Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent
“But others said, ‘The Messiah will not come from Galilee, will he?’ (John 7:41B)
March Madness is upon us, and it is a favorite time of the year for me. The thrill of the upset and trying to predict the perfect bracket is very appealing to me. During March Madness, I always desire to root for the Cinderella story, the team that most experts feel doesn't belong in the tournament and turns out making a run deep into the tournament. There is something fun about rooting for the underdog, there is a thrill in watching the small schools that I’ve never heard of beat the big name schools.
While at times March Madness and college basketball may verge on being like a second religion, I often don’t apply the lessons of the tourney to my discipleship. The people in today’s Gospel are shocked that the Messiah could possibly come from Nazareth. (Historically speaking, Nazareth would most certainly be the sixteen seed from the middle of nowhere.) In today’s Gospel the people Jesus is preaching to are more focused on where Jesus is from as opposed to what Jesus is actually saying.
I too can fall into the same trap.
I can fall into the trap of ignoring the prophet’s that are in the world today. Often times, this is even other Christians who I am casting aside because of aspects of Christianity they may emphasize in living as fellow disciples. Instead of listening to them showing me a way to Think, Talk or Act Like Jesus, I don’t listen to them because I’ve made the presumption that they have nothing to offer me. Scriptures like today’s, challenge me to not prejudge and to be open to encountering Christ in each and every person that I meet. Every person can teach me something about discipleship, if only I’m willing to learn from them.
Lord Jesus, help me to be open to encountering you today. Help me to see you in each and every person I meet. Help me to learn the lessons of discipleship that you are teaching me through everyone that I interact with today. Be with me this day and every day. Amen.
-Will Marsh