Ears Open to Obedience September 18

To do your will, O my God, is my delight. (1 Cor)

Sacrifice or oblation you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me. (Psalm 40)

Piety
O Lord, O Brother Jesus. Give me the faith of the Centurion who stepped forward to request from you something completely outrageous. Help me to take delight in your will and from it derive delight in my day. All I have I give thanks to you Lord for all is handed down from you and is yours now and forever. Amen.

Study
http://www.usccb.org/nab/091806.shtml

Isn’t it grand what Jesus handed down to each of us? One of the earliest written accounts of the institution of the Lord’s Supper is here in 1 Corinthians. This marvelous feast of Jesus’ self-giving is handed down in a repeated command: Do this in remembrance of me.

In accepting to partake in this feast, we must actively engage our whole being, not just “do” God things. In a lovely image the psalmist speaks of ears open to obedience you gave me. The singer can hear and understand, not just hold rituals. We will and we act. It is a commitment not just a life style. Paul reminds us that our commitment and our actions must be informed with the Word and in the Spirit which Jesus requested. Having a dinner as Jesus’ community that leaves out some people is in direct opposition to the spirit of Jesus’ twice repeated command.

The psalmist also says: To do your will, O my God, is my delight. God wants more than simple minded obedience. God wants us to be joyful and find the delight that naturally follows in when we, creatures of God, put our Creator’s will first. Our whole being is called into play. Jesus gave His whole being on the Cross.

The Centurion asked several outrageous things: cure a slave! And come to my house! It was considered unclean for Jews to enter a Roman’s house. This officer is asking for help for a slave who in his society has no standings as a person. Also he is a ranking member of an occupying force requesting aid from a person he is oppressing and he. But after this audacity, he comes back with more. He says, “I know authority, no need to come to my unworthy home.” His ears are open to Jesus’ authority and he announces his trust in that authority. Jesus rewards this “outsider” because of the faith he displays. How can the Corinthians divide their own community? How can we? We were handed down the greatest of feasts to share in spirit as well as form. It takes an act of commitment of our entire being, a total trust in the authority of God.

Action
Consider renewing your commitment to God by continuing palanca for our newest Cursillistas as they begin their fourth day. Christ is counting on you to keep the Babe Chicks in your prayers. And to the Men of the 113th Cursillo, please pray for us. We look forward to sharing your journey and many a feast with you.

Also consider what will your support be for the Women’s 123rd Cursillo November 2-5? We are counting on you!

DeColores!

Beth DeCristofaro