Joy and Peace

Homily for Thursday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time

One technique that is often used by people who wish to pray with the Sacred Scriptures is to read slowly and to point out one word or phrase that impresses them the most. Both readings from Scripture for today’s liturgy are rather long. Consequently, to prepare for my homily today, I tried to identify one word or phrase from both of them, a word or phrase that might be the focus of the homily.

In the first reading from the Book of the Prophet Nehemiah, a phrase that stuck out for me was “rejoicing must be your strength.” This is the message that Nehemiah gave to the children of Israel after Ezra had read the Book of the Law of Moses. The response to this reading also speaks of the joy that comes from following God’s precepts.

In the Gospel reading, I found myself focusing on the word “peace.” Jesus tells his disciples to greet the people with this word and advises them that if they are people of peace, their peace will rest on them. If not, they are advised to shake the dust from their feet and move on.

How do we receive the Word of God? Do we find joy in it? Does it bring us peace? In fact, since God’s word is Good News, why would anyone reject it? An old proverb comes to mind. God’s word brings comfort to the afflicted, but it can also bring distress to those who are comfortable. In the Letter to the Hebrews, we read: “Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword…” If we find that God’s word makes us uncomfortable, we have also discovered the area of our lives in which we need to improve. Challenge and comfort, joy and peace! These are the gifts we receive from today’s Scriptures.