+ Our readings today remind us of a very important fact: Christianity was never meant to be a walk
in the park! Trials
and tribulations, pain and distress are to be a part a parcel of the Jesus way
of life: just as in the gospel passage today he foretells his being handed over
to torture and death, but the subsequent resurrection would occur. The
disciples did not understand any of this, especially the resurrection part.
The disciples and the Jewish
people at large, were expecting a political and military victory over their enemies
when their promised Messiah came: but it was always intended to be a spiritual
and moral victory, and a supernatural one as well, when his Death on the Cross
would bring about a total transformation and restoration of absolutely
everything: not all at the same time, but promised in time.
The passage from Ecclesiasticus
of the first reading is one of my favorites: “my son if you want to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for a bumpy
ride. Just be sincere of heart and steadfast, and do not be alarmed when disaster
comes – and it will come – cling to him and do not leave him. Whatever happens
to you, accept it, and in the uncertainties of your humble state, be patient,
since gold is tested in the fire, and chosen men in the furnace of humiliation.
Trust him and he will uphold you, follow a straight path and hope in him.”
Wow! This is sage and sound
advice and it is meant for the disciples, and all those who call themselves
Christians.
And
so – if we commit our lives to the Lord,
and trust in him, he will act – he will surely act – and all will be well
in the end, all will be well!
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