Readings: Jeremiah 26:1-9, Ps. 69:5,8-10,14, Matthew 13:54-58
“Prophets are not without honour except in their own country and their own house.” (Matthew 13:57)
While Jesus faces rejection from his countrymen in today’s Gospel passage, Jeremiah is almost lynched by the priests, prophets and people in today’s First Reading. Why do preachers sometimes face attack and rejection? God’s Word is alive. It is “sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it can judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart...” (Hebrews 4:12-13).
As Jesus already described in the parables of the kingdom, not everyone receives the word with a welcoming heart. For some, instead of allowing the seed to grow, they turn around to attack the farmer. The question now is, am I one of such persons? How do I react when the truth makes me uncomfortable? If God’s words disturb you, consider it a call to repentance. Do not make the mistake of attacking the preacher.
We live in the times St. Paul spoke about when he wrote: “For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their desires and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
Sadly, those who appear to be closest to God are often the ones who resist the truth. In the case of Jeremiah, the attack was led by the priests and prophets. This reminds us of the tussle between the prophet Amos and Amaziah, the priest of Bethel. They said to Jeremiah: “You shall die…” because Jeremiah was bold enough to tell them that “This house (the temple) shall be like Shiloh.”
For Jesus, his countrymen (those who watched Him grow) could not fathom that “a mere son of a carpenter” could be so wise and powerful. They rejected Jesus because, for them, Jesus had biological brothers and sisters. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6) or obtain His divine intervention (miracles) in our lives. Due to their refusal to recognise Jesus’ Divinity, Matthew tells us, “He did not do many deeds of power there.” (Matthew 13:58).
St. Ignatius Loyola, born Inigo Lopez de Loyola in 1491 in Loyola, Spain, hailed from a noble family and dreamed of becoming a distinguished military leader. Inspired by heroic stories, he joined the army and served under the Duke of Nájera. In 1521, during the battle of Pamplona, he was severely injured by a cannonball to his legs, leading to a long and painful recovery that changed his life’s direction.
During his bedridden days, Ignatius immersed himself in religious writings, including ‘De Vita Christi,’ which deeply influenced his spiritual journey. He began visualising himself in the presence of Christ, a practice that later became the foundation of his spiritual exercises. As he regained his health, he chose to pursue a life devoted to Christ rather than seeking worldly glory.
In 1522, Ignatius abandoned his military ambitions and retreated to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, adopting an ascetic lifestyle in Manresa. Recognising the need for education to effectively spread the Gospel, Ignatius continued his studies in Barcelona, Alcala, Salamanca and later at the University of Paris. There, he formed friendships with Peter Faber and Francis Xavier, collaborating on developing his spiritual exercises.
Ignatius and his companions offered their services to Pope Paul III in Rome. In 1540, they were officially established as the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. Under Ignatius’ leadership, the Jesuits adopted a disciplined approach, reflecting his military background. Their dedication to education led to the establishment of 35 schools before his death in 1556. The Jesuits played a significant role in countering the Protestant Reformation and are celebrated today for their global educational initiatives. St. Ignatius Loyola was beatified in 1609 and canonised in 1622. He is the patron saint of the Society of Jesus, soldiers, educators, and education.
Let us pray: O God, who raised up Saint Ignatius of Loyola in your Church to further the greater glory of your name, grant that by his help we may imitate him in fighting the good fight on earth and merit to receive with him a crown in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Ignatius Loyola, Priest. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Jeremiah 26:1-9, Ps. 69:5,8-10,14, Matthew 13:54-58)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu