Isaiah 50:4-7
Psalm 22
Philippians 2:6-11
Matthew 26:14-27:66
But Then How Would the Scriptures Be Fulfilled?
In this very long gospel reading of the passion, what strikes me for the first time is Jesus saying to the disciple who cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant, ”Do you think that I cannot call upon my Father and he will not provide me at this moment with more than twelve legions of angels? But then how would the Scriptures be fulfilled…?” Jesus had just prayed the most agonizing prayer of his life asking to possibly be spared this cup, but ending each time by submitting his will to the Father’s plan. Yet, when the disciple comes to his “defense”, Jesus tells him how his Father would himself defend the Son IF he asked. To me, it’s like the temptations coming back all over again, only this time more insidiously. Jesus knows his Father will do whatever he asks, even to spare him, but he also knows what the Father wishes. When they tell him to come down off the cross IF he is really God’s son, he must have to restrain himself. He certainly could have, but what the Father wants is the ONLY focus that he allows himself. Any other plan of action would not fulfill the Scriptures.
How often I think that, well yes, I’m asked to do something this way, but gee, this other way would be so much easier, better, more efficient, gain more….. excuses all! All, truly ALL, I have to do is the next right thing. Obedience is hard for me, but I’m beginning to see that my life will have no valuable success without it.
1 Samuel 16:1;6-7;10-13
Psalm 23
Ephesians 5:8-14
John 9:1-41
You Have SEEN Him
Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you are saying, ‘We see,’ so your sin remains.” This burning condemnation stands in sharp contrast to the short dialogue with the man born blind, “Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, the one speaking with you is he.” What always stuns me is that it didn’t matter what kind of miracle Jesus performed, for those who were closed-minded would remain so. Who is the one who receives the gift of faith this day but one who has lived in darkness all his life? My temptation is to assume that I am not like the Pharisee, but have I been blind to the goodness in my sisters, to the effort of a child, to the suffering of a parent? Have I been so blinded by my own needs that I have totally neglected another? ” ‘We see,’ you say, but your sin remains.” Wow! That’s a scary thought! Have I seen Jesus? Have I missed him standing in right in front of me saying, “It is he who is speaking to you now”?
Exodus 17:3-7
Psalm 95
Romans 5:1-2;5-8
John 4:5-42
If Only
“Strike the rock, and the water will flow from it for the people to drink.” “…and out of his wounded side flowed blood and water.” If only the woman would realize who it was who was asking her for a drink… If only the Chosen People would not grumble against God… If only I would not harden my heart when asked to do some simple act of trust… If only…
It seems to me there are two choices before me, surrender completely or keep on fighting. I have fought for so long, it almost seems like I’d miss the action. Perhaps, that’s why I hold on to false illusions. The only choice that gives me hope is to trust with abandon this stranger at the well who dares to ask ME for a drink.
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