Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
I remember the day when it became clear to me that I was going to be a father. It was just a few weeks before our first son going to be born. What shocked me was how much fear I had about the responsibility of being a dad. My prayer at the time was filled with doubt. I almost believed that I was not called to be a dad. I thought I was not ready for what was coming.
In today’s reading from Jeremiah we can almost hear his fear as he tells God he is not ready for the task to which the Lord has called him. Jeremiah considered himself to young, and incapable of speaking with God’s words. Yet, Jeremiah is reassured by the Lord that He would always be with him sending him and speaking through him. The Lord sends us this very reassurance if we are open to hearing the message. My reassurance came from a friend in ministry who reminded me that none of us might have children if we were waiting until we were ready. Consider the assurance for which you are looking. How is the Lord giving you the message of support?
In the message, the Lord spoke his message first from the shore and then from the boat. This change in locations has often struck me as odd. Recently, a scripture scholar suggested to me that Matthew was trying use the change as a metaphor to show that the message on the shore is coming from Jesus as grounded in the faith tradition of his origin. The movement of the message illuminates how Jesus’ preaching is now coming through the Church. Consider how we call the main spaces of our churches the nave. Many of our churches even look like ships. The altar and pulpit sit in the most prominent place within this nave.
These readings remind us that the Word who came and dwelt among us is still sowing the seeds of faith in us and in our faith communities. While the Lord continues to pour forth his blessings, are we open to the seeds which the Lord is sowing in us. Jeremiah learns to trust in the blessed assurance of the Lord. Reflect on one way to open yourself up to better trust in the Lord this day.
"Loving God, help us to put aside our fears so that we learn to trust that you are providing the blessings and assurance that we need bear fruit in Your name. Amen!"
- Michael Montgomery