Daily Reflection Wednesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

As a woman, I feel negative vibes from both Scripture readings today. The Book of Tobit describes Sarah as an inadequate wife who, through no fault of her own, cannot keep a husband. Mark tells us that the Sadducees, who do not believe in the resurrection from the dead, try to trap Jesus with a fabricated story. The overtone in their question is that something is amiss with the woman, who has lost seven husbands! Again, we can detect Jesus’ frustration, because these men of the synagogue get so caught up in miniscule details. Possibly by their question, they want Jesus’ attention not on them but on something inconsequential. I’m sure we have all have tried a similar subterfuge on our parents when we were teenagers!
 
    However, the book of Tobit and Mark’s gospel have a more powerful message for us. Both Tobit and Sarah are frustrated with their present conditions. Their spiritual and emotional suffering is so deep that they consider suicide. Yet, their prayer and their courage save them. God does not abandon those in a relationship with the Divine. “He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way.” (Ps. 25) 
 
    Today’s Scripture readings teach us that it is so easy to focus on what is not important, to get distracted from what is good and necessary in our search for God. When we listen to the daily news about the people in our town, our nation, our neighborhoods around the world, do we react or do we respond? Like the Sadducees, we can mock what we don’t understand. Yet, if we are sincere followers of Jesus and supported by the wisdom, courage, and fortitude we have received in the sacraments, we will develop and nurture consideration and respect for what is different yet good: equality among human beings, respect for political philosophies and various faith traditions.
 
    When we prayerfully read the gospel, we understand how Jesus ennobles human beings and treats them with respect. Throughout the gospel, we see Jesus speaking with and honoring women as equals. He dignifies those born blind, those with leprosy, epilepsy, the deaf, the convulsive. If we love Jesus, we are invited to do the same with people. Thomas Merton once said to Dan Berrigan: “Do not be discouraged. The Holy Spirit is not asleep.” For those into tattoos, Merton’s words are worth inscribing on one’s arms. For all of us, these words are worth imprinting on our hearts and our minds.