Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Homily for 12 Sep 2017

12 Sep 2017

Judas Iscariot was a good guy.  He was drawn to the personal charisma of Jesus, and Jesus saw in him someone who could be an effective instrument of the Kingdom.  Judas Iscariot was a genuinely good guy. 

But, as St. Luke reminds us, Judas “became a traitor.”  Jesus didn’t choose a traitor; he chose a man who showed promise.  Only later did Judas “become” a traitor.  Leaders of people, even if they’re chosen by God, don’t always live up to their calling.  Sometimes, leaders—even leaders in the Church—go bad.  Judas is just one example.

And when that happens, it’s a test of our faith, and it’s a test to see in whom we’ve placed our faith.  Do we put it in other people?  Or is our faith, ultimately, in the wisdom of God?  The psalms say, “It is better to trust in the Lord, than to trust in men; it is better to take refuge in the Lord, than to trust in princes.”

And we know that it’s better because God does not disappoint; God does not fail.  Even if the all-too-human leaders God has chosen fail, God himself is always steady and faithful.  God is never in danger of “becoming” a traitor.  God is forever faithful.  When can never go wrong by placing all our faith in him, our leader, Shepherd, and Guide.

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