Wednesday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
In praying with an elderly patient recently, I prayed, ”help this kind man know Your loving presence.” Before I could continue the prayer the patient, who could barely speak, looked at me and said emphatically, “I know God’s loving presence.” While I finished the prayer, his statement threw me off. His comment challenged me to examine the words of my prayer. This reflection helped me realize that my prayer was in a way judgmental. While this was not my intention, it forced me to think about how my thoughts, words and actions might convey a shallower sense of discipleship. A discipleship that instead must reflect a rootedness in faith.
Perhaps it is our rooted faith that stops us in our tracks. I was listening to the news, a few days ago, and thought to myself, those people don’t think the rules apply to themselves. In less than a minute, I realized that I was thinking about lying, when my frustration with the politicians the news described was that the politicians had lied. Surely it was the Spirit that made me aware of my hypocrisy. Paul states it this way, “for by the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the very same things.” Awareness of our failure, and focusing on the steps of faithful discipleship are often the first steps to reversing our sinful nature.
The readings give us guidance for reversing our propensity toward hypocrisy. We need to replace our stubborn and impenitent hearts, with kindness, forbearance, and patience. Instead of storing up wrath for ourselves we must seek glory, honor, and immortality through perseverance in good works and remain faithful to the gospel. We need to be aware of the needs of others and minister to them in that need. The scripture also challenges us to not seek seats of honor. In that case, ought I reconsider seeking a seat in the sanctuary.
"Merciful God, help us all to be mindful of the ways with think, talk and act, so that at all times we reflect Jesus, who is our Lord and savior now and forever. Amen!"
- Michael Montgomery