A: 28th Sun of OrdTime (11 Oct 2020) - BRETHREN ALL ARE WE (Isa 25:6-10)

“On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over all nations; he will destroy forever” (Isa 25:7).

This prophecy is a beautiful promise to the poor, the needy, and those in distress as barriers that divide the world will be finally removed (v. 4), and subsequently, the Lord “will wipe away the tears from all faces” (v. 8). What is astonishing though in this foretelling is that while it is the Lord’s people who had been oppressed and, henceforth, the ones who were supposed to receive exclusively God’s favor, the great feast “of rich food and choice wines” that will be thrown by the Lord one day will be “for all peoples” (v. 6). Extending God’s blessings to all, inclusive of sinners and oppressors, is a great anomaly to those who suffered in their hands. Where is God’s justice if all will be rewarded anyway?

One should not forget, however, that the phrase “on this mountain” (vv. 6, 7) is important in understanding this pericope as salvation is only offered to those who align themselves to this mountain. What is being referred to here is Mt. Zion or the sacred mountain of Jerusalem which is renowned as the seat of Yahwism as it houses the Lord’s temple (v. 10). Accordingly, affiliation to this mountain allegorically connotes having faith in God by extolling his name and trusting his power (v. 1). Simply put, a sincere conversion and authentic belief in him will give equal chances to anybody to be saved as well regardless of his/her provenance or past life.

The crux of Isaiah’s prophecy is that God opens salvation to all peoples, regardless of borders!

Providentially, on the eve of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi last October 3, 2020, Pope Francis published his encyclical letter on fraternity and social friendship entitled “Fratelli Tutti.” He reflected on the life of this great saint who “shows his openness of heart, which knew no bounds and transcended differences of origin, nationality, colour or religion” (FT §3). Pope Francis was actually reacting against the culture of our world today that has become “throwaway” by a cheap regard for human life (cf. FT §19) where conflict and fear rule as indicated in countless incidents of wars, terrorisms, and racial/religious persecutions being done in pursuit of economic interests (cf. FT §25). As these catastrophes bring greater division especially amidst the current pandemic crisis, he challenges us all to have “the sense that we are a global community, all in the same boat, where one person’s problems are the problems of all” (FT §32).

Pope Francis hinges his message on the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-37) that teaches us to be true neighbors to one another, even to poor and faceless strangers on our way. Specifically, “Jesus’ parable summons us to rediscover our vocation as citizens of our respective nations and of the entire world, builders of a new social bond” (FT §66). In other words, the pontiff calls for global solidarity by the removal of all social borders and biases that make us “intolerant, closed and perhaps even – without realizing it – racist” (FT §41).

“Fratelli Tutti,” an Italian phrase for “All Brothers,” simply denotes that our universal brotherhood/sisterhood should be on top of everything else. We may have radical differences with other persons, but these should be set aside in favor of forging global unity, so that one day we can enjoin one another: “let us rejoice and be glad that he has saves us!” (Isa 25:9).

- Rex Fortes, CM