Pyramids of Power (2011-02-13)

This is my homily for 13 February 2011. I am the Catholic campus minister for Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) campus and for the FDU Newman Catholic Association. We celebrate Catholic Mass - during Fall and Spring semester - every Sunday Mass (7:30 p.m.) at the Interfaith Chapel, 842 River Road, Teaneck, NJ.

6th Sunday, Year A.
[ Isaiah 58:7-10 | Psalm 112 | 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 | Matthew 5:13-16]

[__01___] It takes a great deal of consistency to build, to build a pyramid of power.

And, in Egypt and in Cairo, the pyramids are symbols of power, symbols of ancient power. And, we might see them as a symbolic of the 30-year power and regime of

President Hosni Mubarak who just resigned.

President Mubarak’s leadership was recently pulled down by a demonstration of people power in the streets. It is difficult to sit on top of a pyramid when things are not going well in the foundations of the country.

The question and challenge remains – will those -- who are now trying to ascend the pyramid – use their power and authority with peaceful methods? Will there be consistency, the consistency necessary for a pyramid to remain.

[__02__ ] Jesus is asking in this Gospel also about consistency in our lives, not simply scientific conformity to build a pyramid..and not only our exact scientific adherence to the letter of the law/commandments, but also the consistency of our behavior regarding the entire law, even looking beyond the written law to the spirit of the law.

Often we use the term … following the “spirit of a law” … to excuse ourselves from following some strict guideline. For example, if the speed limit is 65 miles per hour … I might justify 85 or more… when there is no else on the road…or I might justify if I have a vehicle designed for high speed…

Saying… well, that law does not really apply to me…

But, in this Gospel Jesus is using the “spirit of the law” ..not to excuse us..but also to expand our vision of what the law really means.

He does not want us to climb to the top of the pyramid and stay there…but to
understand what are the foundations that make the pyramid possible….. to understand not only how the law is designed… but how we are designed..as a person, in relationships, made to love, be loved…

[__03___] Regarding the law and our behavior …Jesus asks –
• How do we express frustration or displeasure in our lives?
• In what ways do we express our discontent … even our anger?

On the other hand, Jesus also asks …
• What happens when we cause anguish, pain for someone else…
• How do we handle that situation?

[__04(a)__ ] First, suppose that we express some frustration caused by another person. Or, suppose we have been insulted or wronged or cheated…
We are called to refrain from anger. Now, this does not mean we can refrain from or eliminate all feelings of displeasure, discontent, frustration.
In this case, Jesus is equating anger with a desire for revenge ..or the taking of revenge or vengeance.

Sometimes, we take vengeance not simply by doing something …but also by not doing…
• I stop talking
• I will not eat at your table
• I don’t return phone calls …
• The cold shoulder
• This is also revenge…

Jesus is equating anger with this revenge. According the letter of the law, we might be permitted to seek restitution – payback – in this way. But, Jesus is asking us to conform to the spirit of the law, so that we will have a firm foundation in our relationships, even if we are are wronged.

In the later part of the Gospel, Jesus speaks of “pray for your enemies…pray for those who persecute you.” This is the beginning of our change of heart … a new foundation, a consistent demonstration of our own power ..so that we are not sitting on top of a pyramid but rather coming down to earth.

[__04(b)__ ] Also, Jesus is asking us what to do … if we have wronged someone else – suppose someone has something against you or me.

Again, Jesus says …stay off the pyramid. Do not hide on top of the pyramid…or inside it.. And,. Do not even hide in church or the synagogue.

This is a very challenging word to all of us.

Quote -- “if you bring your gift to the altar and there recall that your brother (or sister or friend or family member) has something against you..leave your gift at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother. Then, come and offer your gift. (matthew 5:__)”

Again … we are not only praying for those we have hurt ..but also to what is possible to build communion in our lives, by our own sacrifices.

This is conversion. This is building a strong foundation.

In Egypt and in Cairo, the people are demanding a change…and this consistent demonstration has persuaded the president to resign…for a new government to be elected.

This not simply a switch from one political party to another or a switch from the current president his appointed successor.

But, this is a real conversion is happening. And, conversions are painful… sometimes with real sorrow for the past…and not entirely peaceful in the short term.

But, conversion is also asking us – what do we believe ? Religious conversions ask us what we believe .. And, when we are changing our hearts about a situation that makes us feel angry or sad…or we have caused another person some difficulty… we are also asked what do we believe? What do we believe about God and about the other person?