The Role of Religion

Gospel: Matthew 2: 13-18

Within this story of the Holy Innocents we find two divergent paths that religion can take in the world.  The first is shown by the religious leaders who are advisors to King Herod.  In this path, religion is an institution that allies itself with the powers of the world.  It is ever fearful of protecting its interests and rights.  It is disingenuous with others, conspires to protect itself, and engages in atrocity and the justification thereof to protect its power and existence.

The other path is that of Joseph.  He is open to the voice of God in his life.  He has taken upon himself the task of protecting the vulnerable and poor in the persons of Mary and Jesus.  The voice of God always leads such people to find creative means to carry out this task of protecting and caring for the marginalized.  So, Joseph flees into Egypt with his family, and stays there until told to move them again to their permanent home in Nazareth.  

Which path will we follow as the Church today? For too long we have followed the first path.  We have created refugees both in a literal sense and in those who flee from the Church herself.  Today is the day to begin anew and follow the path of Joseph, to create a faith community whose sole mission is the care of the poor, oppressed, and marginalized, and who follow the voice of God that guides her in this mission.