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HOMILY FOR 10/25/2020: 30TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
MSGR. PAUL ENKE
This weekend's scripture turns our hearts to love: love of God and of neighbor, and that is something that we should value more than life.
The late author and poet Caryll Houselander poses a question for us today. She said, “Suppose God gave every man the choice between a world in which there is no suffering, but also no capacity for love, or a world in which suffering remains, but everyone has the power to love. Which do you think the human race would choose? Which would you choose? Quite certainly the power to love, even at the cost of suffering.”
As we near Election Day, this is a truth we all need to think about. The readings today compel us to ask questions. Who has shown care for vulnerable populations? Who cares how we treat one another? Who promotes love?
Each week before writing a homily, I consult commentaries on the readings to see better what they see, so that I can translate their thoughts into my own life experience—and the situation, too, of the congregation here and those of you who are listening from home. And it's very rare that I come across one that says perfectly what I believe and what I want to say. Today, I found that commentary that says far better than I exactly what I believe today's scripture calls us to, especially in that first reading and the gospel. It's from Jamie Waters, who teaches scripture at DePaul University in Chicago. It was found in the October issue of the Jesuit [monthly] America magazine, and she wrote this:
There are tangible things that can be done to show love. Love is implementing policies that protect the vulnerable and penalize oppressors. Love is reprimanding people who brandish weapons at those working for racial justice rather than applauding intimidation and instigation of hateful acts. Love is treating all humans as neighbors, not just those who look like you. Love is fighting for life.
It is hypocritical to pretend that advocacy for unborn life can override our responsibility to speak up in defense of every vulnerable life, or that advocacy for marginalized groups can absolve us of the need to defend the unborn. It is equally problematic to disregard the many people who live with and suffer from the evils of poverty, racism and violence while claiming to be pro-life.
So, if you are thinking of using Scripture to help you decide how to cast your ballot, Jesus’ message is utterly clear: love. Americans have been divided by rhetoric and actions fueling hate and division, actions that are in opposition to Jesus’ call for love. On election day and always, let the Gospel message of love influence whom you choose as your leaders.
And I would say only this: I would say only “Amen” to what she said, and I hope you would say the same. May God bless the electorate of our nation on November the 3rd as we struggle to love both God and neighbor in a world—yes—both of suffering and, most importantly, of love.