Daily Reflection, July 23, 2024

Reflection:

Being assigned to a large parish like St. Brigid is both a gift and a challenge. It’s a gift because you encounter people of different nationalities and backgrounds united in faith and the richness of each culture is distinctly different, but they are woven together to make parish life more dynamic and colorful. Being on the frontier poses a challenge as it involves interacting with individuals who, despite their outward joyful appearance, are grappling with internal battles either in themselves or in their families.

The Gospel passage for today is part of the entire chapter in which Matthew depicts Jesus facing opposition in his public ministry from the Pharisees and Scribes. It sounds paradoxical as it involves Jesus’ own family. …” And one said unto him…your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you.” Matthew did not give us the name of the person who interrupted, distracted, and took Jesus’ attention. He might be a real person or perhaps a literary device used to illustrate misconceptions about Jesus’ family. Jesus corrected that misconception and continues to teach even to us today  in  v. 50 “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father, that is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

The implications of this passage may not be immediately evident to some of us. Some may feel that it does not directly apply to us because of the sacrament of baptism, which made us children of God and members of His family. But it doesn’t stop there. Our Gospel for today tells us to do the Will of the Father as it makes us very dear to Jesus, who counts us as His brother, sister, and mother.

When we ponder the will of God, we may find ourselves seeking guidance. Many spiritual mentors have attempted to answer this question. One such answer comes from St. Ignatius of Loyola, a guiding rule in discerning the will of God.  Ignatius teaches us that we can discern the right choice by attending to the inner movements of our spirit. In particular, feelings of “consolation” and “desolation” will signal the correct course of action. He describes consolation as every increase in hope, faith, and charity. Desolation includes darkness of the soul, disturbance, movement to things low and earthly, and disquiet of different agitations and temptations. Recognizing desolation and consolation allows us to respond appropriately.

Sr Rosana Estoque CP is a Passionist Religious, and the Pastoral Associate at St.Brtigid’s Chruch, Marrickville.