(For the audio version of this blog, please visit: https://brothersinchristcmf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mass-Blog-for-the-11th-Sunday-in-Ordinary-Time-2026.mp3)
Last week we quoted from the new book “If There Is No God,” in which Jewish Author and Scholar Dennis Prager argues that Judeo-Christian values must overcome secular reason if we are to live in a decent world. The book is largely built around answers he gave to challenging questions posed to him during speaking events. One question could have been inspired by this Sunday’s first reading:
“If you hearken to my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my special possession, dearer to me than all other people, though all the earth is mine. You shall be to me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation.” (Exodus 19:2-6a)
This excerpt from Exodus seems to portray God as treating Jewish people as His favorites. Prager fielded the following question from someone who distrusts people like him who, he thinks, seem to rub this favoritism in their face:
“Why would I follow a religion that considers its Jewish followers to be chosen?”
Prager answered:
“The task Jews were chosen for is to introduce the world to the one God and spread the values of the Torah to the world. What’s more, ‘Chosenness’ has historically come with the price of antisemitism. That tremendous burden hardly indicates Jewish superiority.”
One might even ask why a Jew would remain a Jew despite the dangers such antipathy can inspire. The question could also be addressed to Catholics and ALL Christians inspired by this Sunday’s gospel reading, in which Jesus gives the apostles their marching orders:
“Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons.” (Matthew 9:36—10:8)
Sounds like both Jews and Christians were more drafted than chosen—enjoying all the dangers that come with any military conscription. As we know, Christ’s apostles were among the first to live and die by the experience of mission creep, as they and their charges were eventually called to evangelize all souls. We also know that most of them were killed in this service.
In that way, Prager believes, many Christians share more values with religious Jews than they do with non-practicing Christians. All people of faith therefore share in the antipathy that might inspire hate. That’s why Christ told HIS chosen people: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.” (Matthew 10:28)
You and I were chosen to show all souls the way out of the Hell of hate on Earth.
–Tom Andel
Being chosen is often mistaken by outsiders as a privilege, but in Scripture it is more accurately understood as a responsibility. God chooses people for a mission—to serve, to witness, and to lead others toward Him.
That mission is especially relevant today. It is easy to descend into anger, division, and contempt. Hatred pulls people downward. Christian discipleship calls us instead to be decent—to treat others with dignity, charity, and respect, even when it is difficult.
The difference between decent and descent is only one letter, but the spiritual difference is profound. One leads toward God and neighbor; the other toward division and hate.
If we are truly chosen to help others out of the hell of hate on Earth, we do so not through power or status, but through everyday acts of Christian decency. By resisting the descent into hatred, we help point others toward a better path.
George, the call to Christian duty is a privilege and a responsibility, much as jury duty is. Our service in both cases is to ensure justice is done. Not everyone appreciates being chosen or having anything to do with chosen people.
I grew up in a generation where prejudice and bigotry were fairly common. Jokes and slurs occurred with regularity, but usually without malice. We picked on everyone and rarely was it taken with offense. Not that it was right, it just was.
That said, there is real and harmful racism in our day, and there likely always will be. It is the way of man. Look at the Jews and the Samaritans. This goes back before the time of Christ.
In an attempt to lighten up the situation I often ask “who is the most famous Jew of all time?” After some pondering i let them off the hook. Jesus is the most famous Jew ever. A close second is his mother.
There should be no angst between Christians and Jews. We have a common bond (although they are still waiting, because they missed the main event 2000 years ago). I can only lovingly say – “swing and a miss.”
Mankind’s wars have always been rooted in prejudice. We often prejudge God, assuming He’s on our side of a fight. God the Son taught us that this life is to be spent making adjustments as we judge our ability to fit through the narrow gate to God’s Kingdom. Paradoxically, getting in requires trying to drag as many fellow souls as possible through it with us. This is a matter of leverage, not force. Living God’s word to the fullest gives our smallest efforts their greatest power.
I’ve always thought of the Jewish people as the first people our Maker choose. We have so much more in common than we realize. There is so much wisdom for Jewish people and Christians to share in both the old and new testament.
Agreed, Deb. The prophets often told us things we didn’t like to hear. Then Jesus showed up and taught us how to live them.