This a reflection on the readings for 3/16/2013. They can be found here. I would like to write more on my last paragraph. Give me your thoughts below.
The reading and the Gospel
today present us with a clear message and a clear warning. If you
follow God—if you follow Christ—people will slander you and plot
against you. Others, however, will falsely praise you and label you
with their own aspirations. We see, all the same, that when Christ
failed to meet the expectations of others praise and wonder
turned to anger and rejection.
There is no escape from
this fate, because those who love the world will hate those who love
Christ. But we can guard against such behavior among ourselves.
Scripture gives us the
image: like a lamb led to the slaughter—a symbol that conveys
innocence, humility, and obedience.
We must be innocent:
when we proclaim Christ we must not do so when it is convenient or
opportune, but in those difficult day-to-day moments when we are
frustrated or rejected. Those who are wicked may win some through
their malice, but we will gain more through our gentleness, patience,
and persistence.
We must be humble:
despite the fruits of our prayer and despite the praise we receive
from ourselves and others we must recognize our sinfulness. We are
weak and prone to many faults, but accepting this is the road to
accepting Christ.
Finally, we must be
obedient: there are some leaders and co-workers we do
not like, but we cause scandal by being openly critical of them among
our brothers and sisters of faith. Though we may disagree, there are
times and places disagreement causes rifts that are easier to make
than they are to mend.
The Gospel warns us that
divisions will arise among us when we emphasize one aspect of our
lives or faith above all others. When this happens, truly, each man
will “go to his own house” and concern himself with his brother
and sister no longer.
The Good Shepherd will
offer his lambs to the Father in a number of ways, not all of them
pleasant. The Son offers those who are innocent, humble, and obedient
for the benefit of his people. Be willing to be offered today.
Great post. There is definitely a need to recognize that as we have been baptized into Christ we too become lambs. And as lambs united in the life of Christ we shall share in His death. It is a reality that we must be willing to share in. As we face that part of who we have become, the example of Christ is paramount. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jon.
DeleteI would like to explore that in becoming lambs we should see ourselves in the persons of Abel, Issac, and the others in the OT who have offered sacrifice.
In Abel's death, perhaps he was an even more fitting "sacrifice" to the Father insofar as his commitment to God caused hatred in his brother.
With Issac, he was willing to be sacrificed (according to the Midrash).
What I would like to explore is that in joining ourselves to Christ, He too makes us a fitting sacrifice to the Father for the sake of His people. I have to work on that a bit, to avoid heresy, but I wonder if anyone wrote about that.
Hope all's well for you in DC!