Scripture:
Reflection:
In the Crucible of Humiliation
Some time ago I had a layover in the Denver airport. To pass the time I wandered over to a bookstore and noticed the titles of books in the window: “Think and Grow Rich,” “The Simple Path to Wealth,” “See You at the Top,” and “Strategies for Winning” were just a few of the covers that caught my attention. We may judge the disciples for their superficiality in today’s Gospel (“…they had been discussing among themselves along the way who was the greatest.”) but are we any different? While Jesus tries to prepare them for his suffering and death, they argue who is the most important, who is the big shot. And competition and winning seem to be our constant goal as well.
Perhaps it is because Pope Francis’ health is fragile now, but so many of his conferences and phrases come cascading over me these days: “to move to the margins”, or “a culture of encounter vs. a culture of indifference”, maybe “to smell like your sheep”.
Today’s readings truly are counter-intuitive, counter-cultural as we experience today. Phrases like “in the crucible of humiliation” or “in fire, gold and silver are tested” remind us to spend time pondering the richness of God’s dream.
Maybe we should write a book; we could entitle it “The Simple Path to Poverty” or “See You at the Bottom”!
Fr. Jack Conley, CP, is the local superior of St. Vincent Strambi Community in Chicago, Illinois.