Isaiah 49: 3, 5-6
First Corinthians 1: 1-3
John 1: 29-34
In the 1990’s, Tom Cruise starred in a film, entitled “Jerry
Maguire,” in it he played a sports
agent, who leaves a super sports management agency, because he feels he can do
better on his own. He is trying to
retain his clientele, especially this promising football player, portrayed by
the actor Cuba Gooding Jr. Jerry Maguire
is trying desperately to convince the football player to stay with him, the
player remains unconvinced. Finally, he
tells Maguire, “Show me the money!” which becomes a catch phrase for the
‘90’s. “Show me the money,” in other
words, “Show me that you are the real deal, that you can deliver on your
promises.” Now, imagine if you are
Jewish person during the time of Isaiah, and you just heard the words that are
in the first reading. Actually, these
are the Lord’s words that Isaiah is repeating.
Keep in mind that this reading takes place during a time of trial for
the people of Israel,
the kingdom is being shattered, the people dragged into exile. And God is saying that Israel will
become a light to the nations! Some of
the people will take these words to heart and have hope! Others, I am sure will say, “Show me the
money!” “Show that this promise will
ever be fulfilled.”
Fast forward to the time of John the Baptist. He is going up and down the Jordan
River, proclaiming that the Messiah is coming! He calls people to get ready, repent from
your sins, be baptized and cleansed from your sins. And he drawing great crowds, but there are
those who listen to him, especially the Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem; who come up to
him and say “Show me the money!” Show us
this Messiah! John points to Jesus and
declares “Behold the Lamb of God!” and he gives testimony of his own
experience, of seeing the Holy Spirit coming upon Jesus, and knowing in his
heart of hearts that Jesus is the Son of God.
Fast forward again to our present times, we see in this
country the Christian community in decline; people no longer willing to make a
commitment to the Church, no longer willing to believe. We cry out to them, “Behold, Jesus
Christ! The Way, The Truth, and The Life!”
do people respond to us by saying: “Show us the money!” Show us, testify to us, by your words and
deeds that you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God! How do we respond? Do we insulate ourselves here in this
Church? Become a faithful remnant? I would say no! From the moment we were baptized and
confirmed, we received a precious treasure, a treasure that is renewed and
increased each time we receive the Body and Blood of our Lord! But it is not a treasure to be hoarded, we
are to go forth into our homes, our offices and workshops; the marketplaces and
street corners; and share that treasure with everyone we come in contact
with. We are called to give ourselves in
service to others, that they may know God’s love, to be a voice for the poor
and oppressed. That each person we
greet, will experience the peace and love of Christ. Let us “show the money,” let us show them the
power, the reality of that the love that can only come through Jesus Christ,
the Son of God.
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