Scripture:
Wisdom 18:6-9
Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
Luke 12:32-48
Reflection:
I’ve worked with thousands of grieving people. It’s not universal, yet the majority report seeing “signs” from their deceased loved ones. These take myriad forms, and everyone agrees on how easy it is to miss the signs if they aren’t alert, open, and watching for them.
There are numerous strong warnings in scripture to be awake, alert, and ready because the Lord will come when we least expect it. Unlike the attitude of mourners, most of these warnings seem to be based in fear of retribution or punishment. I confess that I can be resistant to watching for God’s signs, afraid that if I pay attention to God I might be asked to give up the “treasures” I rely on for a sense of security – the home, possessions, job, people, and places that are the very things Jesus says we must release in order to build up heavenly treasure. I don’t want to be open to God’s messages in my life if it means I have to change. Besides, it’s so much easier to walk through life “asleep.” I get caught up in my responsibilities, task list, work, and desires. I put off prayer or get so distracted in prayer that I lose focus. Even at Mass, my mind wanders to my to-do list.
In my heart, though, I know it isn’t right for fear to drive us away from God instead of into God’s arms. It ultimately doesn’t make sense to put our trust in the treasures and comforts of this world rather than in the working of the Spirit. I do long for a deeper relationship with the Source of all love.
The psalmist upholds the attitude we need to take: “Our soul waits for the Lord, who is our help and our shield. May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us who have put our hope in you.” What if, then, the admonitions to be alert and awake, instead of being inspired by fear of what will happen when the judgmental God shows up, are actually promises of God’s constant presence – God’s hope-filled, kindness-infused inbreaking action in our lives? What if we’re called to be awake, alert, and ready so we don’t miss the powerful and healing movements of the Spirit? What are we lacking because we’re not opening the door when the knock comes at times we least expect? In what ways are our lives less joyful, peaceful, fulfilled, and centered because we’re not watching for and seeing God at all times?
Maybe we all should listen a little more carefully to the grieving people and follow their example, working to become ever more alert, awake, and open. Only then will we see the wind of the Spirit, embrace the molding of our hearts, and stand in awe and wonder at all the signs of the loving, wise, and faithful presence of God in our daily lives.
Amy Florian is an author and consultant in suburban Chicago who travels the country teaching about spirituality, grief, and healing. She has partnered with the Passionists in various ways for many years. Visit Amy’s website: http://www.corgenius.com/.