Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Our readings for Sunday are here. 

These are the poems, my notes, and interpretations of Fr Dennis’ homily from the Mass of

• July 20, 2014 Sun 8:30AM

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The poem Fr Dennis references this year is:

• Parable of the Old Man and the Young by Wilfred Owen

In 2014, we reflected on —

• It’s parable time in the reading cycle — lots and lots of parables, last week the seeds and soil, this week the mustard seed and faith, and more weeds.
• In general, for parables:
  • When asked a question, Jesus tells a story or parable which essentially prompts the questioner to consider a different view or answer.
  • Parables are poem-like in that they make larger statements about life in general and have multiple meanings, e.g., “Let those who have ears, hear.”  There is the literal meaning of the statement [auditory signal] and that larger meaning which denotes “ear [of faith].”
  • They are an unusual style of story intended to teach and hide.
• D2 chose the poem Parable of the Old Man and the Young by Wilfred Owen. The poem incorporates the familiar story of Abraham and Isaac, which evokes a sacred, biblical epic context, while the modern context and details of WWI, draft, and desolation are hidden. The biblical story is not followed to its ending, and instead the poem’s Abram (not the graced and renamed Abraham who listened to God and received a son and promise of numerous descendants) slays Isaac in direct defiance of God’s messenger, just as the old men of Europe slew their young.
  • Wilfred Owen was born in 1893 and died during WWI. A lot of his poetry arises out of his experience in war.  This poem is 16 lines but only the last two rhyme, the two lines that express his opinion/point of view.
  • In this poem we hear the human choice surround WWI rather than the biblical Abram’s/Abraham’s choice to obey God, ultimately saving his son.  Instead, “the old man … slew his son, / And half the seed of Europe, one by one.”

And some fun facts about the mustard tree (the big plant with branches!) that is thought to have originated in Persia and spread throughout the region.