This is a reflection on the Mass readings of the day.
The contrast between today’s first reading and gospel is striking. In the first reading, we feel the full force of human folly, as the people upon whom God has lavished His friendship and His saving power literally throw that friendship away for a shiny object.
Then, in the Gospel, Jesus describes how the Kingdom of God can flourish, nourish, protect as it grows great and strong among people.
What, then, is the destiny of the human race? Is it to be the epitome of bitter, ironic folly, or is it to be shade, protection, fullness, joy amid the branches of the tree of the Kingdom of God?
The answer to this portentous question lies in a small, weak place: It lies within each human heart, beset by the winds of irrational passions fueled by the taint of original sin, but also capable by God’s grace of firmly and consistently choosing His Kingdom.
The key to strengthening and even guaranteeing this commitment within our own free will, the caprice of which may at times terrify us, is daily nourishment through the sacraments and contemplative prayer.
But then, we are also called to make an impact on the choices of our brothers and sisters, of all humanity. We achieve this simply by making a gift, a sacrifice of our lives, as Jesus did to the Father, bringing a life dedicated to service of others daily to the altar and offering it to the Father with the sacrifice of Jesus, that His infinitely powerful merits may spread in their effect. And that gift will not be fruitless, but bear abundant fruit for the Kingdom of God.
Ideas for conversation with the Lord: Ask Jesus for the inestimable gift of perseverance in His friendship until the end of your life, that you may continue in the joy of that friendship through all eternity. In this moment of prayer, offer your life to Jesus as a gift in union with Jesus Supreme Sacrifice, that the infinite power of that Sacrifice may be applied in souls who do not yet know His grace.
Follow the Author on Twitter:Follow @mvhaywilliams