We need only to read the front page of today’s newspaper to know there are many “marginalized” people in our world who have become victims of abuse, exploitation, discrimination, ostracization, hatred, greed, oppression, famine, violence, murder, terrorism, war, and countless other types of offenses committed against humanity. Too often, the pains and anguishes experienced by such victims are simply ignored and/or tolerated through the indifference of others who fail to advocate or to act on their behalf. And isn’t it true such atrocities are often committed by “powerful” individuals, groups of people, corporations and/or governments.
It’s sad to say, but we know there are even some formal faith communities, and so-called “spiritual people” within them, who bear responsibility for such things. And lamentably, we don’t have to look too far within our own Roman Catholic Church to find examples of the misuse of power, the victimization of people, the “shunning” of particular individuals or groups, and indifference about it on the part of others.
Unfortunately, this is really nothing new – even when Jesus traveled and preached in Galilee, Samaria, and Judea, he warned his followers about those “religious people” who perverted their power, and who so easily and self-righteously condemned, oppressed, and victimized others. Today’s Gospel reference to “the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes” calls this to mind (see Luke 9:22). Might we admit that in our own time, and possibly even within our own faith communities, there are similar and so-called “spiritual people” who simply and likewise abuse their power as well? And is it possible that we might enable such behavior because of our own fear of them, or because of our indifference, or because of our failure to advocate for those who are their victims?
With all of this in mind, the message of our Gospel today gets right to the point. Jesus told his disciples that if they desired to be faithful to him that they would have to suffer. He knew that he (and they) would have “to suffer greatly, be rejected . . . and be killed” by the very “religious people” of that time who should have known better (see again verse 9:22).
Jesus knew that serving the “marginalized” and those most in need, and preaching the Good News about God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness, certainly would come at a great price! And so I believe in order to champion the humanity, the dignity and the rights of those who were otherwise “marginalized,” and perhaps “victimized” as well, Jesus actually dared to advocate on their behalf, and even more, to become one of them. For this, and at the hands of the “powerful,” and even those who claimed to be “religious,” he ultimately became a victim too, as he suffered, was crucified, and died. But even so, and as our faith tells us, “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (see 1 Corinthians 1:18).
My friends, following the example of Jesus, let us dare to treat all people with complete reverence and respect, especially those who are “different” and those who are the most “marginalized!” In doing so, may we embrace whatever sacrifices and sufferings we must endure, as we boldly and with great confidence proclaim the Good News of our faith!
Praise God! Friar Timothy
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