Today's readings: March 4, 2009
Reading One: Jon 3:1-10 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19 ;
Gospel : Lk 11:29-32 ;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page)
And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Today's readings all speak to the need to feel regret for the things you did wrong. And not just for the sake of feeling badly. The truth is, feeling regret is usually the first step toward losing your foolishness, and becoming free from the bondage associated with one's sinfulness. Such an easy straightforward lesson, but all too often, it is the first step that is the hardest. Doing foolish things is basically a universal character trait. We all make mistakes, hence we are all sinners. But in this world, all too often we not only feel little or no regret for our foolishness, sometimes we even take pride in our sinfulness. I know I have, and also am guilty of this. It is hard to hear the words spoken today, and I expect to recall the words offered by Teresa of Avila all through the day.
She compared her sinfulness to a glass of water. When you looked at the glass of water without much light, it appeared to be just fine and dandy. No problems, beautiful and easy to drink. But when you hold the glass next to a candle, you see all kinds of things floating in the water, and are revolted. The candle represented Jesus and as you drew closer and closer to Christ, the light became brighter and brighter. He helped raise all your sins in front of your eyes. She described the process of drawing closer and closer to Christ as a violent affair, and indeed this has been my own experience. It is violent and extremely difficult to face up to your foolishness. It is much easier to stay far away from the Light, but then you remain in your prison of your foolishness.
She offered another way of looking at it too - you are a beautiful painting, and if you look at it across the room, it looks just lovely. But take the painting into harsher light, and you see all the cracks, and worse you see the mold growing between the cracks. You are left feeling ashamed and terrible - you are not that beautiful at all. Again, she describes the process as a violent affair. That is the hardest part - seeing yourself as you really are, in great need of help and in need to amend your ways, to repent and be faithful to the Gospel. We are called to not just be ok, and nice. We are called to be perfect, like God the Father is perfect.
This is going to be a very hard day for me, as I plan to spend a lot of time in reflection, asking Jesus to help me see how muddy my water is, and to take that difficult step of being humble and contrite. The good news is, He helps us break free from our prison of sinfulness, you only need faith to get you through. May each of us have the courage to take the first step, and not be afraid of engaging in this violent affair. Getting out of prison will make it all worth it. I ask that you pray for me to have the courage to get closer to the Light, and take the first step.
I met with Louise yesterday, and she told me her lovely grand daughter Morgan is doing just great and is in full remission. Thanks to all the kind souls who prayed for Morgan to get well. She is well now. Thanks to our gentle and loving God, who binds all wounds. Finally, please pray for my friends Peter, Charlotte, Jim, Florence, Jennie, Stewart and Amelia. And anyone else who is on your list of prayers. I am certain the time will be well spent.
