God is with His People

Homily for Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Fear, uncertainty, jealousy – these emotions can gnaw at us and interfere with our ability to understand what God is asking of us. We, and others, suffer as a result. However, the Eucharist we have come here to celebrate fills us with hope that the God who lives and cares for each of us will be our companion through the darkest times. We see this in today’s readings as we encounter people who are not quite sure that God brings hope in troubled times.

First we have Sarah, whose jealousy drives Hagar and Ishmael out into the wilderness where they shall surely perish. That fact does not dissuade Sarah, for she is too concerned that her own son should be recognized as Abraham’s only heir and sole beneficiary to the blessings bestowed upon him by God. God does not punish her, nor does God remove the blessings promised to her son. Instead, we see God’s blessings as unlimited and truly abundant. While Sarah frets, God hears the distress of Hagar and Ishmael and sends a messenger to bring them comfort. God is with them just as he is with Sarah and Abraham.

In the gospel we hear of Jesus caring for two people, driving demons out of them and into the swine. The demoniac pigs rush into the sea to perish. Those whom Jesus freed from distress were Gentiles. They were not looked upon as human beings. Because they cared for swine, they were denigrated by the children of Israel. Yet Jesus had pity on them, loved them, and healed them because God’s mercy is not bound by tribal affiliation or royal lineage. God’s mercy and care are for all. God became one of us that all may one day gain paradise.

Even in our darkest moments, may we remember who Jesus is – Emmanuel – God with us. May the Eucharist we are about to receive fill us with the grace to know that God watches over and cares for all of us.