Homily for Oct 18

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is difficult for us to fathom the hatred between different sects of Judaism in the day of Jesus. We hear frequent cries of distress about the radical divisions within our country (and even in our families) between so-called liberals and conservatives. That which divided the Pharisees and the Herodians of old was even greater. Pharisees were fundamentalist when it came to adherence to the Law of Moses and resented any foreign influence in their way of life. Herod and his followers felt that acquiescing to the demands of Rome would make things better for the people. These two opposing groups were in agreement, however, in their opinion of Jesus. Both saw him as a threat. They thought they had created an impossible scenario when they asked Jesus about payment of the dreaded tax. The answer Jesus gave was far more profound than anything either group could imagine. He simply asked “whose image” was on the Roman coin. The Greek word is “ikon.” Scholars of the Law would certainly be able to recall the words from the “Book of Genesis:”
 

“God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him, male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

Not only have we been created in God’s “image and likeness,” but we have been redeemed by the blood of God’s Son and truly can be called “adopted children of God.”
 

“When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, so that we might receive adoption.” (Galatians 4:4)

This argument and these passages are timely in the light of the Holy Father’s recent encyclical letter called “Fratelli Tutti” in which he asks us all to ponder our common humanity and the profound respect we owe one another. His words are challenging and question many of the values we hold dear. Never in my life have I seen differences of opinion divide friends and family as radically as they seem to do now. The words of the Holy Father reflect the effect of Jesus’ question had on his audience. They were dumfounded and had to ponder what he meant. Christian artists throughout the centuries have created the beautiful images called “ikons.” Those who “write ikons” view their painstaking work as a religious experience. The image created is believed to reflect a “presence” of the one signified. Thus, candles are lit and incensed offered before these sacred objects. Do we not also owe similar reverence to one another? Is this not truly the “Good News” we are meant to proclaim to the world?

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Bill Foley