Another Reflection on the Scripture Readings from todays Catholic Mass.... Nettles, Criticisms, And Challenge In terms of what we expect at a dinner party, Jesus is a rather abrasive guest at the table of the Pharisee. Moments after entering the room, He throws some very critical words at his Pharisee host. This confirms that Jesus is indeed a prophet for, as Abraham Heschel says, the true prophet is not someone we would invite to dinner a second time. Listening to Jesus or reading His words is not like reading our favorite romance or mystery writer. His words provoke, irritate, and sometimes simply confuse. While much of what He says gives comfort and encouragement, His words often are full of nettles, full of criticism and challenge. How hard we all find it to take criticism! Even our closest friends must criticize us gingerly and only after finding the right moment. A steady diet of criticism is not for most of us. The ceaseless activist or agitator easily tests our patience, no matter how relevant the message. But, given all that, its good to be shaken up, good to have our behavior and thought questioned, and good to have our comfort and satisfaction disturbed. Growth depends on it. Jesus does not leave the Pharisee, no matter how offended, in that state, but tells him that there is a way out: Give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you (Lk 11:41). In other words, if we are provoked to more genuine concern for others, we are well on the way to growth and to true discipleship. Any discouragement resulting from criticism would only serve to turn us more fervently to the Lord for strength and change: But say the word and [my soul shall be] healed (Lk 7:7). ~ Fr. Don Talafous, OSB, Homilies For Weekdays, Year A Fr. Don Talafous, OSB, is a member of St. Johns Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota, and alumni chaplain for St. Johns University. His Daily Reflection can be found at saintjohnabbey.org/reflection
Posted on: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 10:19:49 +0000
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