WEDNESDAY, SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola
Jer 15:10,16-21 Ps 59:2-4,10-11,17-18 Mt 13:44-46
ONLY ONE CHOICE TO MAKE
The reading today, we see Jeremiah in conflict. Conflict is being pulled in two opposite directions, not being able to decide which way to go. You can choose only one way. There have been conflicts in the lives of holy people in the Bible. Moses hesitated when he was called to be a prophet: “Lord, who am I, I am stammering” (cf. Ex 4:10); Isaiah exclaimed, “Woe to me, I am of unclean lips” (cf. Is 6:5); Even Mary experienced conflict: “How can this be…?” (cf. Lk 1:34). How did they solve their conflict? They trusted and surrendered, and at once God took charge. He sent Aaron to help Moses. His angel cleansed the lips of Isaiah. He soothed Mary with the assurance, “Nothing is impossible with God!” (cf. Lk 1:37).
When in conflict, psychologists give us some helpful hints:
- Develop a rich inner identity. The more you are ‘detachment ready’, the less conflict you experience.
- Choose the greater good, even if it means making a personal sacrifice.
Did Jesus experience conflicts? Yes! Many times. In fact, Jesus’ most intense conflict was on the cross. Four kinds of people – soldiers, Jewish leaders, passers-by and one of the thieves – teased and ridiculed him. They challenged him with that “IF” – “If you are the son of God…” They challenged his messianic, kingly, divine mission. For a moment, he seemed to have lost his Abba-grip, and cried, “My God, My God”… he didn’t call “Abba…” But when he trusted and surrendered, he solved his conflict… and then he did four beautiful things:
- He forgave those who ridiculed him.
- He forgave the thief.
- He gave us a mother.
- He offered his spirit into his Father’s hands.
Response: God is my refuge in the day of my distress.
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