Sunday Reflection with Fr Robin Gibbons: 26 June 2016

Christ the Healer

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time. 26 June 2016

Given that those of us in the UK have been part of a seismic shift in the political direction of our country, how do these words of Jesus, quoted by Luke, seem to you? Jesus said: "No one who sets a hand to the plough and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God." I guess some of you reading this will feel that the earth you know and understand has shifted its axis, some will be fearful, some resentful, others hopeful, the uncertain waters ahead cannot be fathomed as of yet!

But isn't this the time for a reaffirmation of our belief in the goodness of God and a time to let go of the selfishness and self interest that has been a problem in contemporary society? What has been cannot be restored, the challenge of the Gospel is for us to reassert the values of the coming Kingdom, after all that is also our religious task: 'But he answered him, "Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." '

Luke's Gospel says something eminently prophetic for us after this EU referendum, it reminds us that there is no abiding city on this little blue planet, things change, even great empires and cities disappear and sometimes the shift of fortune hangs on something very small.

Who would have thought that the death of an itinerant, in a small city, in a part of a provincial area with political instability and guerrilla warfare, would change the destiny of millions and give hope to many in the centuries to follow? That is what Christ shows us in his passion, death and resurrection, that the power of the Triune God is ever at work and that, as my Jesuit teacher often quoted, 'God writes straight with crooked lines'. Hold on to that at this point in time, remind yourself that whatever may be going on the commandment to love God, neighbour and self is still our primary law.

Paul's words to the Galatians can help us see a bit further in the mists of uncertainty; they take us out of any self absorption and place us in a far, far, bigger context than the EU. Why? Because they show us the horizons of God: 'you were called for freedom, brothers and sisters.But do not use this freedomas an opportunity for the flesh;rather, serve one another through love.'. That's our perennial task!

Prayer for Reconciliation after the Referendum:

Eternal God, Light of the nations,

in Christ you make all things new: guide our nation in the coming days through the inspiration of your Spirit, that understanding may put an end to discord and all bitterness.

Give us grace to rebuild bonds of trust that together we may work for the dignity and flourishing of all;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Fr Robin Gibbons is an Eastern Rite Chaplain for the Melkite Greek Catholics in Britain