Mercy

Receive Each Moment…

Driving on the highway on a clear but overcast winter morning one moment. Aimlessly sliding across lanes in the next. But through the grace of God, control was regained and the trip continued. In an instant, never mind a day or more, all sorts of things such as situations, environments, etc. can change drastically.

We can know that something is coming and do our best to prepare for it. For example, cold weather can bring icy conditions. Yet even being aware and extra careful, one can’t make any, and all, ice on a road or highway visible to the naked eye. And sometimes, like it or not, there is ice that’s both invisible and inescapable, extending across a road.

So, what’s one to do in these kinds of unavoidable situations? Shrink away from them? Or face them?

The fact of the matter is that there isn’t any one way or one answer for most things. However, there is always a best way to meet the moment. And oftentimes, arriving at it requires relinquishing the notion of control. Whether sliding across the highway in the cold, or steering the wheel on a warm, sunny day, it is the grace and love of God that sustains us.

We all have experiences that can shake us, literally and in other ways. Ones that can create anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and more. Yet, in all of them, we may not be in control, but we always have a choice(s). We can always strive to focus on what is best, what is possible, and most especially the spirit in which we proceed.

Last week’s Gospel was about the Wedding feast at Cana (John 2:1-11). When Mary tells Jesus that the wine has run out, he responds in part, “My hour has not yet come.” Yet, Mary still tells the waiters to do as Jesus tells them. Jesus instructs the waiters. They follow his instructions—essentially becoming part of the miracle—and through the grace of God, the problem is resolved. It wasn’t time… but it was. The time for the goodness of God—love, mercy, compassion, etc.—is always.

In the Gospel for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21), we start by going back to the beginning of Luke’s Gospel. We are reminded of Luke’s motivation. In his own words, he is striving to preserve an accurate account of Jesus life and ministry. And part of that account follows as we read about Jesus in the time after his baptism and temptation in the desert.

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit,
and news of him spread throughout the whole region.
He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. – Luke 4:14-15

What do you imagine Jesus, “in the power of the Spirit,” was like? What characteristics would you use to describe someone in the power of the Holy Spirit?

As the Gospel continues, Jesus enters the temple in Nazareth and proceeds to read from the scroll handed to him—the scroll of the prophet Isaiah.

He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.
Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down,
and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him.
He said to them,
“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” – Luke 4:17-21

Take some time to think about what you have learned and come to know about Jesus’s life and ministry. In what ways did Jesus’s words and actions fulfill this passage? How have you experienced these and other qualities of Jesus?

Whether it was at the wedding feast in Cana, in the temple in Nazareth, or elsewhere, and no matter what time it was, the Spirit in which Jesus lived and ministered was consistent and unwavering. And at the same time, he was fluid in meeting the moment with love and mercy, lifting all up as the glory of God, rather than making it his own.

Jesus’s life and teachings show us that the moment is always upon us, and the times is always right, to reflect the goodness of God. And more than that, our time is ours only thru the grace of God, and as such, it is always ripe with opportunity to be an expression of love and mercy in the world.

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding,
and my entire will,
All I have and call my own.

You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.

Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me. – St. Ignatius, Suscipe

Reverence…

In the second reading for this Sunday, the Baptism of the Lord, Peter says to those gathered before him, “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him.” (Acts 10:34-35).

Fear (or reverence) of the Lord can be a challenging concept. In fact, it can be tempting to mistake reverence as only being evidenced in what one can see. It can also be tempting to shrink it down to a fixed notion of what reverence looks like.

However, our faith calls us to remember, that we do not have the mind, or the insight of God. It is important to keep in mind that in our humanity, we can get hung up in appearances or distracted in what we think ought to be, and in the process, lose sight of the heart of any matter. It is only God who can truly judge, and help us to know, when and what to say or do in response to a situation(s).

And God, as we learn in the Scripture verses leading up to this Sunday’s second reading (Acts 10:9-33), does exactly this for Peter. God helps Peter to see that the faith that he holds so dear, is not just for those like him, but also for the gentiles. His experience on a rooftop during his midday prayer reveals the following:

He was hungry and wished to eat, and while they were making preparations he fell into a trance. He saw heaven opened and something resembling a large sheet coming down, lowered to the ground by its four corners. In it were all the earth’s four-legged animals and reptiles and the birds of the sky. A voice said to him, “Get up, Peter. Slaughter and eat.” But Peter said, “Certainly not, sir. For never have I eaten anything profane and unclean.” The voice spoke to him again, a second time, “What God has made clean, you are not to call profane.” This happened three times, and then the object was taken up into the sky. – verses 10-16

As Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said [to him], “There are three men here looking for you. So get up, go downstairs, and accompany them without hesitation, because I have sent them.” – verses 19-20

When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and, falling at his feet, paid him homage. Peter, however, raised him up, saying, “Get up. I myself am also a human being.” While he conversed with him, he went in and found many people gathered together and said to them, “You know that it is unlawful for a Jewish man to associate with, or visit, a Gentile, but God has shown me that I should not call any person profane or unclean. – verses 25-28

However, there’s more than that. God also helps Cornelius. Who like Peter, is not tethered to his own notions, and therefore is able to be open to being guided by the Spirit of God. It is written that Cornelius responds to Peter’s inquiry as to why he called him:

“Four days ago at this hour, three o’clock in the afternoon, I was at prayer in my house when suddenly a man in dazzling robes stood before me and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your almsgiving remembered before God. Send therefore to Joppa and summon Simon, who is called Peter. He is a guest in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ So I sent for you immediately, and you were kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to listen to all that you have been commanded by the Lord.” – verses 30-33

During the midday and afternoon hours of prayer, Peter and Cornelius had experiences of God that were different, but the same in Spirit. God gave them both direction, and despite it being an unusual or unexpected ask (for a Jew and a gentile, given practices, tradition, and cultural norms), both men in their fear or reverence of God, allowed themselves to cling to God and this new or different way, rather than a choice rooted in their worldly understanding—one that would have kept them separated… continuing with a wedge in place.

What wedges do you desire God to help humankind overcome today? Knowing that God’s grace flows in many directions on both small and large scales at the same time, what personal wedges would you like to overcome?

Take some time to reflect on this Scripture and how it relates to your experiences, both personal and more community or world-wide.

What happens when you think about God as placing emphasis on internal disposition or drive and how it motivates, informs, and influences one’s actions?

Envision the peace of God embracing you, calling your name, and saying, “You are my beloved; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22). Rest in the Lord and listen to what God desires for you.

When the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, He saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. – Titus 3:4-7

From where…

From where chaos comes,
Base passion and design,
Stirring ill will, division,
Seeds sowing lies.
Looking, always looking,
To seep and settle in.

From where chaos spreads,
Human passions and designs,
From what we, as masters, embrace,
What we give into,
And what we withstand.

From where peace comes,
Divine passion and design.
Love weaving in and out,
Through time and space.
Ushering good tidings,
Encouraging good will.

From where peace spreads,
Human passions and designs,
From what we, as servants, embrace,
What we give into,
And what we withstand.

“Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things,
man will not himself find peace.” – Albert Schweitzer

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist,
there is disorder and every foul practice.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure,
then peaceable, gentle, compliant,
full of mercy and good fruits,
without inconstancy or insincerity.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace
for those who cultivate peace. – James 3:16-18

With God, It’s All For Good…

It is written in the Book of Wisdom, “God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living.” (Wisdom 1:13). As ones created in the image of God, we are to live and behave as such. And while an eye for an eye or “getting even” may be tempting at times, it can lead to the destruction of another of God’s creation and can create a false sense of satisfaction, neither of which are in line with the image of God, or life giving.

In the second reading for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, St. Paul reminds the Corinthians that there is much more to discipleship than what one believes, what one knows, says, and does, and one’s conviction. It is the spirit in which one lives, and that guides one.

St. Paul writes, “For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. Not that others should have relief while you are burdened, but that as a matter of equality your abundance at the present time should supply their needs, so that their abundance may also supply your needs, that there may be equality.” (2 Corinthians 8:9, 13-14).

It is only fitting that those created in God’s image be mindful of disparity and strive to recognize and honor the image of God in others, and therefore work toward, encourage, and support equality. The mindset that St. Paul is encouraging is not new. In fact, he writes, “As it is written: ‘Whoever had much did not have more, and whoever had little did not have less.'” (2 Corinthians 8:15). He is referring to the Book of Exodus (Ex 16:18) and how the Manna (the nourishment that God provided for Moses and Israelites) was allotted. It did not matter how much or how little one person gathered, there was enough for everyone to have what they needed. Not only that, but also there was great awareness that it was all provided through the goodness—love and mercy—of God.

One could not think of what they collected as belonging to oneself, but rather as being provided by God, and as one created in the image of God, it was to be shared and for everyone to partake of. There was to be equality, or equity, in terms of everyone having what they needed to not only survive, but to keep moving along the journey.

Turning to the Gospel passage (Mark 5:21-43), again we can see that it’s all about equity. A synagogue official’s daughter is on her death bed, and he begs Jesus to heal her, “Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” Jesus begins to follow Jairus. They are moving through the heavy crowd when a woman who also needs Jesus’s help touches his cloak saying, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.”

One can imagine, especially given that period of time in history, that as a man and a synagogue official, Jairus would be able to gain Jesus’s attention and position himself to have access to Jesus more easily than the woman. Both Jairus (or his daughter) and the woman need healing, but each needs to approach the situation differently because of their circumstances. To Jesus, it doesn’t matter who got to him first or last, or who has more or less (power, possessions, status, etc.). As with God’s grace, Jesus’s healing is equitable and those who approach in faith get what they need—the woman’s hemorrhaging comes to an end and Jairus’s daughter is raised by Jesus. How do you relate to Jairus and/or the woman with a hemorrhage in terms of approach and asking in prayer?

Oftentimes, when thinking about faith and asking for something, it can be can easy to only think in terms asking God or Jesus for what one needs or wants. However, being created in the image of God, we are called to also look at the other side of this. Take some time to pray and reflect on the spirit in which you respond when it comes the needs and wants of others. In what ways does Jesus’s sense of equality and equity increase your faith and inspire you?

Sing praise to the Lord, you faithful;
give thanks to his holy memory.
For his anger lasts but a moment;
his favor a lifetime.
At dusk weeping comes for the night;
but at dawn there is rejoicing. – Psalm 30:5-6

Heart

Putting Heart into the matter…

In the Gospel passage for the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mark 3:20-35), Jesus says to his disciples and the crowd, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” (verse 24). This is in response to the scribes claim that Jesus is driving out demons by or through the prince of demons. Jesus’s words make sense. After all, one cannot bring peace and healing by or through chaotic means. With so much division and vitriol circulating throughout the world, it’s worth considering the heart in the matter.

In the days leading up to this Sunday, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary are celebrated. When you consider the heart of Jesus, what qualities come to mind? How about when you think about Mary’s immaculate heart?

Based on Scripture, what are some concrete ways that their words and actions reflect these qualities? How does Mary receive unexpected news or events such as the Annunciation, at the Presentation in the temple, and Jesus’s arrest and crucifixion? How does Mary react and respond to the young Jesus when she finds him in the temple after 3 days apart? What does Mary do, and how does she do it, when the wine runs out at the wedding feast in Cana?

What kinds of words does Jesus use and what is his attitude in his encounters with the pharisees and scribes, his disciples, and the crowds? What do Jesus’s actions express? And how does Jesus respond and react during the Passion?

Contemplating the heart of Jesus and the heart of Mary in the happenings of today’s world, how or where do you see the qualities of their hearts coming to life through words and actions? Take time this week to notice the heart behind your words and actions as well as those in the happenings directly around you, in your country, and in the world.

Prayer: Immaculate heart of Mary, intercede on our behalf, so that lies, deception, and all who seek to distort what is true, just, and honorable may be revealed. Sacred heart of Jesus, help us to see through your eyes, and to speak, act, and love, with your heart. Amen.

Heart

With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption. – Psalm 130:7bc

The Pilot…

To get somewhere, one needs to know where they are in relation to where they want to be and then to come up with a travel plan. However, oftentimes the path or trajectory shifts or ends up being different due to changing circumstances such as weather, terrain, and/or other unexpected issues. And while there are rules of navigation, the ability to adapt and adjust is crucial just as much as precision is.

One way to consider the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent is not only as tools, but precision tools for navigation. In the first reading (Jeremiah 31:31-34), the prophet reveals that God is making some adjustments. This is not a change in commitment level or objective, but rather a change in approach.

“I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people. They will no longer teach their friends and relatives, “Know the Lord!” Everyone, from least to greatest, shall know me—oracle of the Lord—for I will forgive their iniquity and no longer remember their sin.” (verses 33-34)

God’s communication is going to be directed straight to God’s people (not requiring a “go-between” or a 3rd person account), making it more personal and approachable as well as accepting and forgiving—all hallmarks of a healthy relationship.

In the responsorial psalm (Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 14-15), the psalmist expresses a desire for God to wash away their wrongdoing and states:

“A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me.” (verses 12-13)

Since a heart cannot be clean or pure when it’s holding onto transgressions, resentments, or cold feelings toward oneself or others, the psalmist first asks for God’s mercy (for these things holding them back to be lifted from them). Once the obstacle(s) is removed, the way toward a heart that is unwavering in faithfulness to God is opened because the heart is better able to receive the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit.   

In the Letter to the Hebrews, St. Paul uses two words, in the passage for the second reading (Hebrews 5:7-9), that are sometimes received less enthusiastically than words like mercy and compassion. They are “reverence” and “obedience.” St. Paul writes of Jesus: “…he was heard because of his reverence” and “…he learned obedience from what he suffered”. Jesus’s relationship with God was open and honest; it was sacred. Jesus walked this earth, rooted in a desire to do God’s will and always seeking God as his source of strength and wisdom to face what he needed to face. When taken in the light of Jesus’ example, these words, “reverence” and “obedience”, when chosen with one’s free will express an attitude of humility and faithfulness to God, and of God to us.

Coming to the Gospel (John 12:20-33), Jesus’s words here strike at the heart of navigating. That is, holding onto or maintaining focus on the end goal despite the challenges that arise along the way.

It is written:

“Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” (verse 23-24).

If one is going to get to their destination, they can’t stay in one place or state of being. A change, shift or movement toward what one desires is necessary.

“I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour.” (verse 27)

Jesus knows his purpose or mission through his relationship with God. What are you and God aiming for as you navigate? (If unsure, consider what is fulfilling or rings true with the soul, bringing a sense of peace.)

“Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.” (verse 28)

When two wills move together, there is resonance in words and actions. However, there can only be one pilot.

“Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out.” (verse 31)

Jesus knows who’s leading the way and encourages us toward awareness as well.

May the strength of God pilot us,
may the wisdom of God instruct us,
may the hand of God protect us,
may the word of God direct us.
Be always ours this day and for evermore. – St. Patrick

Handiwork…

On this 4th Sunday of Lent, Laetare Sunday, the readings invite us to consider the depth of God’s steadfastness and love. Focusing on the second reading, take some time to reflect on the qualities of God (rich in mercy, great love, etc.).

Brothers and sisters:
God, who is rich in mercy,
because of the great love he had for us,
even when we were dead in our transgressions,
brought us to life with Christ — by grace you have been saved —,
raised us up with him,
and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus,
that in the ages to come
He might show the immeasurable riches of his grace
in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
For by grace you have been saved through faith,
and this is not from you; it is the gift of God;
it is not from works, so no one may boast.
For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works
that God has prepared in advance,
that we should live in them. – Ephesians 2:4-10

How do you experience these qualities in your life? In your relationship with God and others, where do you give? and where do you withhold? Take some time to ponder being God’s handiwork.

“You often say, “I would give, but only to the deserving.”
The trees in your orchard say not so, nor the flocks in your pasture.
They give that they may live, for to withhold is to perish.” – Kahlil Gibran

Then, Look Around…

First, listen, and then, look around. Allowing one’s senses to take in and sincerely contemplate the happenings of a day can be challenging, never mind those of the times. Yet, it is these happenings that impact not just our own personal space, but also extend beyond what we might imagine. They are like sound waves rippling outward and amplified, stirring the air all around us.

The readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time begin with a passage from the Book of Jonah (Jon 3:1-5, 10) where the initially resistant prophet Jonah warns the people of Nineveh of their impending doom. However, just like Jonah who was previously swallowed up and in darkness (in the gut of a whale), the people of Nineveh see it fit to change their course, let go of their way, and open their hearts and minds more fully to God.

In Psalm 25, the psalmist expresses a desire to understand and to live by the ways of the Lord. The psalmist prays for God, who is faithful, compassionate, merciful, good, and upright, to teach them how to embody and live by the same ways. For this to happen though, like Jonah and the people of Nineveh, the psalmist realizes they must let go of the old (acknowledge and turn over their trespasses to God) to be more fully open to God. And thus, to live more fully as one created in the image of God, abiding by, and living in God’s ways.

In chapter 7 of St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, the people of Corinth are urged to pay attention as time is of the essence. The passage (verses 29-31) begins with, “I tell you, brothers and sisters, the time is running out.” and ends with, “For the world in its present form is passing away.“.  In between, St. Paul writes:

“From now on, let those having wives act as not having them,
those weeping as not weeping,
those rejoicing as not rejoicing,
those buying as not owning,
those using the world as not using it fully.”

Perhaps what St. Paul is warning the Corinthians, and us, about, is being consumed by anything or anyone. He is calling us to be careful about what holds our attention, not to become self-consumed or fixated on anyone or anything earthly, as all of it is bound by time, is imperfect, and therefore passes away. Focus instead on that which is timeless—God and God’s ways.

This leads to the Gospel passage, Jesus’ announcement of the Kingdom of God as being at hand, and the call of the disciples Simon, Andrew, James, and John (Mark 1: 14-20). The disciples are busy, at work, mending their nets. This is useful work, but God had other work in mind for them at that time. Jesus reaffirms them in that yes, they are fishermen. However, he redirects them to being “fishers of men,” but again as we saw in the other readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, only if they will it as well. With Jesus, as with God, no one is ever forced to choose God and God’s ways. And although the time is now, the essence of God is that Time is not rushed or pressured (there is no act swiftly or lose out), and perhaps most importantly, Time is faithful, compassionate, merciful, good and upright, patient, and always open to change.

Make known to me your ways, Lord;
teach me your paths.
Guide me by your fidelity and teach me,
for you are God my savior,
for you I wait all the day long.
Remember your compassion and your mercy, O Lord,
for they are ages old.
Remember no more the sins of my youth;
remember me according to your mercy,
because of your goodness, Lord.

Good and upright is the Lord,
therefore he shows sinners the way,
He guides the humble in righteousness,
and teaches the humble his way. – Psalm 25:4-9

It Takes Everyone…

Reading Scripture it’s not too hard to envision the Pharisees and scribes as having a persona of lofty authoritarians who are learned, serious, and on the surface appearing to be so proper. Yet, Jesus points out that their actions do not align with their words. In the Gospel for the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jesus tells the crowd and the disciples to observe and do as the Pharisees and scribes say, but do not act as they do. Do not hold down or seek to elevate yourself above others. Jesus then goes on to say, “you have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.” You have but one Father, but one master, Christ, and that the greater glory is not in being served or glorifying yourself, but rather in being of service to others, and therefore of service to God.

Reflecting on this Gospel and considering other Scripture passages as well, it may seem obvious that the Pharisees and scribes were not about what they proclaimed. Perhaps they fell victim to the notion that they had already arrived, were afraid of losing what they had attained, or some other thing that shrunk their hearts and made them sterner with others, and lax in their own prayer and practices, making them less likely to be inspired by God and more likely to be misguided and led astray.

Despite this, the actions of the Pharisees and scribes don’t make them worthless or deserving of being canceled. We can hold them accountable but must remember they are still part of God’s creation. They also need love, mercy, and prayers.

Jesus says to observe and listen to what they say. Maybe he’s reminding us that God can still work through them. Their transgressions are not bigger than God.

Praying with this passage brought to mind an instance from grade school, in my 2nd grade classroom, where being orderly was of the utmost importance to the teacher, most especially when it came to the inside of a student’s desk. All the students knew what was expected, and it seemed that all of us really tried to meet this expectation. However, there were a couple of students who had a very hard time with being organized. So, one day, the teacher was walking around the classroom, teaching a lesson, and without warning, flipped and dumped out the contents of this student’s desk, startling everyone, to say the least, and sending books, paper, pencils, and so on, all over the place. The student was then yelled at for being so disorganized, the teacher turned the desk back upright, and told the student to pick everything up, and put it back in the desk, neatly. The student, who was normally quiet, shrunk even more, their cheeks turned red, and tears were coming down their face as they began doing as they were told. The rest of us 7- and 8-year-olds, just sat there horrified. None of us dared to try to help the student for fear of what would happen if we did. It’s interesting how fear can interfere. It’s also interesting how judgment can be too.

When I think about this instance, in the light of this Gospel, I wonder, what was the point, or the lesson being taught that day? What made it so important that the inside of our desks be orderly, to the extent that a student who was trying their best and just being themself, be demeaned like that, and the room be made so disorderly, in efforts to obtain order? However, faith also calls me to hold and look at the entire picture, including before and beyond that instance and to recall that I also had what one would call a lot of positive experiences in that classroom.

Looking at the Pharisees and scribes, Jesus points out a disconnect not only between their words and their actions, but also in their hearts. He cautions the crowd, and us, to not be fooled or distracted toward self-serving ways. To not rely on external things, such as possessions or positions of authority, to gain good graces or a particular outcome, but rather to rely on the grace and guidance of God. Jesus is saying, if we’re going to be led by anybody or anything, or if we’re going to follow anybody or anything, first and foremost, let it be God.

But there’s more… humility.

When we think about this Gospel passage, it can be tempting to cast stones at the Pharisees and the scribes, thinking of ourselves as perhaps being far removed from them, especially in the “us” and “them”, divided times I which we live. Yet, in our certainty and in our knowing, we too can become susceptible to an attitude or posture that interferes and creates static, making us less receptive to being led by God, more likely for other things to come before, or in place of God, and making us less loving, compassionate, and forgiving.

It’s unlikely that the Pharisees and scribes set out to fall into a haze, becoming less aware, open, or able to continue learning through experiences, and blocked, at least at that time, from continually drawing closer to God. However, in certainties and in knowing about what ought to be, it can be easy to become closed off to what is, and the open, honest dialogue that helps us to know when we are moving toward a will that is not in alignment with God, and that is of disservice, rather than what is best.

“Humility is an attitude of honesty with God, oneself, and of all reality. It enables us to be at peace in the presence of our powerlessness and to rest in the forgetfulness of self.” – Thomas Keating

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
“The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people’s shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’
As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called ‘Master’;
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:1-12

On Schedule…

On a recent trip into the city, memories of daily travel into the office by commuter rail came to mind. In particular, the schedules and the frequency of trains, or lack thereof, depending on what the workday had to offer and when it ended up being time to go home. During that time, there were a number of trains between 4:45pm and around 6:30pm on the line that I needed to take, so if I missed one, I could just hop on the next without much of a wait. However, if I was delayed at work past 6:15, and not able to run fast enough to make it to the platform and onto the 6:30 train before it started pulling out, the wait for the next train was substantial.

Thinking back on those times, I remember running for that last rush hour train and seeing other people do the same, sometimes making it, and sometimes times not. Then there were those occasional times of choosing not to make a mad dash for it, but rather to slow down, letting go of any notion of getting onto the train in those last moments before it pulled away. On those days, it was interesting how the station gradually transformed from being so crowded and noisy to a quieter, more spacious, easy-going place as it moved past the hours known for their rush. It was also easier to appreciate, once foregoing the push to move quickly, hop on, grab a seat, and get outbound.

It seems like a lot of life can be focused on being outbound and moving on to the next thing. Society just keeps pushing for more and more, and with greater speed, seemingly unaware of what is being lost or left behind. This constant hustle often leads to losing sight of what’s personal and meaningful, diminishing the time and patience that allows for potential to be seen and nurtured, and forgetting that “best” is most often brought out in one another by that which is rooted in a higher purpose—that which is mutually beneficial.         

In the First Reading of the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time it is written,

“Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near.” – Isaiah 55:6

In this busy, challenging world in which we live, what’s it like to turn this verse around and to contemplate the Lord seeking you, and calling your name with a desire to draw near to you? Where are the places that you invite or allow the Lord to find you and to be close to you? Where are the places where perhaps you don’t?

In verse 18 of Psalm 145, we read, “The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.” And in the Second Reading, we read part of St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians, where he relates his desire to be Christ-centered (“Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.” – Phil 1:20c). For it is in the Lord, and in living out the ways of the Lord, that he not only finds purpose and meaning, but also becomes an extension of God’s grace to others, encouraging them to also strive toward that which is greater than.    

How are you inspired in relationships? Where do you find purpose, meaning, and mutual, generative benefit? In what ways do you desire to deepen your relationship with God, and others?

In the Gospel reading, Jesus shares the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) where the focus is on the desire and willingness to join in and work in the vineyard, rather than who got there first, who worked the longest, or any other credentials. This passage is a great reminder that with God, it’s never too late, nor too early, patience is abundant, potential is appreciated, and there’s always room for those who desire a place in the vineyard and come willing to do the work. With God, you can’t miss, not just because the time is always right, but also because the schedule is flexible, as well as forgiving.

Jesus told his disciples this parable:
“The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner
who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard.
After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage,
he sent them into his vineyard.
Going out about nine o’clock,
the landowner saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard,
and I will give you what is just.’
So they went off.
And he went out again around noon,
and around three o’clock, and did likewise.
Going out about five o’clock,
the landowner found others standing around, and said to them,
‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’
They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’
He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’
When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman,
‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay,
beginning with the last and ending with the first.’
When those who had started about five o’clock came,
each received the usual daily wage.
So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more,
but each of them also got the usual wage.
And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying,
‘These last ones worked only one hour,
and you have made them equal to us,
who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’
He said to one of them in reply,
‘My friend, I am not cheating you.
Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?
Take what is yours and go.
What if I wish to give this last one the same as you?
Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money?
Are you envious because I am generous?’
Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” – Matthew 20:1-16