In lieu of our annual rummage sale, we again take up the slogan, “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” In this Gospel Jesus reminds us that we are always a treasure in the heavenly Father’s eye. God is the ultimate recycler, transforming “the junkiness” of sin into redemptive glory. ~ Fr. Matt
Today’s readings invites us to reflect on what possesses us and what we need to do to leave behind to love the Lord fully. What do you value in your life? Do you value any of those things or people more than you value the Lord? A scene from the 1986 movie The Mission vividly portrays the need to cut out what holds us back from climbing the mountain of the Lord. We do not go to heaven with what weighs us down. What is the Lord inviting you to let go during this day?
The French artist Renoir painted until the day of his death. He was crippled with arthritis to the point he could not hold the brush in his fingers. His wife tied the brush to his hand for him to continue. In response to the question why he continued to paint despite his disability he responded, “The beauty remains, the pain passes.” A great statement for all of us to live life for its beauty despite the hardships. ~ Fr. Matt
Humility is not a personal introspection of ourselves. Authentic humility is the cause and result of social awareness and altruism. Humility is opening our hearts, our minds, our hands to the poor, the needy, and the marginalized of society. ~ Fr. Matt
“Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” It is good for us to reflect on our humility. Those who are humble are aware of their relationship with God and others. They do not pretend to be greater than or less than another. Truly great leaders know that they are in relationship with those they serve. When Jesus washed the feet of the Apostles, he taught them that servant leaders humble themselves. Whom do you need to assist today? How will that help another see God in their midst?
“I do not know where you are from.” Jesus knows those who have lived as he commanded. Calling ourselves Christians and abiding minimally to the faith does not merit a person the Kingdom of God. Jesus tells his followers to enter by the narrow gate. Have you confirmed your life through Christ’s? Have you done the hard work of getting to know him by bringing him into your heart?
Jesus offers four aspects of the reign of God. The door is narrow and the time is short. The reign of God has universal parameters. Everlasting life will have a reversal of fortunes in comparison to our earthly life. Our words and works, our thoughts and decisions, our choices and attitudes will have eternal consequences. Ominous eh? ~ Fr. Matt
Fire and division are what confronted Jesus. We as a church community have to examine our comfort level and the challenge of our faith to the world. If no one is offended by the quality of our commitment to Christ we have to ask how authentic is our belief in Him. We cannot become inoffensive models of Christianity. May we take up the challenge of reigniting the fire that Jesus brought to the earth. ~ Fr. Matt
Jesus reminds us that responding as a Christian sometimes stirs up anger and resentment in family and friends. While peace will come with the Kingdom of God, doing the will of God may cause rifts among loved ones. Those that are closest to us will sometimes disagree on the necessity of following the path of righteousness. They may desire to take an easier way and want us to do so also. At such times, we need to be sure to find our peace in God, not in humankind. God will always be refuge and aid.
What would you do if this was your last day on earth? What would you not do? How would you prepare to meet God? Where would you go? With whom would you spend your last hours on earth with? Creepy questions, eh? Jesus tells us not to live in fear. We are to set our hearts on the treasure of God. Faith keeps us motivated to live our lives in a positive fashion each day. ~ Fr. Matt