that you have issues.” Rather, He meets those who reject His message with stern warnings.
Jesus’ life, death, and Resurrection have utterly revolutionized the possibilities for our relationship with God, and our access to Him. His act is one of colossal mercy. But this mercy is not to be confused with indifference to human choices, or removal of all their consequences.
Ideas for conversation with the Lord: Pray ardently for “sinners,” that is, those who defy God, that He may penetrate the wall of their obstinacy and show them the immense treasure that they are missing. Ask Him to convert the sinner, rouse the indifferent, strengthen the weak, and enlighten the confused. Ask Him to leverage the simple gift of yourself and your life as a token allowing Him to exert influence over the freedom of your brothers and sisters.
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