Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The wicked men of the second chapter of the book of Wisdom were extremely annoyed by the just man. They found, in him, an obstacle to their carefree mode of existence. They had prematurely concluded that the world was governed only by chance, and that life was short, and that, therefore, worldly pleasures should be enjoyed to the last drop. Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die.
If only those who think this way could take a step back, reflect more carefully, and encounter Jesus Christ, they would understand that the world is governed by infinite goodness. The human soul is immortal. The pleasures and the sufferings of this life are as nothing compared to the glory to be revealed. The example of the truly just man, Jesus Christ, summons the wicked to do what is right and just, and that is why “merely to see him is a hardship for [the wicked], because his life is not like that of others, and different are his ways” (Wisdom 2:14-15).
This does not mean that we should embrace all kinds annoying, odd or anti-social behaviors in pursuit of Christian ideals. St. Ignatius tried letting his fingernails grow to their maximum length, thinking that doing so would destroy his own personal vanity, but he later regretted it. It turns out that long nails are hard to clean and make it hard to work, and they become the center of attention. Better, instead, to center your attention on God, himself, and to keep your hands busy doing what is right and just. When wicked men assail you on that account, remember the example of the son of God. God himself will deliver you from the hand of all your foes.