Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Wednesday of the 24th week in ordinary time, September 20, 2023; memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gon, priest, and Paul Chong Hasang, and companions, martyrs
The theme for our meditation today is: Don't Get Used to be Indifferent. The term "indifferent" is commonly understood as no care, no attention, and ignoring. To our neighbours, this indifference of course makes them angry or offended. Of course God is also disappointed if His people are indifferent or don’t care about Him.
Jesus himself, as the Father's messenger to save mankind, faced the indifference of the people around him. He saw them as an indifferent generation or those who are fooling themselves. There was a long-promised God coming into their midst but they were blind of hearts and eyes. They could not hear Him and were determined to reject Him. He compared them to children who enjoy playing music, but people don't share in their joy of singing and dancing. The children were drowning in sadness, but the people there did not want to be with them in the mourning.
An indifferent or no care points to the act of no answer or without response. When, for example, you have not been responded to your fellow classmate for sometimes, it is the same as your fellow facing a rock or wall. This is more painful for that fellow than getting a negative answer or response. If you get the answer "no" or "sorry I haven't had time", it's enough for you to understand it as a definite answer. But if there is no certainty, for example being indifferent, no interest and no care, this is actually against charity and for sure is contrary to faith.
Faith indeed needs answers. But Jesus did not find this in those who saw and heard Him. He was so disappointed and strongly criticized them. Until now and in this place of ours the same attitude also exists in the Church and in our society. An indifferent or no-care attitude, for example, is made towards advice, recommendation, input or suggestion for improvement. When there is no improvement, anyone will repeat this mistake over and over again. If God's Word and His commandments are ignored or welcomed with indifference, no wonder the consequence will be punishment where someone is not granted God's blessings and mercy. Indifference is a type of rejection.
Indifference should be understood as the resistance to love. When God says that He is present in the poor, abandoned, sick, persecuted, outcast and tormented, the teaching of love demands that they must be given dew care. However, if Christians prefer no care, indifference, ignorance and no attention, these of course are so painful to God and humiliating on the part of one’s own neighbours. Let us highlight again the theme of this reflection: don't get used to be indifferent. Never assume that being indifferent is something good.
Let's pray. In the name of the Father... O Lord Jesus, make us generous as we always care to take part in improving and developing our lives on earth as Your beloved people. Our Father who art in heaven... In the name of the Father...