Scripture:
Ephesians 6:10-20
Luke 13:31-35
Reflection:
Happy Thursday in the 30th Week of Ordinary Time!
Our time on earth is filled with beautiful moments. Gifts from God of incredible grandeur and intense simplicity flood our days and our nights. From the Great Artist painting every sunrise and every sunset to the flowers and trees, the love of friends and family to a joyful smile from a stranger, God showers us all with the most amazing gifts.
And yet, there are times – many, I’d venture to guess – we must face things we don’t want… times we must face things that are difficult, things which we know will hurt us. From something as simple as an awkward conversation with a coworker, or perhaps an honest talk with a friend that hurt you, to more challenging things like standing up to a bully (of any age in life) or jumping in to protect the innocent. Perhaps being forced to accept a medical diagnosis you just don’t want to hear or having to watch a parent age quickly. Losing all you have due to theft or natural disaster. It can be as terrible as being dragged through the death of a relationship or experiencing the dying of someone you deeply love. These are all points when we have to stand on the rubble of the moment, and of all the past moments, and wonder about the journey, the purpose of it all, the plan God has for us.
As ashamed as I am to admit it, I sometimes try to run away.
No one is immune from the horrors of this earthly life. Not even those who are the writers of all of Sacred Scripture — not Saint Paul, not the Psalmist, not even Jesus — were shielded from the pains and inflictions that haunt us. In his letter to Timothy, Saint Paul reflected on his situation at the time. Being imprisoned and awaiting punishment, he said, “I am already being poured out like a libation.” (II Timothy 4:6) And in his letter to the Romans, he declares, “We are being slain all the day; we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered,” (Romans 8:36).
In today’s First Reading (Ephesians 6:10-20), Paul is in chains and asking that they pray for him to have courage. And in today’s Gospel, even Jesus hears the warning, “Go, leave this place, for Herod wants to kill you.” (Luke 13:31)
Wow… I surely want to run away now! But Jesus sets the ultimate example.
As terrifying and saddening as these statements — these realities — are, in nearly the same breath, we are reminded to not lose hope, to be patient, and to seek the great joy and love of God. Saint Paul also writes, “Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the Devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11) And in our Psalm today, we sing, “Blessed be the LORD, my rock — my mercy and my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, my shield, in whom I trust.” (Psalm144:1B, 2) And Jesus, in the Gospel today, replies to that stark warning by standing up and calling Herod a “fox” (the literal translation would be closer to “jackal,” an insult in ancient Greece). He says, “You go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. I must continue on my way.” (Luke 13:32-33a)
Yes, With Jesus at our side, we can weather the storms of life. Saint Paul hammers it home to us as completely as I think possible: “If God is for us, then who can be against us? All these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:31b, 37)
As Christians, we know the glorious dawning of life that blasts forth from the tomb of darkness. Sometimes, we have to wade through the muck – sometimes, we have to be covered with manure – sometimes, we must be nailed to the cross and face our trials. But on the other side, friends, with Jesus walking with us, is joy, love, and a new life beyond all imagination.
Dear God,
Thank you for the gift of all the gifts you give us.
Grant us the strength to stand on the rubble,
hold our heads high,
and look to the light
as we step forward
on the path laid before us. Amen.
Peace and love to you today, and forever.
Paul Puccinelli is Director of Liturgy & Music at St. Rita Parish in Sierra Madre, California, and a member of the retreat team at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center.