The City of God (Sunday homily)

There’s a lot going on in all the readings, 

but let’s focus in on the City of God in the Book of Revelation.

And while on that subject, please note: 

it’s called the Book of Revelation, singular, not plural. 

Why is that important? 

Because no matter how complex this book is, 

it’s not a mishmash of statements or visions. 

It has one, single subject; one revelation: 

and that is Jesus Christ and his work to save us. 

All the various details, which are challenging to penetrate, 

together form a mosaic that shows us our Savior. 

And so, we have a city, come down from God. 

A glorious city of gold. 

There are twelve gates that stand open all the time. 

This city is always filled with light. 

This is an image of who you and I, and all believers, 

will be when Jesus has completed his work. 

Not a place of violence or greed. 

Not different factions. You and I won’t be off on our own. 

We are a city – cities are people depending on each other. 

A family. The Body of Christ.

The first reading – without taking time to explain the whole story – 

is resolving a dispute. 

If fights and bad bloods among Christians discourage you, 

they began early! 

The gist of the Apostles’ advice in that first reading is: 

everyone be willing to make some accommodation, some adjustment, 

to maintain our community. Good advice, 20 centuries later.

I want to highlight a detail you may have missed. 

Notice the twelve gates of the city 

bear the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. 

This reminds us of something St. Paul wrote 

in his letter to the Romans: 

God’s gifts and call to the Jewish People are “irrevocable.” 

There’s a lot more we could say about just how 

God intends his Chosen People to play a role in the full plan of salvation.

But for now, let’s be clear he does have that intention!

And realize, his plan is to bring each of us into that “chosenness,”

Not to push anyone out.

You may or may not realize that 

there have been disturbing re-occurrences in recent times 

of hatred and contempt toward Jews.

There was a murder in our nation’s capital days ago.

And a few weeks ago, someone painted ugly graffiti 

on a business just down the road from St. Henry Church. 

So, let’s take this moment to make clear: 

we Christians are called never to hate, rather to oppose hate. 

It may require some of us to speak up, 

maybe even to cause some awkwardness, in confronting bigotry. 

And, lest there be any lack of clarity, 

Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the Apostles were all Jews. 

God’s Plan is that we are a family that is together.

And that’s not just about Jewish or non-Jewish,

or any identity or nationality.

It’s about all the lovely hues of skin color, 

and the symphony of languages in which God is praised, 

all the stunning variety that God himself created.

All are called into the City of God.

What forms and perfects this spiritual family, 

this golden City of God, is Jesus Christ. 

Those who are included are those who let Jesus reshape them. 

You and I can refuse to cooperate, 

which is a frightening thought: 

that would mean we exclude ourselves from that hope!

The process of cooperating, of becoming that City, 

Isn’t easy, isn’t quick. It takes place in our daily lives. 

Each day you and I choose: will I be light or darkness? 

Will I stay close to Jesus, or put other things first?

Will I humble myself and admit wrong? 

Will I seek grace in the sacraments? 

Life in any city means we rely on others 

to supply our food and water and electricity. 

In the City of God, that’s the sacraments: 

our light and power and life.

So, brothers and sisters, look intently at that City.

That’s who God wants to make you. Let him do it!