mar14reflection

Today we hear many interesting and perhaps even paradoxical words. However, it is in the mystery of paradox that we so often find our Lord. It is also a lesson in theophany, which is to say that the manifestation of God in some form is perhaps the most challenging invitation for the believer.

The first reading is from Jeremiah and I actually find it a bit disturbing… but important. That’s always a problem, disturbing and important often go hand in hand when reading Scripture… oh that mystery and paradox issue!

I hear the whisperings of many:
“Terror on every side!
Denounce! Let us denounce him!”
All those who were my friends
are on the watch for any misstep of mine.

Jeremiah’s words express almost a paranoia, but these words are simply a reminder that many would seek to derail the work of God while actually thinking that they are pursuing the word of God. That challenging invitation to see God in some form other than what we expect or want.

This is connected, in my mind anyway, to a form of religious practice that we see to this day and that is also a form of self-love and elevation. Plus it all lives in the head and not the heart. Without the heart and head integrating, there is no real spiritual practice I think.

Rather than the inward gaze and the act of love, this hyper-vigilant “we’ll get him!” mentality seeks to unseat the pretender. Except that in doing so, it may unseat The One we seek. Trust is needed here, not vigilance.

Today’s Gospel, from John further elucidates this idea, and Jesus’ powerful expression really addresses those who would persecute Him.

The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus.
Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father.
For which of these are you trying to stone me?”

Once again, the need to attack and to decry in order to “defend” God… The problem is that while seeking to “defend” God and to preserve the law, God is the one who is challenged.

What must be destroyed – perhaps like the Temple, is our own need to control and our own need to have our personal expectations met during encounters with God.

The very notion that God could be expressed in humanity, as we see in Jesus, was anathema to the Pharisees. This goes back to the practices of law and perfection that may engage us in a form of idolatry – to ourselves and to our own viewpoints and expectations.

I find this an invitation to enter in to love, with my head and my heart hand in hand, to seek Jesus, perhaps in all the most unlikely places. That would mean suspending my own judgment and expectation in order to let something in, rather than just put something out.

Now that is a big cross to bear…