Daily Reflection Wednesday of the Forth Week in Ordinary Time

During these liturgical weeks, the two biblical readings are so complementary. In our first reading today, King David is becoming puffed up with his title. He wants his own census of all the people in his realm: See all I have accomplished! Because of his intimacy with God, he then realizes how arrogant he has become. He then repents and admits his own excessive pride before God. David himself is a human example of friendship with God, sinning, repentance, expressing sorrow, amending his life.

    Then we have the prophet, Jesus, preaching in the synagogue in his own town. Instead of accepting this good news from Jesus, the villagers’ noses are out of shape. They don’t want to hear Jesus’ preaching about interpersonal changes in their lives. So, they begin to throw verbal stones at him. Envy has gripped Jesus’ neighbors. He answers them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place.” 

    The history of the Jewish people that we have been hearing in the liturgical readings of this past week reminds me of our national and international experiences in our own world today, as well as our individual call to be prophet. The sin of injustice does not begin on the universal level. No, when we cave in to falsehoods, hurtful words, prejudices, and lies on the family and community levels, these seemingly trivial matters mushroom in our towns, nation, even international politics—not very different from Jesus’ day. Instead of igniting jealousies and negativity, why don’t we take inventory of our feelings toward everyone—especially those who have hurt us? Perhaps, we should make decisions on the family, parish, national, and international levels based on how they subscribe to Jesus’ teachings in the beatitudes and the works of mercy in particular. When emotions and negative jargon run high, our commitment to God enables us—as God’s prophets—to stop, think, and pray in the way of Jesus.

     O Beloved God, when assailed by fear and discouragement, teach me to look to you:

Turn my doubt and uncertainty to faith-filled confidence.

    Turn my fear and cynicism to trust and hope.

Turn my anger and resentment to forgiving kindness.

    Turn my need to control to letting go in God.