Monday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Each of us have our own way of reading the daily Scriptures. I use the Magnificat, a subscription I've held for many years. This little book is my favorite. The prayers speak to me and the reflections invite me to really think and pray. This day, one of the words that turns up repeatedly is 'deaf'. This, I can identify with! There are so many ways I find myself deaf to what Jesus is telling me that my reflection on today's readings had to deal with this.
The passage from the Gospel of Mark relates the parable of the wicked tenants. The owner entrusts tenant farmers with the care and tending of the vineyard. At harvest, the owner repeatedly sent servants to obtain the produce; they were all beaten, thrown out, and killed. Finally, the owner sent his own son, thinking the tenants would surely show respect for him, yet his son was killed as well. In the end, the owner has the tenant farmers put to death and entrusts the vineyard to others. Jesus relates this parable to the religious leaders who realize he is referring to them. These leaders have precious gifts, entrusted to them by God, but end up using them to oppress others and further personal agendas. The Scripture says, "they left him and went away." They are 'deaf' to Jesus' message.
I have found myself guilty of similar behavior. Oppressing others or hoarding material belongings is only the most obvious way I have found myself complicit. When I do not act against injustice—systemic and institutional constructs—I support oppression and inequality. I become part of the problem. The life of active Christianity…acting 'rightly', once choice at a time, is difficult. It demands changing part-time Christianity to the full-time commitment it is meant to be. This can only happen when I hold fast to the realization that everything I have and everything I am comes from God to be used for his purposes. This realization only happens by listening, deeply listening to the 'Word' and accepting the 'Word' as I receive it.
When my outlook on life is that of having received everything I've been given, I may be on the way to being Christian. This way of seeing leads to a life of urgent purpose…no matter how ordinary or mundane the circumstances. How is this accomplished? 2 Peter says, "His divine power has bestowed on us everything that makes for life and devotion…" God bestows and blesses with more than needed to accomplish this work. And the Christian community is given to support and encourage this work and leads to a more deeply Christian way of existence.
What does this have to do with being deaf? Many things! Do I listen to the 'Word' each day'? Really listen. Or, do I allow those countless meaningless, destructive thoughts to reign? Do I allow God to speak to me each day? Do I create the 'space' to hear what God want me to hear? This is foundational to being 'actively' Christian. God is so very generous. God does not demand hours on my knees in prayer. All I need do is agree to hear…to acknowledge and cast aside my unwillingness to listen. God, grant this precious grace today. Amen
- Gail Lyman