8th Sunday Cycle A
02/21/2011
Click on the following link to review the readings http://www.usccb.org/nab/022711.shtml
Let's take a look at the second reading in which Paul writes to a Christian community in Corinth, who is filled with division. Some were taught by Paul. And when he left Apollos, a really great public speaker took over, and then Cephas. So depending on who taught at the time time you heard the message of salvation, that person became the only one you would follow or listen to. And division took place. Paul says clearly it is not the messenger but the message. Don't judge. No matter who delivers the message of salvation, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, God is at work. That is certainly true in the first reading from Isaiah.
He speaks to a people in exile in Babylon, who have lost everything, even their feeling that God is with them. They feel completely abandoned. Are there not times we too, can feel that abandonment and we too ask, "God where are you? Don't you care about what is happening to me?"
Even if a mother forgets , I will never forget you
The responsorial Psalm 62 gives us the advice to rest in God. In every situation in our life we need to pray to be able to rest God. Even in the times that are so difficult and we feel abandoned as did the people in Exile in the first reading, we need to pray that we can trust God, rest in God.
Take a look at that Psalm again.
Only in God is my soul at rest;
from him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed at all.
Only in God be at rest, my soul,
for from him comes my hope.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed.
With God is my safety and my glory,
he is the rock of my strength; my refuge is in God.
Trust in him at all times, O my people!
Pour out your hearts before him.
Some time all we can do is continue to pray for ourselves to be able to trust this love of God and not give in to the temptations that surround us.
I think that is what the Gospel reading of today is all about. Jesus continues his Sermon on the Mount which we have heard the past few Sundays. In times of difficulty and feelings of abandonment it is so easy to turn to things of the world that will, for the moment, take the pain away; give us a way to temporarily escape the cross, the struggle, the doubts, the fears, etc. We end up abusing things so we can escape the cross. Things like buying, using drugs, or alchohol etc. The list can go on and on and we can each make our own list of how we escape the difficulties of life and not trust in the great love God has for each of us.
It is so easy for me in retirement boredom to not trust that God knows what He is doing in my life now. But the struggles are the way to eternal life. Christ knew the great love His Father had for Him and all and gave Himself up to death. Lord, help me to follow Christ and to know your great love even in time of difficulty.
Isaiah gives hope. God will never abandon us, never.