We hear so often that life is a journey. Somebody said that to me the other day, again. When people say that around me I am tempted to say: So do you know where its starts, ends and where on earth we are now?
This year and particularly this week week our TV screens have been full of death, which admittedly, is a big part of that journey. As we see the nuclear disaster in Japan and the human carnage in Libya, our hearts go out to those affected by human tragedy. On the local front we have seen the community of Warmun literally washed away, thankfully after its people were evacuated, which is only the most recent of a steady stream of natural disasters affecting our country. Just this morning I was texted a photos of water lapping at homes in Noonkanbah and Fitzroy Crossing. On a very local level, our town of Broome last night saw the end of the earthly journey for Elizabeth Puertollano, a giant of our parish.
So what does this all mean? Where does this journey start and end? We are not alone in asking these questions. Our scripture shows us that it is a necessary part of humanity, as is discovering the answer.
When Abraham journeyed with Isaac, neither knew the destination nor the reason, but they both trusted in God. They had to travel far and hard, physically, spiritually and mentally. Abraham threw in his lot with God and followed, not understanding the purpose. He was rewarded with descendants as many as the stars of the heavens.
Peter, James and John were chosen by Jesus to journey to Mount Tabor. They didn’t know the destination or the purpose. They went because they trusted Jesus to lead them to God. They journey led them up a steep and dangerous mountain.
Abraham’s eyes were opened when he saw God’s purpose. The apostles eyes were opened when they saw Jesus’ purpose. For both their trust was well placed. The journeys were neither an isolated one, nor was it pointless. Abraham’s trust gave birth to a nation planted in faith and trust. Jesus’ journey allowed his apostles to see that Jesus was not a one man band. Even he who was the son of God followed the footsteps of Abraham, Moses and Elijah. Abraham was their father in faith, Moses received the law and Elijah the great prophet. The apostles saw that Jesus was indeed planted in solid faith.
We follow in the footsteps of Abraham, Moses, Elijah and Jesus. We are on the solid ground of faith in our journey. This journey does not end on earth, but continues through death to new life. Last night Elizabeth Puertollano began the next stage of her journey. Among the many gifts she left to her family and this parish is that of complete trust on God. She knew her God and the journey on which he called her. In her time of decline she made sure everyone, family and friends, knew the priorities of her long life: God, family, and faith.
In our journey we remember that we are people who know the end, we know our destination. We know that we travel with the wisdom and prayer of our ancestors in faith. Lent is our opportunity to focus so that we can see the big picture, so that we can appreciate the journey. On the shoulders of these giants that have gone before us in faith, we recognise Jesus as the presence of God among us, and listen to him and are able to move forward.
Homily 21st March 2011, Third Sunday of Lent A, OLQP Broome
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