In you I take refuge
Division and fear seem to be all around us these days. Our politics are wrought with it, as is our global landscape. Economic indicators reflect panic and volatility as we struggle to respond to an uncertain world.
How are we to respond? Should we embrace an isolationist strategy, or do we risk allowing ourselves to be open to the needs of others? Does Scripture offer any suggestions for us?
Today’s scripture readings indicate that division and fear have always been with us. The curse of Babel — the biblical story in which God responds to human arrogance by keeping us divided — seems to be a part of the human condition that we must live with. And it’s disheartening to think that even the ministries of Jesus and the prophet Jeremiah were met with disagreements and arguments. Both faced groups that plotted against them. We finish today’s readings with the sad conclusion that “each went to his own house.”
My first thought as I read these passages was: “Well, that’s not helpful.” If Jesus and the prophets cannot bring people together, what hope do we have? But it is at that point that the responsorial psalm stands out: “O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge.” The Babel story is a reminder that we, in our arrogance, have a deep-seated need to control our destiny and social environment. The fact is that no matter how altruistic our intentions, we are not able to reconcile humanity to God. Only God can do that.
Jesus and Jeremiah faced persecution because they challenged the powers that be. They both knew that their mission would not be well received. The example they leave us is to have faith that God vindicates those who are faithful to their mission of spreading God’s love and serving those in need.
John Gonzalez is Director of Parish and Community Relations for Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens.