Scripture Reflection for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 26, 2004
Real World Jerusalem
If God were on a reality show, what would he have to do to prove his love for us? Would he have to eat bugs, dive from a skyscraper, or just be put in a room with a bunch of annoying people? What if he had to sacrifice a very important part of him -- like his son? It might go over big with the Nielsen ratings (or at the box office for that matter!), but the next week we would want more. How can you out-do the resurrection? In today's readings we see that we are called to pay attention to the needs of the world while listening for God's word.
The Simple Life
Two of today's readings are warnings for the wealthy. In the first reading, the prophet Amos warns "Woe to the complacent in Zion!" These people who sit in their ivory towers eating lamb while others suffer will be the first to be exiled.
One popular reality show, now in its second season, is the "Simple Life." Two wealthy socialites -- Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie -- travel the country attempting to put in an honest day's work and live "the simple life." While Paris and Nicole rarely ever take anything seriously, there is a lot that could be learned from the premise of the show. Those who live without seeing all that goes into the products they enjoy do not understand how the world works.
Those who have never cleaned a toilet do not understand how gross it can be. Two Thousand Flushes Blue only goes so far -- then you've got to get out the brush.
The same is true with our spiritual lives. If we grow complacent and do not actively live, question, and polish our faith, it can grow as stagnant as a toilet bowl.
This is the story of Seven Strangers
MTV's "The Real World" was one of the first reality shows and it provides the formula that many have followed. Viewers know that nearly every season there will be a black guy or girl, a homosexual guy or girl, a party animal, and a girl with loose morals. The fun always comes when they have to learn to see past the labels and see the "real" person inside.
In many ways, the "Real World" is something that the rich man in the gospel wished he knew about. He wishes that he could make things right with the poor man Lazarus, but it is too late.
The kids who go on the "Real World" have that chance to look beyond their own experiences. They get to see what it is really like for someone who grew up in a ghetto. They get to see what someone who is gay goes through on a daily basis. They might have otherwise never had the opportunity to experience this in their own lives. The idea is that hopefully after they have been on the show that it will give them the perspective to go on living with a greater picture of the world.
Jesus is our Reality
The rich man in the parable wished that someone would come forward to save other people from living the life that he had. He was blind to the problems of the real world. But why would anyone listen to this person?
We can ask ourselves the same question today. Why would anyone listen to a Jew in a world dominated by Christianity? Why would anyone listen to a lower class prophet in a world that praises Donald Trump?
The answer is that God is beyond the boundaries that we set up for ourselves. Whether they are ivory towers or simply an inability to have compassion, we can not grow in our faith if we are not in touch with the real world.
Life Applications:
What am I blind to in the world? Do I choose this?
In what ways can I become more aware of those who need my help?
How important is the community in my life?
Copyright 2004 by Nick Popadich
All rights reserved.
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