Sixteen
years ago I applied to the diaconate program.
The
director told me to go find a spiritual advisor and to meet with him
every month.
Later, I
was relieved to learn that this was something they instructed every
applicant to do.
They
hadn’t singled me out as someone who really needed a lot of special
help.
I was
greatly blessed to find Fr Joe, a Jesuit over at Gonzaga.
And all
these years, every month, he's given me great advice.
Up until
this April when he was knocked out of commission by a stroke.
At one
of our last sessions he asked me, What sacrifice are you making?
I
thought, I wonder what he expects of me now?
I had to
answer, None, or at least nothing special.
But I
guess trying to live a good life I often sacrifice some time or money
or opportunities.
He said,
No, I do mean what special
sacrifice are you making today?
Some
little extra thing to show your appreciation for all God has done for
you.
And
by the way, it's those little things that build our foundation for
the bigger things.
In our
Gospel today, Jesus clearly expected something—some response.
And the
people of Capernaum, Bethsaida and Chorazin clearly weren’t giving
it.
What he
was looking for was conversion.
Their
turning away from any sin and turning back to God.
He had
worked to convince them of their need to convert—to repent.
He had
taught them and performed great miracles for them.
But they
hadn’t responded.
So we
hear the harsh, scathing, warning that he gives them.
It’s
not clear why they hadn’t responded more appropriately to his
miracles and teachings.
Jesus
was residing right there in Capernaum, and the other towns were close
by.
So he
was sort of a local guy.
Maybe
they were just taking him for granted,
Or being
too presumptive.
Those
are still problems for us today—presumption, taking for granted.
And it
sometimes takes a nudge or a warning to remind us to show our
appreciation.
If we
act on a gentle nudge, like the one from Fr Joe,
We can
avoid provoking a harsh, fire and brimstone, warning like the one
Jesus gave.
So, I
pass along Fr Joe’s advice.
Show
your appreciation to God.
Make
some special little sacrifice today—every day.
Give up
something bad or do something good.
Consider
yourself nudged.
Tuesday 15th Week Ordinary Time
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