Scripture:
1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a
Ephesians 5:8-14
John 9:1-41 or 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38
Reflection:
Give up, or given in? Is that the question to address during this journey of repentance and conversion? Generally people are giving up things for Lent. I have "given up" eating some favorite foods (and drink), to deny the flesh, as it were. I realize that in God’s pursuit of my heart, mind and will to be about the establishing of the "Kingdom" on this earth, there is so much more to this Lenten journey, this exercise in this season of conversion and change. I strive to "give in" to God’s will.
Both David and this blind man give in to belief in circumstances of apparent doubt, mystery and inadequacy. Through David’s leadership, and the young blind man "sticking by his story (despite his parents, and the religious leaders abandoning him,) "God’s mighty work" would be revealed. The decision to cooperate with God is giving up of our agenda, by paying attention to our surroundings, and bringing the light of the Word to bear upon our reflections.
In 1974, when every 18 hours a youngster under 16 was being murdered in Detroit, I pondered with the Word as to how to direct the compelling desire within to do something. Another way to explain it, that is to say, that I give up my will into God’s, in order that I face the fears that stop me from doing what is necessary or right (yet not rewarding). What reins in my selfish urge is the reliance on the Word made flesh.
It has been said that, "God does not call the "equipped," he equips the "called."
Fr. Alex Steinmiller, C.P. is president of Holy Family Cristo Rey High School, Birmingham, Alabama.