The Word Of Peace
Homiletic Reflections On Peacemaking

Deacon Robert M. Pallotti

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

In 1815 Napolean Bonaparte escaped from the island of Elbe to return to mainland France. He had been exiled to the island by the other European powers after he had plunged Europe in 20 years of war. Napolean arrived with about 1,000 men. The French king dispatched Field Marshall Ney to intercept and capture Napolean. As the two forces converged, Napolean walked in front of his men, Ney's guns trained on him. Napolean went ahead alone to meet Ney's forces. Slowly, steadily, eyes forward, he walked, thousands of guns focused on him. Suddenly he heard fire ! Nothing, then the soldiers broke ranks and embraced Emperor Napolean. His willingness to face death brought back the loyalty and devotion of French soldiers.

Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah brings Jesus to tell the disciples what this will mean. It will mean that he will be rejected, suffer and die, yet be vindicated. The reaction of Peter is understandable, couldn't there be another way ? After all, the expectations of the time suggested that the Messiah would come as a conqueror, a military hero--at least that was the expectation of the Zealots, the ultranationalists who wanted open revolt against Rome. Some others looked for a Messiah that would be the perfect wise king, or the true prophet. Still others had othe expectations. What was not expected was a suffering Messiah, one that would be rejected by the religious leaders ! So we can understand Peter who had the notion of earthly glory that include the power of domination, place of privilege and political clout ! Jesus offers not domination, not privilege, not power politics-- for these are human standards not God's . Jesus comes to us as God's crucified love. It is a love that sees glory differently. It is a way of life that is not concerned with prestige but with sacrifice. It is not concerned with self-centeredness, but t with the needs of the other, especially the suffering others--the one's Jesus has a special identification with in this world.

A follower of Jesus is called to walk and follow in his steps, in self-surrender and vulnerability. Our bodies, as St. Paul tells us, become a living testament to our commitment to be the Lord's disciples. In all we say and do, think and imagine we are called to give "flesh" or "body" to what we believe in concrete actions and lifestyles not caught up with cultural tends that are focused on individualism divorced from responsibility for the other, and the world. Rather like Jeremiah and Jesus we are called to be a counter-sign and alternative people in the world. The normal expectations about what makes for glory, success and human accomplishment may be challenged by this alternative way of life. Rather than rampant consumerism, conservation; Rather than status seeking-emptying of self.

We see such signs in peoples lives at St. Joseph parish. Some sacrifice leisure time to feed the hungry; parents that take time to be with and help instruct their children on what it means to be a truly human person; the choir rehearsing with a dedication, a commitment to excellence in leadership of worship that many throughout the diocese admire. Young people have volunteered their time at Nursing homes--the list is endless. All of this and more are examples of following Jesus--a willingness to lose one's life for others. Many such things may not get public accolades. They may even seem to be a waste of time to many. But they are judging by human standards , not by God's.

Napolean was once again in power. Mustering his troops he marched to confront the English and Prussians in Charlequoi, near Waterloo. During the battle he became ill and had to find a place to rest. While he was laying down General Borboyeier came to see him. Napolean asked him," How do you think history will remember me ?" "That you extended the limits of glory !" Uhm! the limits of glory ?"

Normally, nations often equate glory with power, the power of conquest or military might. But as we see even Napolean began to wonder. Jesus comes to us as that which was unexpected, just as the prophet Jeremiah was in his time. Both come with a message and lifestyle that many did not want to, but needed to hear and follow. It is a message and lifestyle that confounds many. But we know it is the way by which we will discover the true face of God, one seen on the crucified body of his Christ.

Deacon Robert M. Pallotti, D. Min.
Uploaded January 14, 2000