“When Paul came to Antioch…” Thus begins the first reading today. It is part of a story that began yesterday and will end tomorrow. I suggest that you read the whole story before continuing the homily. If you do not, I shall continue my homily (since I am such a nice guy).
Luke describes what happened with Paul at Antioch in Pisidia much the same way he describes the Lord Jesus’ coming to Nazareth to preach (Luke 4:16-30). There is first a great welcome for the preacher, then a great disapproval of the preacher and an attempt to throw him out. This scenario is described many times in the life of Christ and of the Church in the Sacred Scriptures.
Perhaps, if this scene does not repeat itself in our ministries, we should have to conclude that we have failed to do our part. Persecution does not mean that we can pat ourselves on the back. Often our failure comes from us.
So, what is the message? Jesus died, but God raised him up from the dead. Why did God do this? Was it so that we can blame others for killing Jesus? No, it was so that God could proclaim the forgiveness of sins to everybody.
Paul described it this way. First of all, Paul has to include himself among those living in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus’ death. The inhabitants of Jerusalem failed to recognize Jesus. They had him killed and so they brought to fulfillment the words of the prophets. Just as God raised Jesus into everlasting life, so God intends for all who hear this message to have this same eternal life. Paul does not blame the inhabitants of Jerusalem. He does not blame their leaders. He does, however, proclaim the good news of forgiveness, of new life, of sharing in the life of God.
Because of all this that has happened, Paul will go on to announce to all the pardon for sins. This forgiveness of sins comes from the great action of God in Jesus. God has raised Jesus from the dead for the forgiveness of sins. God does not send his disciples out to condemn others, but to call them to receive this forgiveness. This is the good news we preach.
In this time of Co-vid 19, we proclaim the same word of God. God has not sent the virus into the world to condemn the world or because is a very angry God. God has sent it so that we can show others God’s love and care for them even as they suffer. God sent the Son because of God’s compassion and love for us.
God’s word challenged the people in Nazareth. God’s word challenged the people in Antioch in Pisidia. God’s word challenges us now, even in this time of pandemic. The message is always the same. God loves us. God calls us to repentance that leads to new life. God has in mind for us that we receive the blessings God has for us. God wants us to proclaim God’s goodness and not the ugliness of sin. Jesus Christ has died, but Jesus Christ is risen. Alleluia, for God has saved us in what happened in Jerusalem and in Antioch in Pisidia so short a while ago. God saves us in what is happening with us today.