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22nd Sunday |
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“FIRST IMPRESSIONS” 22nd SUNDAY (A) August 30, 2026 Jeremiah 20: 7-9; Psalm 63; Romans 12: 1-2; Matthew 16: 21-27 By: Jude Siciliano, OP
Dear Preachers:
Sadly, many ordinary people have experienced fraud in one form or another. In fact, being deceived or defrauded seems to be a frequent occurrence for many of us.
For example: a person receives email that appears to come from a credit card company asking them to “verify your account.” Fraud! Someone pretends to be a police officer, bank employee, or church official and asks for money. Fraud!
There are romance scams, when someone develops an online relationship and is then asked for money because of an “emergency.” Fraud! Then there are investment scams, home-repair scams, identity theft, “you-owe-money” scams, and so on. All fraud!
We have to develop ways of protecting ourselves from being defrauded by crafty thieves. Unfortunately, in our modern, high-tech world, we almost expect to encounter one form of fraud or another. But-- we do not expect God to defraud us! God is the perfectly reliable One who always has our best interests at heart.
Yet, Jeremiah feels that God has “duped” him. In this remarkable picture of faith, the one God called to be a prophet boldly asks why God has betrayed him – or at least, why it feels that way to this prophet. Jeremiah remembers when God called him: “To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak” (Jeremiah 1:7). He accepted the call and faithfully proclaimed God’s word. Yet what did he receive in return for his faithful service? Ridicule, rejection by the people he was sent to serve, and suffering.
We do our best to live faithful lives, yet we still go through difficult times. Weren’t our prayers and faithful service meant to please God? So, how come life isn’t easier?
Sometimes doing what we believe God is asking of us puts us in conflict, not only with the world outside, but even with those closest to us - friends and family. This leaves us questioning: “Did I get it wrong? Aren’t I doing my best to do God’s will? Then, why has my life gotten so difficult? Where is God in this mess?”
There is a message for us in Jeremiah’s lament. Faithfulness to God does not always make life easier. Many of us know something of Jeremiah’s complaint. We pray, try to live faithfully, practice forgiveness, care for those in need, serve our church community, and stand up for what is right. Then how come some things get worse rather than better? Like Jeremiah, we might feel “duped” and complain, “God, I trusted you. Why did you let this happen to me?”
Isn’t it striking how this faithful prophet does not hide his anger, frustration, and disappointment from God? But, as contradictory as it may seem, complaint can actually be an expression of faith in God. Even though Jeremiah is frustrated and disappointed, he is still speaking to God. He still believes God is there listening to him.
His faithfulness shines forth when Jeremiah says, “If I say to myself, I will not mention him, I will speak in his name no more. But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart….” Jeremiah cannot simply walk away. He shows us what an honest relationship with God can be like. Even when we are frustrated, disappointed, angry, and confused, God does not turn away from us. God can handle our questions, our struggles, and even our moments of doubt.
It is tempting to believe that if we trust God while we are suffering, everything will immediately be okay. But Jeremiah is an encouragement to us in difficult times to stay in conversation with God. Our questions, frustration, and even our anger will not turn God away from us. We may not understand why we are going through difficult moments, but God is faithful and stays with us in the struggle. We are not alone.
The Gospel reminds us that Christianity does not guarantee us an easy life. Jesus promises his disciples that following him will give them life, but he also makes clear that accepting the richer life he offers will involve sacrifice. If we accept the cross, it will not end in death. The cross does not have the last word. Resurrection does!
Peter does not want to hear that Jesus is going to Jerusalem. He knows that Jesus will suffer there. Even worse, if Peter and the others follow Jesus, they too will suffer. Peter cannot imagine that suffering and death could be part of God’s plan.
Don’t we understand Peter’s dilemma? It is ours as well. We want to hear that God will protect us from suffering, loss, and disappointment. But it is clear that Jesus does not offer Peter, or us, an easy road.
Jesus is not saying that we should go out of our way to suffer. But if we forgive, speak the truth, remain faithful to him, and live according to his teachings despite the cost, it is going to hurt us.
Like Peter, I would prefer Christianity without the kind of discipleship Jesus offers. I want a faith that comforts me but does not challenge me. But Jesus asks us the same question he asked his disciples: “What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?”
What would the life Jesus is offering, with its cross, look like now, in this world? It would mean becoming compassionate people, having integrity and strength in our relationships, and being courageous as we speak and act on behalf of the least among us.
What a paradox! We find our true life not by clinging desperately to ourselves, but by giving ourselves away in love.
Click here for a link to this Sunday’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/083026.cfm
The Gospels frequently show us Jesus on a journey”; he walks alongside people and listens to the questions and concerns working in their hearts. He shows us that God is not found neat and orderly places, distant from reality, but walks ever at our side. He meets us where we are, on the often-rocky road of life. God travels the path of history and shares in the life of humanity are we prepared for the advantage of this journey?
– Pope Francis October 10, 2021, Homily opening the Synod
22nd Sunday August 30, 2026 O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water. —Psalm 63:2
When I read this passage from Psalms 63, I was immediately reminded of a quote that I read in Pope Francis’ encyclical, “Laudato Si’: On Care for our Common Home.” Pope Francis quotes Pope Benedict XVI who stated in his homily at his Inaugural Mass, 2005, “The external deserts in the world are growing, because the internal deserts have become so vast. Therefore, the earth’s treasures no longer serve to build God’s garden for all to live in, but they have been made to serve the powers of exploitation and destruction.” I hope that you will take some time to reflect on what Pope Benedict is saying here that is reiterated by Pope Francis. Taking care of the garden is the very first job that God gave humans to do (Genesis 2:15).
We are at the beginning of the Season of Creation that runs from the World Day of Prayer for Creation (September 1) to the Feast of St. Francis (October 4), patron saint “of those who promote ecology.” This month is the perfect time for some self-examination as to what we are doing to contribute to the growth of “deserts” both individually and corporately.
Reflecting on Pope Benedict’s quote, in 2006, the New Zealand Catholic Bishops wrote, “Protecting the environment involves moderating our desires to consume and own more, which create lifestyles that bring death to millions of other people. Consumerism, global environmental change and suffering in the developing world are inextricably linked. . . Individual acts of selfishness can create a society characterized by a desire for short term gain and immediate gratification over longer term needs and a wider view. In response, both individual and collective acts of selflessness are needed – of self-sacrifice for the greater good, of self-denial in the midst of convenient choices, of choosing simpler lifestyles in the midst of a consumer society. This does not mean abandoning the scientific and technological advances. . .It means using them wisely, and in a thoughtful manner which reflects true solidarity with all the people of the earth.” (Statement on Environmental Issues - New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference)
NC Catholics Caring for our Common Home and Cathedral’s Laudato Si’ Circle are offering a 12-week webinar starting September 11 called “Creation at the Crossroads” from Renew International. Contact socialconcern@hnojnc.org to join.
Barbara Molinari Quinby, MPS, Director Office of Human Life, Dignity, and Justice Ministries Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, Raleigh, NC
Mini-reflections on the Sunday scripture readings designed for persons on the run. “Faith Book” is also brief enough to be posted in the Sunday parish bulletins people take home.
From today’s Gospel reading:
Jesus said to the disciples” “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me.” Reflection:
The disciples didn’t realize what they were getting into when they said “Yes” to Jesus’ invitation to follow him? They discovered that serving God by responding to Jesus’ call, even though a good thing to do, does not guarantee smooth sailing. But they also learned to trust that God was with them as they tried to respond to Jesus’ call, “Come follow me.”
So, we ask ourselves:
· Do we hear Jesus’ call now, “Come follow me?” How shall we respond? · Can we trust that God will be with us in that response?
POSTCARDS TO DEATH-ROW INMATES
“One has to strongly affirm that condemnation to the death penalty is an inhuman measure that humiliates personal dignity, in whatever form it is carried out.” ---Pope Francis
Inmates on death row are the most forgotten people in the prison system. Each week I am posting in this space several inmates’ names and locations. I invite you to write a postcard to one or more of them to let them know that: we have not forgotten them; are praying for them and their families; or whatever personal encouragement you might like to give them. If the inmate responds, you might consider becoming pen pals.
Please write to:
· Terrance Elliott #0120236 (On death row since 12/18/2003) · Jason W. Hurst #0509565 (3/17/2004) · John S. Bagett #0014016 (5/6/2004)
Central Prison PO Box 247, Phoenix MD 21131 (While the prison is in Raleigh mail for inmates is processed at this address)
For more information on the Catholic position on the death penalty go to the Catholic Mobilizing Network: http://catholicsmobilizing.org
“First Impressions” is a service to preachers and those wishing to prepare for Sunday worship. It is sponsored by the Dominican Friars. If you would like “First Impressions” sent weekly to a friend, CLICK HERE. If you would like to support this ministry, please send tax deductible contributions to:
Fr. Jude Siciliano, OP Holy Rosary Priory 3600 Travis St. Houston, TX 77002-9591
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(Always includes the 6 latest reflections with the newest first.)
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