Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Now that we’re back in Ordinary Time, it’s good to reflect on more ordinary topics; today’s readings give us a chance to reflect on what success looks like in different states of life. The common idea is that success is meeting your own goals, or making a lot of money, or being a popular, influential, or powerful person. In the first reading, we see David doing what he did on the ranch; using a slingshot to take down the enemy. It was a Philistine soldier instead of a wolf or lion or bear, but a formidable opponent nevertheless. David becomes a successful warrior, protecting God’s people from surrounding nations and would-be oppressors. Success for him was following the call of the Lord, and working with what he had. It reminds me of the old saying: “God doesn’t call the equipped. He equips those He calls.”
Jonathan becomes successful by being a peacemaker. King Saul’s jealousy tempts him to murder David. Jonathan meanwhile brings them together and recounts all the ways David has helped the King and the whole people of Israel. Jonathan is driven by love of his father and of his friend. He sees they both are good people, and wants to maintain harmony for his nation. When we follow the Spirit of Love, the results for our city and our nation can only be positive.
Following the Spirit in this way pushes fear out of our lives. We don’t need to worry about others’ view of our successes, or even our own appraisal of our life’s success or failure. In the Spirit, we find our identity and a heart full of God’s love. Taking time to rest in Love is the great antidote to fear. As Psalm 56 proclaims, God’s promise is love, and we can trust in that promise.
Jesus’s invitation to “come and see” is basic spiritual direction for the Christian. We want to follow Christ. We want to live in the Spirit and do God’s will. But unlike most jobs, it’s not just a task list. Unlike most relationships, it’s not about complimentary personalities or a team dynamic. It’s a way of being that encompasses all people and all of creation. The Way patiently demands our ‘yes,’ our willingness to be transformed and nourished by God.
Like Andrew, let’s spend today with Christ. Let’s answer the call to “come and see” the world as Jesus sees it. See your daily routine the way Jesus sees it. Let us pray that our day will conform more closely to God’s plan for this stage of life. Amen!
- Chris Nieport