Wednesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
When I read today’s Gospel two main ideas come to mind. First, I find myself reflecting on the disciples James and John and how easy it is to fall into the same patterns as them. Additionally, I find this gospel helps to remind me of Christ’s unending patience – both with his disciples and with us.
As I was reading today’s excerpt from the Gospel of Luke I found myself sympathizing with James and John. James and John are faithfully following the Lord’s command. They serve Him, obey Him and do his will. When faced with the Samaritans who would not welcome them, they became angry and frustrated. They wanted the Lord to call down fires from heaven and consume them. James and John are coming from a place of goodness. They are working to do God’s will and follow God’s command, but when faced with those whose lives are not guided by the same principle, they become indignant and angry. Can you think of times in your life when this has happened to you? You are certain that your way is right and good and pleasing to the Lord so you get angry with anyone who does not share the same passion and belief? I can think of examples from my own life where this has happened. Now let’s step back for a second. Remember, Jesus has come to teach a message of love, redemption, peace, reconciliation and salvation. If he were to consume these people in fire, how does that help to bring about any of this virtues or lead the Samaritans toward their eternal salvation? The same is true in our own lives. If we become so focused on being right or on forcing others to share in our same method of worship that we then consume them in the fire of our anger or spite or judgement, how are we helping them?
We see in Jesus’s example that there can be another way, a better way, to respond. Rather than consume the Samaritans in fire, Jesus uses this opportunity to teach us a still more beautiful way. Jesus teaches us to act with patience. Rather than rebuke these Samaritans or punish them, Jesus simply moves to another town. He rebukes James and John and then they move to the next town. In this simple action, I see Jesus teaching us that sometimes it’s good to bite our tongue. He shows us that it’s ok to step back from judgement and anger and condemnation and to patiently wait for people to follow. I see in this the truth that it can be prudent to practice patience when evangelizing others. We must not treat others with contempt and threats but rather with patience and respect. I hope to look to this example whenever possible. Amen.
—AJ Grimm