Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Fr. Ben Riley
I’d like to begin by looking at our first reading from the book of Wisdom. It makes an extraordinary observation that has roots in both theology and philosophy. Listen to how the author speaks to God.
“For you love all things that are and loathe nothing that you have made; for what you hated, you would not have fashioned. And how could a thing remain, unless you willed it; or be preserved, had it not been called forth by you?”
There’s so much packed into this short passage. And it calls forth a question that is fundamental to our relationship with God and our understanding of God’s care for us. And the question is very simple: ” Why does God create?” God is God. He is supremely perfect, supremely happy in himself. So, why then, does God create something other than himself? Why does He give rise to a world and to us human creatures? It can’t be out of need. I might build something or make something out of a certain necessity, but not so for God. So why does God create in the first place? The answer of the great tradition, found in the patristic fathers, and with its roots in the Bible, is that God creates not out of need, but to manifest and to share his glory. In other words, he does so out of shear love, and I don’t mean the modern understanding of love: a sentimental attitude of affection and feelings, but true love, that is, willing the good of another.
This is why God creates. He is love itself and out of an abundance of love, He desires to share it. Love has a tendency to do that. Consider the love between a husband and wife. The love they share is so powerful, that it unifies them, making them one flesh, and creating new life. True love has a creative character to it, and it has a sacrificial character. God loves us in such a perfect and infinite way that he not only created us, but he keeps us in creation, and sent us His Son, Jesus Christ, so that we might exist with him for all eternity. Listen again to the book of Wisdom,
“For you love all things that are and loathe nothing that you have made; for what you hated, you would not have fashioned. And how could a thing remain, unless you willed it”
That’s a metaphysical truth. The very fact that something exists means that it’s been loved into existence by God. Let that sink into your spiritual life. Whatever exists, exists because of the divine love, and a thing could not remain in existence unless God continues to will it. You would not exist right now, if God was not constancy loving you.
But God even takes it a step further because He not only desires your good while here on earth, but He desires your good for all of eternity. By giving us His son, by giving us the Eucharistic sacrifice, we are destined to become the Body of Christ, and be united to God’s love for all eternity.
It is with this image in mind, and with a very heavy heart, that I tell you that Father Jim Fanrak died on Friday. Some of you probably saw the email I sent out yesterday breaking this sad news. Father Jim was a good shepherd of this community. He will be missed beyond what words can express. He was a role model for me, and I am humbled to be trusted with the spiritual care of this church family. God created Father Jim out of love, and that same love has called him home.
Funeral arrangements are still being made, and I will send out a message as soon as I have more information. Please, pray for the peaceful repose of Father Jim, pray for this community as we grieve and mourn together, and finally, please support one another. Reach out to the person next to you, or to a parishioner you haven’t seen in a while and simply ask how they’re doing. Father Jim loved all of you, and he would want us to show our love for each other.
Eternal rest grant unto him, Oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.