How God Reaches Us: Luke 7:33-35

[Jesus said to the Pharisees,] "John the Baptist came, and he fasted and drank no wine, and you said, ‘He has a demon in him!’ The Son of Man came, and he ate and drank, and you said, ‘Look at this man! He is a glutton and wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors and other outcasts!’ God's wisdom, however, is shown to be true by all who accept it.” ~ Luke 7:33-35

In analyzing this passage, Frank Doyle writes that:

God speaks to us in so many ways and through so many people and situations. It is very easy to find ourselves excluding . . . the people or situations by which God is trying to reach us.

We cannot expect God to speak to us in ways which we find congenial. He may speak to us through a saint or a sinner. Through a conservative or a liberal. Through a man or a woman – or a young child. Through an old person or a young person. Through an educated or an illiterate person . . . . We have, at all times, to be ready to listen with an unprejudiced mind and heart.

Jesus' words, "God's wisdom, however, is shown to be true by all who accept it," have always puzzled me. But when we think about it, God speaks to us in some very unorthodox ways. Here is a case in point:

One of my son's friends texted me an incomprehensible, vulgar message regarding my behavior. In translation, he said that I was driving my son away by my overreacting, stubborn, closed-minded way of handling a conflict. And as much as I was irritated by this text (it was poorly written and full of expletives), I realized this kid was right. How did this child, one of my son's friends who I least trusted, posses such a clear understanding of the situation and put a finger on the core of the issue, my poor behavior and blindness? The only answer I could muster was that God's wisdom is boundless and comes to us in unpredictable ways. I was given the grace to listen and start the repair work for the damage I had done to our relationship. 

God speaks to us in unorthodox ways. But it is through Christ and his Spirit, that we are given ears to hear and eyes to see. Jesus points out that, instead of listening, the Pharisees chose to close their ears and stay rooted in their egos. What do we choose?

Avoid Judging Others -- Luke 6:41-42

 

Jesus said, “Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but pay no attention to the log in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Please, brother, let me take that speck out of your eye,’ yet cannot even see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will be able to see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." 

(Luke 6:41-42)

The late Frank Doyle, SJ, sums this passage up so well. He says:

The faults we so easily see in others are often trivial in comparison with our own shortcomings. Of course, much of the energy we exert in putting down others (the main staple of our gossiping sessions!) is sub-consciously to compensate for the shortcomings we are all too aware of in ourselves. Instead of lifting ourselves up by changing our ways, we try to drag others down.

And, so often our judgments are based purely on external behavior. We usually have no idea of the inner motives or intentions of other people or an awareness of their inability to behave otherwise than they do (Sacred Space). 

It is so easy to pass judgment on others, but when we really think about it, we are guilty of at least as much. Maybe our guilt comes in the from of other kinds of wrongdoings than that of which we accuse others, but what Doyle says is true: We are compensating for our own shortcomings, even if it is subliminal. I pray that I avoid this type of bad behavior (of which I am guilty), and through Christ's words, I focus instead on being a better disciple as a person of faith, hope, and love in this world. Amen. 

Genuine Christianity

Make it your aim to do what is right, not what is evil, so that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty really will be with you, as you claim he is. Hate what is evil, love what is right, and see that justice prevails in the courts. Perhaps the Lord will be merciful to the people of this nation who are still left alive.

The Lord says, “I hate your religious festivals; I cannot stand them! When you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; I will not accept the animals you have fattened to bring me as offerings. Stop your noisy songs; I do not want to listen to your harps. Instead, let justice flow like a stream, and righteousness like a river that never goes dry.

(Amos 5:14-15, 21-24)

This passage reminds me of all the false people of faith who hate on others yet self-proclaim their own righteousness; they see themselves as better than the people they hate and persecute. This passage calls attention to my own false ideas of discipleship. According to the prophet Amos, this is not how God sees true worship. We are called to be people of love and care, loving what is good and right while eschewing all that is evil. We are called, moreover, to be people of justice and right behavior. All of this begins and ends with our love of God and neighbor, every neighbor. 

How many times, though, do we witness or take part in the opposite? We claim to be good Christians while at the same time we watch the world around us suffer without doing anything about it. Instead, we turn the channel or pass by the panhandler. How may times do we hate on those who we label as sinners, yet we ourselves are guilty of just as much sin, if not even more? We give money, we show up to church functions, and we support the ministries of our parish. As we do this, however, we scoff at those outside of our circles, pointing figurative fingers while casting mental judgment. 

Through the prophet Amos, God reminds me that my life as a Christian is not about the ceremony and exclusive "club" of the church. Following Christ is not about nurturing my righteousness and belonging to the right group of worshipers. Instead, following Jesus is about loving God and neighbor, no matter who those neighbors are. It is about being transformed into a person of love and self giving so I can bring the love of Jesus to all people in all groups. 

Peace, 

Stan

St. John the Baptist: Our Model of Testimony to Jesus

You, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way. 

(Luke 1:76)

In Zechariah's song, John the Baptist is called to be a prophet, a herald who prepares the way for Jesus Christ, the Lord. John is a chief witness, pointing the way for the Jewish people -- for all people -- to the Messiah. And throughout his life, John does just this, even to his death through the cunning of Herodias. 

John is a model for all Christians. We, too, are called to be heralds, pointing the way to Jesus. How do we do this? Well, it all starts with God's grace. And through that grace we are strengthened to be living testimonials of love. It is through our love that Jesus will be made known to the world. Are we treating others with kindness, mercy, fairness, love, and respect? Are we giving ourselves away in love and kindness to others -- all others? Our lives bear witness to Jesus. We should act accordingly. 

Turning the Other Cheek and Active Non-Violence

Teaching About Retaliation. “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on [your] right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. (Matthew 5:38-39 NABRE)

Revenge, in all its various forms, is the easier way, the more instinctive way but it is not the better way. The way of active (not passive) non-violence is, in the long run, far more productive, far more in keeping with human ideals and human dignity. We have more than enough evidence in our world of the bankruptcy of a never-ending cycle of violence and counter-violence. We see it in the Middle East, in Northern Ireland. Violence does not pay; revenge is not sweet.

The example of Jesus has been followed by a number of outstanding people in our own time. Gandhi in India, Martin Luther King, and Rosa Parks who inspired him, in the US, Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Nazi Germany, Dorothy Day in the US, Jean Goss and Hildegard Meyer of the active non-violence movement in Europe… All of these people were actively involved in the correction of seriously unjust situations.

There is a striking scene in the film To Kill a Mockingbird where the lawyer (played by Gregory Peck) has been defending a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. As a white man himself the lawyer earns the hatred and contempt of his fellow-whites for defending a “nigger” they have already condemned as guilty. In this scene one of the townspeople approaches the lawyer and spits into his face. The lawyer stands there, says nothing, and slowly wipes away the spit. For the film viewer the contempt immediately shifts to the man who spat. The positive non-action of the lawyer reveals the smallness of his assailant.

Turning the other cheek is not at all a sign of weakness. It requires great inner strength, self-respect and even respect for the dignity of one’s attacker. Jesus is calling us a long way forward and upward from “an eye for an eye." 

by Fr. Frank Doyle, SJ. (https://livingspace.sacredspace.ie/o2112g/)

In times of tumult and in the context of the heartbreak over the wrongful deaths of many people of color, listening to and following the example of Jesus is even more of a challenge. But it is a necessary one. As Fr. Doyle states in his commentary, revenge is easier and more instinctive than active nonviolence. And as human beings, made in the image and likeness of God, we are called to peaceful, active resistance. Everyone's life is sacred, and in the midst of the chaos and wrongdoing in our society, it is our responsibility to listen to the Master, to follow his example of active, peaceful change. It is too easy to get angry and lash out with destructive force. Christ's example speaks volumes. Amen. 

Have a blessed week, 

Stan

Holy Thursday: A Christian Demonstration of Love

So while they were eating, Jesus stood up and took off his robe. He got a towel and wrapped it around his waist. Then he poured water into a bowl and began to wash the followers’ feet. He dried their feet with the towel that was wrapped around his waist.

He came to Simon Peter. But Peter said to him, “Lord, you should not wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “You don’t know what I am doing now. But later you will understand.”

Peter said, “No! You will never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “If I don’t wash your feet, you are not one of my people.”

. . . . 

When Jesus finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and went back to the table. He asked, “Do you understand what I did for you? You call me ‘Teacher.’ And you call me ‘Lord.’ And this is right, because that is what I am. I am your Lord and Teacher. But I washed your feet. So you also should wash each other’s feet. I did this as an example for you. So you should serve each other just as I served you. (John 13:4-15 ERV)

Jesus, in an act of humility, takes on the role of a slave. He takes each of his disciple’s feet, the filthiest part of their bodies, and cleans them. He does this not as an act of ceremony. Jesus does this to demonstrate a deep truth, one that should resound with every Christian for the past 2000 years, especially modern Christians. He demonstrates the act of deep, self-sacrificing love. A love so deep that he, the Creator of the universe, is willing to take on the role of a Gentile slave and wash the filth from the feet of others.

Peter, in his misinterpretation of Jesus' act, represents the contrast of Christ’s humility. Peter says, “No.” He will not let Jesus be a slave. Peter implies that this work is unfitting of his master. But Jesus reminds him -- he reminds us all -- that being part of Christ is to take on the love of Christ. We must love in a humble, selfless way that lays down our pride and ego and takes up the rags of servitude, even servitude towards our enemies. We cannot forget that Jesus washes the feet of his betrayer, Judas Iscariot. 

As I read this passage, I am reminded of Jesus’ act of humble, self-emptying love. He says that we should not just take notes but follow suit. This is not easy in a world that teaches the opposite. When I think of being a Christian, I need not think about rules to follow or ceremonies to take part in. Too often we get it wrong and focus on these things. Instead, I need to emulate my Master and love others in a way that sheds the judgment and false outward appeal of piety: I need to love with self-emptying humility, following Jesus’ example. But often I am like Peter, full of my own pride and egotism.

Lord help me today and every day, to love more like you. I Christ I pray, amen.

True Love is the Most Difficult Kind

[Jesus said,] “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

Jesus tells his closest circle to love each other. It is the summation of Jesus’ teaching; love of the other is at the core of all his actions. And Jesus demonstrates the highest form of love, agape, a love of self-sacrifice, when he tells Judas to begin what must be done, his betrayal which will lead to his ignominious death. 

Jesus, therefore, is not just telling us to be people of love. He is, instead, demonstrating the highest form of love, giving his human and divine life for each of us. We should never forget or overlook this: Jesus loves us so much that he dies for the undeserving, and all of us are undeserving. 

Jesus died through the most condemning means possible at the time. He was charged as a criminal, tortured, and hung naked on a cross for all to see. He asphyxiated slowly while the public watched, including his own mother. There is no easy death, but a death of wrongful accusation, ignominy, and torture is among the worse. And we should never forget that God willingly suffered it for each of us, even the Judas Isacriots of the world. 

Jesus commands, “Love one another. As I have loved you. . .” In other words, we are to love with abandon, love without limit, and love until it hurts. Our love, then, Jesus says, is the characteristic that defines us as Christians to “everyone.” 

Agape is a tall order; isn’t it? And I am quite bad at it, too. I tend to be selfish, a wimp, and lazy. Just ask my wife. However, there is hope for broken people like me, for we can’t do it alone. It is only through God’s grace that all things, even self-sacrificial love, are made possible.  

Loving Father,
I pray that your grace infuse us with the strength to love without abandon. In Jesus' name, amen.

Peace,
Stan

The Truth

To the [the Jewish religious leaders] who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

Faith is not something that comes easy or cheap, and it certainly cannot be achieved; it is a gift of grace freely given. We cannot forget God's grace in this, but accepting God's gift is also a choice. 

The religious leaders have the opportunity to listen to Jesus and either reject or accept his teaching. Some accept it. And for those who do, Jesus gives clear instructions: He tells them to follow his example and word. And in that they will be living and embracing the truth. Jesus, we cannot forget, is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). The "truth," then, is not a set of instructions or laws; it is not a set of practices or piety. The "truth" is Jesus himself, all that he says and exemplifies. The truth, moreover, is to be a person of mercy, love, and self-sacrifice. This is no easy feat and cannot be accomplished on our own. All we can do, really, is say, "Yes!" God's grace does the rest. And it is through that grace that we can not only acknowledge the truth but to live in the truth. 

Lord Jesus, please guide us in your way, truth, and life. Amen. 

How do we Love our Enemies?

One of the most challenging things to do is to wrap my mind around Jesus' call to love those who hate and seek to harm me, those who seek ill will toward me and my loved ones, or, even, those who seek our/their demise. The following is a commentary that just makes sense to me. I am not saying that I can begin to live it, but it offers a clear exposition on this challenging passage from The Sermon on the Mount. 

The following commentary is written by Frank Doyle, SJ. And can be found at Living Space:

Elsewhere we are told that God IS love, it is his nature; he cannot do anything else. And that love is extended EQUALLY to every single person – to Our Lady, Mother Teresa, to the murdering terrorist, the serial killer, the abusive husband, the pedophile…

The difference is not in God’s love for each of these people but in their response to that love.

Jesus tells us that we must try to love people in the same way. It is important to note that he is not telling us to be IN love with those who harm us or to like them or to have them as our friends. That would be unrealistic and unreasonable to ask.

But if we just care for those who are nice to us how are we different from others? Even members of a murder gang, people with no religion or morals do the same. But we are called to imitate the God in whose image we have been made.

And is it so unreasonable to love, to care for, to have genuine concern for our enemies and pray for them? One presumes, as we have said, they are enemies in the sense that they are hostile to us even though we have not provoked them in any way. True Christians, from their side, do not have enemies. For someone to be my enemy, it means that person really hates me and may wish to do harm to me or may already have harmed me in some way.

What do I gain by hating that that person back? Then there are two of us. Why should I allow another’s person’s hate to influence my feelings towards them? A person who hates, is a person who is suffering, a person who is doing more damage to himself – rather than to the supposed enemy. As the gospel says, another person can hurt my body but not my inner self.

And, if he/she does harm me, they only harm themselves as well, even if they get a twisted pleasure in the short term. If I have a true Christian spirit I will reach out in compassion to that person. I will want that person to be healed, healed of their hatred, healed of their anger, and to learn how to love.

Surely it is much better and makes more sense to pray for that person than to hate them back. To bring about healing and reconciliation rather than deepen the wound on both sides.

What Jesus is asking us to do is not something impossible or unnatural. It is the only thing that makes sense and will bring peace to me and hopefully in time to the person who is hostile to me. We can literally disarm a hating person by acting towards them in a positive and loving way and refusing to be controlled by their negative attitudes. “Bless are the peacemakers; they will be called children of God.”