Hughs reflection on the readings for Sunday, September 7, 2014 Ezekiel 33:7-9 Psalm 95:1-2,6-9 Romans 13:8-10 Matthew 18:15-20 There are some books I like to re-read on a regular basis and when I fail in that endeavor, I will often receive a “wake up” call to remind me. Often some incident or trial will remind me that there is something in my past I need to reflect upon. I try to review and take stock of a promise I made long ago to reaffirm certain truths I discovered, usually the hard way, in my short tenure of sentient consciousness. The readings for this Sunday bring one of those reflective moments. During my tenure at Ford I read a book entitled “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” I was looking for a way to take some chaos out of my life by trying to discern what successful people do to organize many more details than I had on my plate. I discovered much more as I tried to take in what Steven Covey, the book’s author, was really trying to say. Most of the thrust, sprinkled within tidbits of practical suggestions, had to do with recognizing the important roles I fill as I try to live through my busy life. Covey has one contemplate these “roles” and determine during dedicated time once each week, whether proper priority is being placed for the things we do. The discipline of Previewing one’s schedule, rather than Reviewing one’s schedule may sound subtle, but it is the difference in letting the right priorities rule you instead of the other way around. Those that know me will smile when I say I have an Excel spreadsheet I developed to highlight my roles…but then that is me. It isn’t a large leap to realize that Covey’s “roles” are all simply about how we actually treat our most precious relationships. I have a role as a husband and it really has to do with nurturing my relationship with my wife, providing thought and time to the relationship and insuring that not only my thoughts are with her that my body and being are too. Relationships mean we need to put some skin in the game and show up with intention. I cannot nurture a relationship if I cannot make time for it. It takes being together in one form or another to make it work. Our relationship with Christ is no different, but we have talked about that before. How do the readings bring this to mind may be a legitimate question. Notice the first line of the Gospel, “Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother sins against you…” It isn’t to set up watchmen to police the behavior of multitudes. It presupposes a relationship with someone living with some bond. We have many bonds, I would offer, some much more meaningful and strong than others, but still which call us to attention. The Gospel’s three step approach assumes a bond and the point of the whole exercise is to repair the relationship. Commitment is a hard concept to live out. Our prayers are necessary for each other. So is commitment. Both Ezekiel’s call and the Gospel call for more than once a week prayer. It means to develop meaningful relationships that are based in love deep enough to feel responsible for the salvation of our brother…or our wives…or our husbands, children, parents… Make a list of those roles and relationships that have been formed in your life to this point and which affect you everyday. Think about how you nurture them. Pray about why God wants those relationships for you, and give praise for the gift they are to you. God Bless, Hugh
Posted on: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 08:44:28 +0000
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