Set Things Right

Homily for Tuesday of the Second Week in Lent

“Come now, let us set things right, says the LORD.”

The Scriptures are, of course, presented to us in our English language. Scholars have worked assiduously to preserve the words of the prophets in a way that we can understand them. In what sounds as if it is a colloquial request, God asks us to set things right. However, the English translation misses the way this phrase would be used among those who speak Hebrew. The Hebrew words that are used in this phrase are very much words that connote legal issues. God has brought a suit against the people of Judah and Jerusalem. They have failed in their covenant agreement with him, and he is suing them for their wrongdoing.

After laying out their crimes against the covenant, particularly their failure to take care of widows and orphans, God seems to be saying that he is open to settling this suit without going to court. If the people of Judah and Jerusalem will return to the agreements made at Mount Sinai, God is willing to relent in his suit.

As we transition to the Gospel passage for today, we realize that things are still at odds between God and his people. While the Pharisees and scribes preach a good tune, they fail to “walk the talk,” to practice what they preach. I find it interesting that when a bishop instructs men who are to be ordained to the priesthood, this very pointed message is included in the instruction. “Practice what you preach.”

At the same time, Jesus warns the people to whom the Pharisees preach that they must observe the commandments that the Pharisees teach. Their sin is not excused simply because their leaders are sinful. The Gospel ends with the very familiar admonition to be humble, to remember that we are called to be servants of all, and that we are all called to holiness.

The Lord sustains us in our efforts, even when we fail, by continuing to be present to us in the Eucharistic feast in which we participate today. God is, indeed a merciful God.