Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Do you ever wonder why certain things happen? I believe completely in a God who is all love, so when I hear and see something that seems horrific- a tsunami that kills thousands of people, a bomb that explodes in a crowded marketplace, an accident where an innocent bystander is killed- whether one or many people are involved- I wonder why would God allow this to happen. Both readings today made me stop and think about God and His role in our world. After some reflection, I realize that my tiny mind can never fully understand or appreciate God’s love and how that is expressed even in the messiness of this world.
In the first reading, Noah and his sons are leaving the ark after the flood has destroyed much of the earth. God reassures Noah that He is setting up a “new covenant” with the people and all of the creatures that were saved on the ark. God places the rainbow in the sky as a sign to remind generations going forward that God’s care and love will last forever.
In the gospel reading, Jesus questions the apostles regarding His identity. When Peter states that Jesus is the “Christ”, Jesus goes on to explain that He will suffer, die and rise in His role as the messiah. Peter is unable to accept this concept, and he pulls Jesus aside to share his rebuke. Jesus, in turn, tells Peter to get behind him, since Peter is “thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” Peter and all of the disciples had been waiting for the arrival of the messiah, and they had a definite concept of what this savior would be- strong, powerful, bringing justice to the nations, and allowing Israel to regain their freedom from oppression. Jesus’ role as the Christ is much different than expected.
How often do we place our expectations of how things should be in our relationship with God? Do we expect there to be instant responses to our prayers? Do we skim over God’s teaching to love the poor, immigrant and those at the margins? Do we spend more time in judgment than in love for others? Jesus demonstrates God’s commitment to love and bring mercy to all people. As disciples, we are called to do the same. At times it is very difficult to know why there is so much hatred, violence and fear in our world. As Christians we are called to believe that God is with us and showing us how to be signs of hope even when we do not understand why there is so much pain and suffering. We will never know the mind of God, but through the grace of the Spirit, hopefully we can grow in God’s love as we begin to better understand that love is the center of God’s Being.
Whenever you see a rainbow in the future, allow this beautiful work of God to be a reminder of God’s love and presence in the world and in your life. Pray for the grace to allow this love to give you wisdom, strength and hope to live faithfully even in the midst of the challenges and sorrows of the world.
—Marylynn Herchline