Wednesday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
It is one of my least favorite times in my life, election time. General elections often seem to bring out the worst in people. I am often afraid of even speaking of the election out of fear. As I went to the polls I wrestled with my fear of how this election might turn out and what the results will mean. I had been reflecting on the first reading at the time and I began to think about other people and their fears. For some, the fears might be where will I find my next meal or will the shelter have room for me tonight. For others, the fears might be health related, or fears that their child won’t find a job. Other fears might be related to work or ones neighbors.
Paul’s letter to the Philippians challenges us to look past the fears. Okay, so someone at your work doesn’t like you, or is mean to you. We cannot let fear paralyze us in any of these circumstances. Still Paul’s challenge is that we should work out our faith in ‘fear and trembling.’ Fear is not necessarily a bad emotion. It can motivate us to do something, or it might alert us that there is danger. Still what does Paul’s statement mean? Perhaps the Gospel and the responsorial can give us our answer.
Jesus states this demand for being a completely committed disciple more radically. “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children…he cannot be my disciple.” (Lk 14:26) This stunning statement draws our attention directly to the word “hates”. Jesus uses this word to get people’s attention. Yet, if we look at this verse more deeply, the power of the first part “comes to me” draws this whole reading into clarity. As disciples, we are not being called to hate our family or our neighbor who voted differently than us. We are called to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength. Consequently, we must commit ourselves completely to God.
With confidence in our savior who won the most important victory we can echo the psalm’s response. “The Lord is my light and my salvation.” (Ps. 27:1a) Only with complete commitment to our relationship with the Lord, can we have a proper foundation that is Christ. Perhaps today we can reflect on what are the primary goals of our life, minus any political goals. What aspect of our lives could we identify as being Christ centered? Pray about a specific practice you could adopt to make Christ more central to your life.
“Almighty God, You made us for Yourself, help us give ourselves completely to Your service, so that our restless hearts will find rest in You alone. Amen!
-Michael Montgomery