Acting Upon Our Relationship with God

Homily for Wednesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

Perhaps you have heard this story before! It is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.

The story is a critique of societal in action or of apathy.

I believe that this story has an application for the Gospel text that we read today. Jesus speaks to his disciples: “Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven."

Whether we attend a party or sit in the pews at church, why do we think that we don't play a significant role in what is happening? When we are engaged in a conversation, why do we think the listening role isn't of value? When we are out living our so-called ordinary lives, why do we think our role as follower of Jesus is of little significance? Is it because we are always looking for someone else to lead? We believe that someone else must have it covered, or that somehow collectively it will be taken care of.

In today's Gospel reading from Matthew, Jesus reminds the disciples that what they do matters, that the life they live in the big and the small is important, that the example they set is crucial. We are all called as disciples to be leaders. We cannot sit back and wait for someone else to do what needs to be done. The lesson that Jesus teaches today does not allow for in action or apathy. Not only must we obey the commandments, we must also teach them. As we all know, teaching by example can be powerful. However, we cannot stand aside when something is wrong and it needs someone to make it right.

What is Jesus asking of us here? Jesus calls us to understand our role as kingdom-builders in the group of humanity, to understand that following and teaching his ways matters, to step into that role and make a difference.