Ordinary Time

To truly experience the healing power of God’s mercy in our lives, to have the sense of inner peace and well-being (shalom in Hebrew) that comes with God’s forgiveness, we have to share that forgiveness with others. If you want to experience the liberating power of God’s mercy in your life, then share that mercy with others. Forgive your brother or sister from your heart, that your heavenly Father might forgive you. 

In a world that’s all-in on judgment, condemnation, and cancellation, we need to be a sign of something truer and better and far more difficult: the work of reconciliation. It’s not that there’s never a time for argument or speaking the truth, but until there’s trust - until the other person really feels heard and knows we care about them, not just getting our way - arguments only drive the wedges deeper. Reconciliation should be our goal, not the need to be right.
This means being willing to listen without planning a response or counterargument; being humble enough to admit that we may not have the whole picture; considering the possibility that there are things we don't know or understand - perhaps even things that we are wrong about. Look around your circle of family, friends, and coworkers. With whom are you at odds? This week, seek them out, listen to them, and begin practicing the hard work of reconciliation.

As Christ’s disciples, we are going to face stumbling blocks in our path. Our tendency is to assess the situations we face from a very human perspective and make important decisions based on our own logic - thinking in the worldly way and not the Godly way. Instead, spend time in prayer to discern God’s will and remember the transformative power that Jesus came to bring via suffering and the cross. Jesus does not want us to be afraid, but to be bold and stand solidly like a rock against the things that the world throws at us, knowing He is there standing at our side.

Beyond knowing the details of who Jesus was, we are called to enter into a relationship with him: to know him, not just about him. This week, concentrate on once again answering the question he has put forth to us: "Who do YOU say that I am?" Then, commit yourself to deepening that knowledge by inviting him personally into your heart. Yes, we must know about Jesus and his teachings, but far more critical is to know him personally and allow him to change your life.

Jesus isn't interested in a transaction with us, like He gives us a good life if we follow the rules. He wants a relationship that's honest, intimate, and capable of changing you, even if it involves a bit of friction between the two of you. So be bold with God. When He leads you into the dark places, grab His hand, tell Him exactly what you need, and then hang on for dear life. That's how we change and grow, gradually becoming capable of the freedom, love, and trust that the Lord wants for us.

There are two competing voices within each of us, attempting to influence us: the attractiveness of the world and the still, small voice of God saying, “Come; be not afraid”. But Jesus is not just any influencer. For two thousand years, he has transformed those whom he influences by being perfectly God and yet willing to die on the cross out of love for us. Jesus is reaching out to take you by the hand - follow him to get away from all the competing voices and noise and hear his still, small voice above all the others: "Be not afraid".

Ultimately, all the changes, conversions, reversions, and transfigurations we encounter in this pilgrimage of life are practices for the final transfiguration of our lives when we die to this world and pass into the next. Christ's Transfiguration was intended as preview of things to come for His faithful - of the destiny He desires for all of us.

There’s nothing God longs for more than your friendship; nothing he wants more than your well-being; nothing he searches for more persistently than your heart. God doesn't just love humanity - He loves you. You, with all your gifts, faults, and struggles. Will you believe that? Can you open your heart to that possibility? Will you take a chance to choose Christ, who gave up everything to choose you?
Dcn. Brett invites you to listen to an excerpt from "I Thirst for You", a letter written by Mother Teresa as the words of Jesus addressed to each of us (click the link to read the piece in full).