Life Happens.
What an interesting sequence of readings we have had over the past few weeks. Two weeks ago, when Lent started, we heard about how the Devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness. The message from that was to discover how important it is to take time away to reflect, to fast from all that can get in the way in our lives. Then last week, we heard all about the Transfiguration, and how we are all called to transform our lives. This week we are firmly planted back on earth. Not wrestling with the devil in the desert. Not camping out with the prophets on the mountaintop. Just listening to Jesus teach a lesson ….. and what a strange one it is ! About construction accidents and the actions of oppressive rulers.
The people of that time would have interpreted the events that had recently happened thinking that perhaps the people who died or were killed were outstanding sinners singled out for punishment. But Jesus says – No. Your thinking, your worldview isn’t right. They weren’t singled out. Accidents happen. Rulers are cruel. Sadly, it is life.
Life Happens.
I am reminded of that when I think about our reactions to the recent events in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Somehow we get into our heads and hearts that God should treat us in a particular way. We think that somehow our believing in God will keep us free from any harm, and so when something really bad happens to us or to someone we love, we get angry with God.
Instead, today, the Gospel reminds us that God is with us, but not as a magician who will make everything nice and wonderful. The Gospel reminds us that Life Happens, and while we may not be able to change the events that occur, we do have the ability while on this earth to change our lives.
The words of Jesus in the Gospel remind us not to become a little too smug and complacent. God expects us to use this time well. We all have a need to take time to reflect on ourselves and on our actions and become aware of who we are, become aware of our actions and their consequences. That’s what the word “Repent” means.
We don’t use that word much in contemporary society. Today, if we are to suggest people repent, they would say Repent? Of What? Why? Why should I feel remorse or regret my actions? Isn’t the whole meaning and purpose of life to get what I want? and by logical extension, the more I get of what I want, the happier I will be….. seems to work for other people ….. So, why waste time feeling guilty? Isn’t that so typical of the Catholic church, and religion in general – to make me feel bad about having good things?? To second guess all my decisions. And what’s the big deal if I choose to use my well earned money to buy stuff from Prada. I mean, It’s not as if the Devil wears it.
Today’s gospel brings us firmly down to earth to wrestle with very human challenges. The challenge of living our lives as disciples of Christ. Of living our lives in a way that helps us discover the beautiful daughter or son of God that God created us to be.
Well, we can either take time to do a bit of self reflection about the choices we make, or we can choose not to. It is up to us. But whether we do pause for self-reflection or not, our choices and their resultant actions change us. Sometimes for the best. Sometimes NOT for the best.
If we take time to reflect on our behaviour and actions, then the awareness of when we were less than the person we were created to be, can change us more and more into the person we were created to be.
Let me say that again ….If we take time to reflect on our behaviour and actions, then the awareness of when we were less than the person we were created to be can change us more and more into the person we were created to be.
More and more into a person of joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith that you were created to be.
Less and less of a person filled with fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego
We always have the choice. Lent becomes a time when we can take time, make time, to consider who God created us to be, and to reflect on how well we have been that person in the past. And, as in any time of reflection, the fruit of the reflection shows in how willing we are to change. How ready we are to let God transform our lives. That’s repentance.
Take time to do that reflection. Take time to discover the beloved daughter or son of God that God created you to be. Take time to discover God’s great dream for you.
Take time today. Don’t put it off until tomorrow. Because, well, like for those Galileans, or those workers on the Tower at Siloam in today’s Gospel….. Life Happens.