Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
You think those who questioned, challenged, or didn’t believe Jesus, like the self-centered pharisees in the Gospels, had any thoughts at all about being even the least bit faithful to helping Jesus in building his kingdom? I know, dumb question…why would you even worry or think about these pharisees, but on second thought; why would you not?
When reading scripture, especially the Gospel, sometimes it’s a good practice to place oneself as one of the antagonists towards Jesus; that can be difficult, but it can also lead to real growth and real wisdom. Rather than saying, no I’m not at all like those pharisees, I think it’s worthwhile to ask am I ever like them at times, or better yet, when have I been like them? Because if I’m 100% honest there are indeed times when I have.
In what ways might I ask myself do I ever act like or think like these pharisees or any other person or groups that tried to push Jesus back. And if I do reflect on these, questions do surface. Have I been self-centered, or when have I been self-centered?
Have I at times been cold to his presence as I hurry through my day, kind-of living in the moment, or for the moment; being entirely sufficient to myself with little thought or need of him? When as I reflect on my day were there times where I did not see him or times when I wasn’t looking for him; or were there times where I chose not to see him…why? Or have I come to him too many times with petition after petition and not thank you after thank you for all His miracles that are all around me.
Having this true and difficult conversation can be difficult, but at times necessary. Necessary if I am serious about wanting to truly live God’s plan for my life. G. K. Chesterton once wrote, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried.”
Jesus truly loves us and will always respond to us when we seek him and his salvation. But if our wants are purely selfish, when we place ourselves above all else, we need to stop and realize that it may be a call for us to sincerely change our ways; to realize that perhaps our hearts need purification from our tendencies towards selfcenteredness.
This Lenten season, we should ask ourselves, “Yes, Jesus, may I truly listen to you, may I come to know that you are in my heart, that you always have been, and may your will truly be my will”. These are important thoughts to think of as we begin the Lenten season when we are asked to repent and believe in the Gospel; when we are asked to change; to change our ways and live in His ways…live the Gospel! Wishing you a lent full of growth and enrichment.
Sincerely,
Deacon David
