Scripture for Mass
Isaiah 45:1, 4-6
Psalm: 96(95): 1, 3. 4-5. 7-8. 9-10a, c. Response: 7b
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b
Matthew 22:15-21
There are many aspects of our personal lives and of our world that overwhelm us because they are beyond our control. The breakdown of a significant, long-term relationship. The rapidly deteriorating global ecological crisis. A diagnosis of terminal illness. The increasing risk that artificial intelligence (A.I.) might destroy civilisation. Such powerful forces or events can make us feel trapped and paralysed, leaving us to wonder if God has abandoned responsibility for us and for our world.
Throughout his life, Jesus must have wrestled with similar challenges in his personal life as well as in the surrounding world. Just as he was about to embark on his public ministry, his mentor, John the Baptist, was cruelly killed. The Romans continued to colonise his country, oppressing and exploiting its people. The Jewish religious leaders remained openly hostile to his message. Poverty and hardship were widespread. His closest disciples failed repeatedly to grasp his mission. Faced with such obstacles and difficulties, perhaps there were times when Jesus felt small and helpless – and wondered if God’s reign of mercy, justice and peace could ever be realised in this messed-up world.
Today’s first reading, however, would have reminded Jesus – as it reminds us today – that God oversees and directs everyone and everything in our world. Even though King Cyrus in ancient times and Caesar in Jesus’s time did not believe in God, they still played a part in God’s mysterious plan for his world. Though unknown to them, God had created both in his own image and likeness, and – throughout their lives – oversaw all their decisions and actions.
Since we Christians hold fast to those same truths today, we can remain confident that God continues to hold our confused and chaotic world within his heart and guides it in his loving providence.
Creator of the universe, we thank you for the brilliance and beauty of all your works.
Help us to trust that you lovingly sustain and guide creation in every moment.
Grant us a deeper attentiveness to your presence in our lives and a greater awareness of your care for our world.
Do not allow us to succumb to indifference or apathy in our relationships with others or in our stewardship of your gifts.
Grant political and religious leaders the humility and wisdom, the courage and perseverance to protect our Common Home and all its inhabitants.
We ask this through Jesus through whom and for whom everything exists.
Amen.
Fr. Tim Mulroy
