God will never...

A reflection on the readings for March 9, 2014, the First Sunday in Lent.

This week’s readings focus on events of temptation, in the garden and in the desert. Temptation is an unwelcome feeling. I have witnessed a common stance among my generation: “If God didn’t want me to succumb, he wouldn’t have let me be tempted in the first place.” And yet, Jesus, who is fully man but also fully God, endured incomprehensible temptation after the 40 days in the desert. Do they believe they have more merit than God?

It is a common adage to say “God will never give you anything you can’t handle,” but I much prefer “God will never allow you anything He can’t handle.”

When we receive temptation, we are called to respond in a righteous way. We are called to imitate Jesus, especially as in Matthew 4:1-11.

Turn to God in times of temptation. Lenten sacrifices can be difficult, but remember in humility:

“One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

“The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.” (Matthew 4:10)

"Lent is like a long 'retreat' during which we can turn back into ourselves and listen to the voice of God, in order to defeat the temptations of the Evil One. It is a period of spiritual 'combat' which we must experience alongside Jesus, not with pride and presumption, but using the arms of faith: prayer, listening to the word of God and penance. In this way we will be able to celebrate Easter in truth, ready to renew the promises of our Baptism."

 - Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI- Angelus Homily, February 21st, 2010

 

Godbwye,

Laurel

It's worth it.

A reflection on Matthew 5:38-48, the Gospel for February 23, 2014, the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

 

 

Jesus said to his disciples:

“You have heard that it was said,

An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.

When someone strikes you on your right cheek,

 turn the other one as well.

If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic,

hand over your cloak as well.

Should anyone press you into service for one mile,

go for two miles.

Give to the one who asks of you,

 and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.

 

“You have heard that it was said,

You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.

 But I say to you, love your enemies

and pray for those who persecute you,

 that you may be children of your heavenly Father,

for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,

and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.

 For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?

Do not the tax collectors do the same?

And if you greet your brothers only,

what is unusual about that?

 Do not the pagans do the same?

So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

 

This week’s Gospel is certainly not easy to live out.

When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one as well. But that hurts!

If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand over your cloak as well. But it’s mine, I earned it!

Should anyone press you into services for one mile, go for two miles.  But I’m busy and far too tired!

Every statement in today’s Gospel emulates God’s love for us. He gave his whole self, and yet he continues to turn the other cheek when we reject Him and His teachings. His love does not lessen, no matter our actions. He desires us to have that same love for each other. It is not easy to do in an imperfect world, but we need to step outside our comfort zone.

What do you have to lose by extending yourself?

Better yet, what do you have to gain?

The losses are temporary, and the gains far outnumber them. If we never venture beyond the sense of security, we never grow.

A baby could very well remain helpless for the rest of their lives. Most have all their needs fulfilled by others, and are largely care-free. But they were created for more, and so they strive for more. Are a baby’s first steps without trepidation? Of course not. But they still take them, because by doing so a whole new realm of possibilities is opened.

When teaching a baby to walk, often times one parent will be supporting the child, while the other is a short distance away with arms open. The first parent releases the child, and waits with baited breath. The other beckons the child, encouraging them. Both parents are there to catch the child if they fall, and also to celebrate when the child is successful. This is parallel to God’s support whenever we strive for sainthood.

Picture a parent twirling their child in the air after the first steps. What if God was that elated each time you extended yourself righteously? (Hint: He is!)

Isn’t that alone worth it?

 

Godbwye

Laurel