As a child, I used to be fascinated by encounters with those who could look at what seemed to be regular, every-day occurrences, and be able to recognize God's presence. It takes some time, and a certain amount of experience in order to be able to see God's presence, and then it takes courage in order to point it out, but this is what we disciples need to do every day. The world around us needs us to see the events of this time through the eyes of faith, and to have the courage to speak boldly about what we see.
People who saw Jesus, who heard him speak, knew him, knew where he was from. They knew his family, they knew his reputation (cf Jn 7:28), but they did not recognize him as the fulfillment of God's plan. Only through the eyes of faith have we been able to recognize in Jesus the fulfillment of the prophecies that had been spoken long before he came to live among us. The words from the Book of Wisdom are a foreshadow of the suffering that he endured. As we read them today, we are transported into Holy Week, to the drama of Good Friday: He calls blest the destiny of the just and boasts that God is his Father. Let us see whether his words be true; let us find out what will happen to him. For if the just one be the son of God, he will defend him and deliver him from the hand of his foes. With revilement and torture let us put him to the test that we may have proof of his gentleness and try his patience. Let us condemn him to a shameful death; for according to his own words, God will take care of him (Wis 2:13-20).
Let us pray today for the grace to see the happenings in our world through the eyes of faith. With God's help, we will be able to look at what seems to be the every-day occurrences happening around us, but we will see them differently. Instead of choosing to ignore the sufferings of our brothers and sisters, let us look compassionately at the challenges they face. Instead of condemning them or ignoring their plight, let us do our part to take care of them.
Have a great day.
No comments:
Post a Comment