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Exegesis
September 10, 2006 Twenty-third Sunday of the Year (B) Betty Jane Lillie, S.C. Is 35:4-7a X Ps 146:7-10 X Jas 2:1-5 X Mk 7:31-37
In the course of our life we often turn to the Lord for help with the ups and downs of daily existence. There is in the human psyche a yearning for some kind of savior or messiah to lead the world to better times. Humanity looks for a leader to bring about peace and well-being, especially in times of war and social unrest. The passage that makes up our first reading is now included with the oracles of First Isaiah (Is 1-39) and thus seems misplaced because of its messianic tone. Many think it ought to be in Second Isaiah (Is 40-55) which is sometimes referred to as the Book of Consolation, because it preaches the end of the exile and the restoration of Israel after the Babylonian Exile. (537 BCE) The people looked for a leader to save them and restor them to their homeland. The prophet preached the message of their vindication by the Lord. First come the words of encouragement. “Be strong, fear not!” God would come to save the nation he had chosen for his own. It was a wonderful prospect to think of retrieving their homeland and rebuilding their temple, even though the survivors of that day had never seen its former glory. Secondly, in messianic language, the well-being of the people was described in what can seem like exaggerated terms. Restoration of sight, hearing, and good health were symbolic expressions of the good things that would happen with the return of their hope and courage. Thirdly, all creation would rejoice and burst forth in jubilation at the recompense of God’s vindication. Returning to their own land was finally becoming a possibility. The link of Isaiah’s passage with the Gospel reading is in the miracles of Jesus’ ministry. The authenticating signs that the Father gave him were his mighty works that sparked astonishment in the crowds and moved some to faith. In this Gospel passage we have an instance of what is often referred to as the “Marcan Secret.” When the miracles occurred, Jesus would tell the crowds not to tell anyone. One is prompted to ask why he would do that since he came to spread the Good News of salvation. The text says that the more he told them not to tell anyone, the more they actually did it. In our experience what generally happens when people are told not to publicize something? So the Marcan Secret may be a literary device of the Sacred Writer to get out the word about the salvific mission of Jesus. Pursuant to that idea comes the message of James about those who would inherit the heavenly kingdom. There was to be no partiality on the basis of affluence or poverty, or on the basis of social class. Those who are rich in faith come into the kingdom that is promised to those who love the Lord. With the Psalmist we can praise the Lord who reigns forever. He works good things for his faithful people. (Ps 146)
Betty Jane Lillie, S.C.
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