Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time – October 6, 2024
Hopefully no one in their homily last week advocated for self-harm or mutilation as an actual response to human weakness. We do not interpret Scripture literally or use it to invoke violence upon oneself or another. Neither can this week’s Lectionary readings be used to imply, promote, or justify any form of misogyny, sexism, subservience of women, dominance of men, homophobia, transphobia, or abuse in relationships.
The unfortunate reality, however, is that historically, and even still today, these readings have been used in this way. If you have any influence at all in how your assemblies will hear today’s readings, please do what you can to stop violence disguised as biblical fidelity.
The reality is that someone in your assembly will experience hurt today. Let us acknowledge that pain and not ignore their suffering or anger, even if—especially if—it is anger with the church.
The reality is that someone in your assembly will experience hurt today. Let us acknowledge that pain and not ignore their suffering or anger, even if—especially if—it is anger with the church. Recognize that the church has been wrong in the past—think of its teachings on slavery, colonialism, degradation of women—and admit that there are no simple answers to many of today’s challenging questions.
If we do this, then with God’s mercy, the good news may be heard: God does not want us to be alone. God gives us one another. And as we learned last week, God’s blessings will go beyond any limits we have or cling to.
Leave a Reply