Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent
Although it was a hit ten years ago, Toby Keith wrote a song called “I Wanna Talk about Me”. The song is about a person who has a friend who always wants to talk about them self. It is funny how the brain makes connections as today’s readings brought this song to mind. The readings illustrate how Jeremiah and the disciples seem to be singing a self-centered song.
For the disciples, the conversation starts as a request from the mom of the brothers Zebedee. “Command that these two sons of mine sit one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” (Mt 20:21b) As a mom she of course wanted what was best for her children, yet the context of her potential favor draws a harsh contrast. Her request follows immediately after Jesus sharing his third passion prediction. Even as they spoke, they were traveling to Jerusalem for Jesus’ crucifixion. Simply put she and the disciples still were not getting the point. Do we always get the point? Are there times when we are demand that God do as we ask? Are the things we ask for from our need or from our want? I want electricity but do I need it? I need clean water, but so does the rest of the world. Does the way I use resources prevent others from being able to do so? And when I don’t have something I want or need do I blame God? The truth is that sometimes I do pray that way.
Jeremiah senses his adversaries growing more hostile towards him and although his pleading with God many sound self serving, it is heartfelt prayer. It is a prayer in which the prophet is trying to understand how the same God who calls him to do good, allows others to do evil. Jeremiah’s prayer brings forward all of his anger, doubt and fears. On one level these prayers or confessions may seem very self-centered, yet they are also the prophet’s way of offering his whole heart, mind and soul to the Lord. While acknowledging his fears, and even telling God if he was in charge what he would do. Yet Jeremiah does not take his eyes off the Lord. Jeremiah does not let his fears or desires define him. When discipleship gets difficult, do excuse ourselves from keeping our journey totally devoted to the Lord? How are our Lenten sacrifices helping us stay focused on the Lord?
The journey can be long and difficult. There may be great suffering involved. It may even require that we be handed over and condemned. Yet, faithful discipleship demands that in trust, we place our destinies into the hands of the Lord. We must believe with our whole being that our faithful god will rescue us. Like Jeremiah and Jesus, we need to pray ‘You are My God’, not my will but yours be done!
-Michael Montgomery