Walking with Jesus: 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time B

For Sunday, June 16, 2024

Ezekiel 17:22-24, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, Mark 4:26-34

If we were to describe our lives, we probably would employ images that illustrate gradual growth from our very first remembrances through our early school years — as my mom would say of me, our frisky years — through education and training to where we are today. We would include many exciting, moving, life-forming stories … and be thanking God.

Today’s readings lead us through the disciples’ journey, realizing that Christ continually walks by their side … as God remains with each of us and every person, loving, caring and leading us to our true home in heaven.

Ezekiel uses the image of a magnificent cedar tree to emphasize the hope the Israelites need during their current state of affairs. They have had a magnificent reign as a powerhouse country after their arrival in the Promised Land and on through the judges —the jealous Saul and the amazing growth and establishment of David’s kingdom, followed by Solomon’s rule. Then conquerors arrive with Babylon’s massive destruction of Jerusalem. Ezekiel uses the cedar image in a way all Jews remember. The great Lebanon cedar does not grow in Israel but is cut and hauled to Jerusalem to help construct Solomon’s temple. It’s a tree known for its strength, beauty and durability. Moses orders Hebrew priests to use its bark in the treatment of leprosy.

Down through the ages the cedar’s metaphysical properties promote peaceful thoughts and help interpret messages from the inner self. In Native American mythology, the power of the red cedar is said to be so strong that it sustains mind, body and soul, and a person can receive strength simply by leaning against the tree. Virtually every part of the cedar is used in some aspect of life: longhouses, canoes, totem poles, baskets, clothing and medicines. The message from the prophets reveals that God will likewise reverse the invading empires like Babylon. Importantly, God tends to the needs of His people, not their oppressors. Do I believe God is always taking care of me? We call this grace … God’s help. Do I ask for it? Why not?

Paul is instructing the Corinthians on how to live in this time — a time when, though committed to the Lord, they do not see the Lord face-to-face through His direction and teaching. Many have heard Him preach, seen miracles and healings; some even have witnessed His resurrection appearances. Are they becoming discouraged; afraid of the Roman rulers and the Jewish hatred of this new group who call themselves Christians? Paul is “preaching this sermon” that draws a clear distinction between this life here on earth and life in heaven forever with God. He draws a wonderful contrast explaining that during this life on earth, we are believers at home in the body but away from the Lord. In the next life — in heaven with the Lord — just the opposite will happen. We will be away from the human body and at home with the Lord in our resurrected body. Then Paul shares a sobering thought: At the end of this life ALL will stand before Christ to be JUDGED according to whether they did in fact live lives of faith and love following Christ’s example. Salvation is an unmerited gift from God which DOES require personal acceptance and faithful response.

As Mark says, the people can’t totally understand many of the concepts Jesus was talking about. So He used parables like we use stories in our daily lives: I remember when we were kids playing together … my first date with this knockout was a disaster … what was your tour, trip or beach visit like ... and so on. Jesus forced His hearers to stretch their imaginations and make connections they ordinarily wouldn’t make. He did this to bring the reign of God … that mysterious reality that seems to belong to another world ... within our grasp here. How would you respond to the question: What is heaven like? We might say it’s beyond one’s imagination … it’s peaceful … loving is the total experience … which are all pretty vague. How about: What will I look like? The Reign of God takes root and grows and produces in some secret ways among the very poor at soup kitchens and in the lives of the persecuted and refugees. We can get a handle on this if, in our reflection time before bed, we look back at our day and ask ourselves where we saw God today and what message came along with it. The highlights would include love, caring, smiling, peace among the people, and the overall assurance that they are loved and moving in the right direction.

So I reflect on:

• Imagine St. Paul coming to your scripture study today. He comes to answer your questions about walking by faith and how we can pursue loving God.
• We can experience more union with God. How might you finish the following sentences?
  - When I look out a window, I see God’s presence already in my life ...
  - When I sit quietly, I experience God’s presence already in my life ...
  - When I listen to music or children playing, or to conversations around me, I hear God’s presence already in my life …

Sacred Space 2024 states:

“The scales of justice are to be balanced in courts of law, where the punishment is to fit the crime. Jesus’ way is that of love, which follows different criteria. Lord, bring us beyond that system of justice to a spirit of compassion.

“Justice looks for equality, so if I give you something, I have less and you have more. If I give in love, both parties are enriched. May we have the generosity to go beyond what is required, in imitation of Jesus who gave all for us.”