Readings:
Jeremiah 7: 23-28
Luke 11: 14-23
Reflection:
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to watch Jesus? Of course, watch from where and who we are today, into his world which feels so foreign yet so inviting. The people, situations, customs, language, reactions, lack of reactions at times, the daily adventures. Oh, it sure does sound like a circus!
Today we hear of a great event occurring. There was a man who was mute, which was caused by a demon. Jesus casts out the demon and the man able to speak. The crowd goes wild with applause and amazement. Then on the back benches, up come the rebels making claims to discredit and break the atmosphere. They divide the group into those who outrightly reject Jesus in the face of the signs, those who refuse to make a decision and continue to want to see more signs and those few on the margins who simply believe.
It sounds a little too familiar when translating over into our world today.
It is interesting to note that no one is denying the miracle. No one is saying that he did not really cast out a demon. No one is suggesting the man is not healed. No one can doubt the miracle. The issue is that some people wanted to see more miracles, and some people said that Jesus was deriving his power from Satan, leaving a sense of questioning the Source.
How many situations have we been in where negativity, doubt, evil and badness is what come first before any truth, goodness or love? Too many!
It leaves a sense of a lesson from the Law of Attraction which teaches that we can translate over into our Christian values. If you look for goodness, you will always find it. Put out into the universe what you wish to receive; while it might not be instant, it does come. Or as scripture teaches, knock and the door will open, seek and you will find. Seek goodness, truth and love, and that is what you will always find and become.
May we continue to stand in the crowd seeking goodness, truth, and love while gathering around Jesus and living by his example. Even if at times, it does seem to be a circus, may we embrace the adventure!
Sr Karen Englebretsen CP, Cross and Passion Sisters. blessed to be a spiritual care worker in the homeless sector in Melbourne.