Divisions in society, among nations, and even within the church seem to be a feature of modern life. Jesus shows us another way, as Fr Richard explores in today’s reflection on the daily mass readings.
Readings for Friday in the fifth week of Ordinary Time can be found here.
We are all familiar in modern history with nations that have become divided for a variety of reasons. Examples include East and West Germany, North and South Yemen, North and South Korea, and close to home Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Some have reunited, while others remain apart. There are those in the USA who believe that their nation is so hopelessly divided that the time has come for a “great divorce”, with one country for the Democrats, and a separate one for the Republicans!
Yesterday’s first reading foretold the division of the Kingdom of Israel, established by David, into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. In today’s passage things move forward. The prophet Ahijah tears his garment into twelve pieces, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Ten tribes – the northern kingdom – are to be given to Jeroboam, while Solomon and his descendants will retain one tribe, which will become the southern kingdom. In case you’re thinking that only adds up to 11, the tribe of Benjamin is usually counted as one with Judah. 1 Kings is clear that the separation of the kingdom was a result of Solomon’s sin. And surely division is always the result of our sinfulness – our inability to get on with each other, tolerate difference, and reach compromise.
In the Gospels, we see Jesus bringing wholeness and healing as he overcomes the consequence of human sin. In yesterday’s passage he reached out (after a little persuasion on her part) to a Gentile, foreign woman. Today we see him healing the deaf man with a speech impediment, bringing wholeness to his life but also symbolising the in-breaking of his Kingdom. The Church, as a human institution, has had its fair share of divisions over the past 2000 years. As the Body of Christ, however, we should be about overcoming that which separates people from one another, and bringing healing and wholeness to society and to the world, in Jesus’ name.
Mass today is in St Saviour’s at 10am.
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