Homily: 27th Week in Ordinary Time - Friday - Calm in the storm

Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2 View Readings

Psalm 9:2-3, 6, 16, 8-9

Luke 11:15-26

For just two days, today and tomorrow we hear from the very short book of Joel.  The Book of Joel is only four chapters long.  Joel prophesied in Judah, in Jerusalem around the year 500, after the return from the Babylonian exile.

We heard Joel calling the people to repentance for the day of the Lord’s judgment is coming soon.  Though they had just returned from exile, he tells the people, don’t get too comfortable; getting too comfortable, to complacent, too familiar with worldly ways is how we got in trouble in the first place.  So, he calls for fasting and penance and all-night prayer vigils, he calls for the people to come together in prayer.  Sound the alarm; blow the trumpets because time is running out!  Joel goes on to described the calamities and natural disasters which are only a foreshadowing of the eternal suffering that awaits those who fail to repent, and exclude God from their lives.

Even the Gospel has an ominous tone, as Jesus speaks of exorcism, unclean spirits and the kingdom of Satan. 

Interestingly, it is the Psalm this morning, that which is like the eye of the hurricane.  The nations are sinking into the pit they have made for themselves, God sits ready to judge with justice, yet the faithful soul is still found giving thanks to God, declaring his wondrous deeds, rejoicing and exalting in God, and singing his praise.

That’s the faithful Christian whose soul is prepared; the faithful Christian who conscious of his sins, has repented, whose conscience is clean, who has spent his life in service to God.  Even as the world seems to fall apart, bent on self-destruction, the faithful soul is free from fear, and is able to thank God for his many blessings. 

Jesus comes to save us from the chaotic powers of evil, and the judgment of the wicked described in the first reading.  And through faith we receive a peace the world cannot give.  Though the mountains may fall, and nations crumble, the Lord promises peace to his faithful ones.  Confident and trusting in the Lord amidst all the chaos of our lives, may we be found faithful today in his service for the GLory of God and salvation of souls.