“Give To Each Other In His Name” by Beth DeCristofaro
Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe [in me] to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire…Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another. (Mark 9:41-43, 50)
Piety
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, always pondering spiritual things, we may carry out in both word and deed that which is pleasing to you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. (Collect from the Mass for the Day)
Study
Imagine what Jesus’ tone might have been as he instructed the disciples. Frustrated? Angry? Exasperated? Deflated? After all, not ten verses before this reading, he had again told them of his impending passion (Mark 9:31) but they did not understand. Then they tried to close ranks around their unique status as his chosen followers, arguing who was greatest and interdicting someone, not of the 12 who had expelled a demon in Jesus’ name. They were still not grasping the immense import of Jesus’ mission and the reason for being. They were focused on insignificant definitions and worldly status. I imagine Jesus sighed deeply with sadness that his message was misread yet he also had confident hope that they would eventually get it as they became salted with the fire of the Spirit which would inflame their spiritual lives.
It’s hard to stay “salted.” We humans can deflect and deny so quickly, moving away from the spicy challenge of life based on Jesus. We experience a setback and maneuver to point blame rather than discern what meaning our life’s direction has taken. A change is proposed in liturgy or parish leadership, and we leave in a huff rather than be open to new avenues for the Holy Spirit to enfold us. And, truth be told, sometimes, I still find myself at the back of the crowd whispering “who will sit on his right side?” The “salty” intrusion of the Spirit feels too much to handle but if we allow it can break our hearts wide to let in God’s overabundant love.
Action
Talk with and more importantly listen to someone else who has a radically different perspective than you do but who you must admit is an excellent (perhaps even admirable) person. Accept the presence of Jesus within her/him and receiver her/his gifts she/he gives to you.
Illustration: http://www.carmelites.net/blog/gods-garden-may-18-2018/
No comments:
Post a Comment