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5th Sunday, Lent B: Grain of Wheat –Becoming Adult Christian

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God invites us to tie a new relationship with him, based on his trust in us as adult Christians. Such new alliance opens us also to fecundity like that of a grain of wheat that falls to the ground and dies in order for new life to thrive.

May my life this Lent be fecund like these ears of wheat!

Bible readings
Jeremiah 31: 31-34
Psalm 51: 3-4, 12-15, 18-19
Hebrews 5: 7-9
John 12: 20-33

Experiences that we know well

The first reading evokes in me two images. Firstly, it’s when you are learning to drive, especially the manual car. To engage the gear you want to look down to be sure of the number and the position to push the gear lever. It takes some training and experience to develop a reflex of handling the gear lever without looking.

The other similar image is that of the keyboard. When you are learning to type, your eyes oscillate across keyboard in search of letters. You just wonder how others can type at terrific speed even while looking away. Again, it only takes practice and experience before you also can type with good speed and with amusement.

What appears evident to me in these examples is that in the beginning you have the way of doing things that’s quite babyish. And it’s normal at the start, yet, you are expected to advance. With time and experience you are likely to handle things in a more skilful way. It’s about becoming adult and so acting accordingly.

I see the readings of this Sunday guiding us in this process of maturing the way we live our Christian faith. Are you ready for that?

God wants Israel as adult

God announces his project for his people: “The days are surely coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt… this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts….”

The new relationship will be no longer like those days when God took Israel by hand. Here you may think of a child in the parents’ hands which is not only for intimacy but also for close attention so that the child doesn’t stray. However, when that child grows into an adult the parents will certainly let him go; not as an abandonment, but because they find another way of relating with their child who’s now an adult.

Indeed, the first alliances of God with his chosen people are characterised by laws, precepts, instructions…. You have the impression that every step of the people is regulated. Now God says to Israel you no longer need an external law or the “police” to get you observe it. I will inscribe the law on your hearts. What does that imply?

From the letter of the law to the spirit of the law

What counts is no longer following scrupulously the letter of the law, which often is about mere conformity or fulfilment of what’s prescribed and you are concerned about who’s looking at you.  The new alliance is about internalising the will of God, expressed in the law, and making it part of your own values. Indeed, you abandon the slavish manner of driving where you want to look to see which gear you are engaging; rather, you enjoy the liberty of driving with a right reflex since rules of driving and the manner of operating have just become part of you. That’s the adult relationship God wants to have with Israel. But what does that demand?

“…Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies….”

The new relationship demands a kind of letting go, which is taking a risk. God lets go the hand of Israel as a way of saying; my people you are now of age. Indeed, Israel has to take up the challenge of becoming adult or he risks remaining a perpetual infant, always claiming to be held by hand. This taking of the risk is well expressed in the image of the grain of wheat.

Jesus uses an image well known to his agricultural audience, indeed, referring to his death that will be a source of life for others. This same wisdom comes to inspire our way of living the Lenten season; it’s time to take courage and make steps towards becoming not only adult Christians, but also Christians who are life-giving.

Adult Christian is fecund

I think and act not only terms of the narrow picture of my own interests; but I open myself to the large panorama. I’m not alone; there are others around me. That’s why the Church, in her social teaching, talks about the common good, thus, calling us to widen our perspectives. Surely, the image of a grain of wheat that falls to the ground and dies… is not calling us to annihilate ourselves so that others can live; but it certainly calls to take the risk of maturity that will enable us to be fecund; that is, being able to give life to ourselves and to others too.

Pray, then, that this Lenten season may help us to grow into adult Christians, ready to make the necessary sacrifice that will enable life to thrive both in us and in others.

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4th Sunday, Lent B: Nicodemus Crosses from Darkness to Light

3rd Sunday, Lent B: The Temple

2nd Sunday, Lent B: Let Go and Keep Moving!

4th Sunday, Lent B: Nicodemus Crosses from Darkness to Light

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The readings show a striking contrast: sin and punishment in the First Reading, and the declaration, in the Gospel, of the gratuitous salvation that God offers to every person. But, what’s salvation? And how do we access it? Let’s us be inspired by the bravery of Nicodemus who crosses the line; from darkness to light.

Crossing from darkness to light is embracing life

Bible Readings
2 Chronicles 36: 14-16, 19-23
Psalm 137: 1-6
Ephesians 2: 4-10
John 3: 14-21

Sin and punishment

In the first reading we have the people of Israel who, under the influence of pagan nations, desacralize their alliance with God. When God sends them messengers to remind them of their identity they scorn them. Obstinate, despite the grace period given them, the people expose themselves to disastrous consequences of their rebellion.  Jerusalem is destroyed and the people are taken into exile. However, the reading does not end on the sombre note –there’s a ray of sunshine in the horizons.

God mobilises all the means, even a pagan king, to save his people. Such extravagance of God, for the salvation of his people, will be fulfilled in his son whom he will not spare even from death on the cross. Such boundless love of God is put in evidence in the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus.

Nicodemus, example of our hesitation

Nicodemus is confronted with a decisive choice to make. He’s part of the Jewish notables, judges who form the assembly called the Sanhedrin. This group, officially against Jesus, is determined to eliminate him by all means. Given the circumstances, it’s a lot easier for a member of a Sanhedrin who personally shares the sentiments of aversion against Jesus than the one who’s sympathetic to him. The latter not only will he be taken for traitor, by the group, but risks also his career. That’s the dilemma of Nicodemus. Even when he makes a legitimate observation, Nicodemus is attacked personally simply because it’s in defence of Jesus: “‘Does our law convict a man without first hearing from him to determine what he has done?’  ‘Aren’t you also from Galilee?’ they replied” (Jn 7:51-52). Nicodemus is caught between what he believes about Jesus and the opposing attitude of the Sanhedrin to which he belongs.

Our own dilemma

Here we have not just a beautiful intriguing biblical scenario but also an actual, agonising puzzle that some Christians are confronted with even today. Indeed, the tension of double loyalty can be draining. We know the right thing to do that our faith inspires us, yet, we find ourselves oscillating between two, opposing points. And so, we succumb to pressure from friends, work, or our business and we don’t arrive to speak out what’s deep in our hearts because of the conflicting interests. We measure things out: our security and that of our dear ones, and the repercussions that our action may have on our career…. What a stressful tension to live!

Crossing the line; from darkness to light

Nicodemus doesn’t remain wavering; he resolves to act timidly though. He goes to see Jesus at night. Not only does he cross the line from darkness to light but he also acknowledges Jesus as “Rabbi”, that is, he opens himself to be instructed.

Lent is equally out time to make bold decision about our life; it’s a time for crossing from darkness to light. The Gospel of John plays with contrasts: life and death, light and darkness, above and below. In such contrast, there’s a decision to make; and the choice one makes determines whether he’s for life or for death. That’s why, for John, God pronounces judgement on no one; it all depends on the decision that each person takes –for life or for death.

We can only pray, then, that we too, like Nicodemus, we may be bold enough to cross the line from darkness to light. To be born again is taking a daring step for life.

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See also:

3rd Sunday, Lent B: The Temple

2nd Sunday, Lent B: Let Go and Keep Moving!

 

 

 

Homily: 3rd Sunday, Lent B: The Temple

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In the Gospel of this 3rd Sunday of lent (B), Jesus drives out traders from the temple and in the First Reading God gives the Ten Commandments to the people of Israel at Mount Sinai. How do these readings accompany us on our Lenten journey?

Sorting things out and putting my life in order

Bible Readings
Exodus 20: 1-17
Psalm 19: 8-11
1 Corinthians 1: 22-25
John 2: 13-25

My experience

During the few years as missionary, as well as during my formation, I have made quite a number of movements; a lot of packing and unpacking. Of the two, it’s the packing that I found to be quite draining. Why?

When leaving a place I’m confronted with stringent choice, especially when it involves travelling by plane. Of the articles that I have accumulated in my room, convinced that they are necessary, I have to choose what to take and what to leave behind. I realise, it’s not just about sorting out but also reviewing the importance that I have attached to every item –is it really necessary? That’s the question I’m confronted with. There I come to realise that certain things that have been occupying the space in my room are not that necessary. The word of God for this Sunday accompanies us in this process of choosing and sorting out things that we carry along with us on the journey of our life.

“Take these things out of here!”

The Gospel takes us to the temple of Jerusalem, a Jewish sacred place, symbol of God’s presence among his people. Jews from all over Palestine and those who live in diaspora make their pilgrimage to Jerusalem, especially during the major feasts.  That’s why Jesus, from Galilee, comes to Jerusalem for Easter celebration. Of course, the temple is the focal point for pilgrims in Jerusalem. But when Jesus gets there, alas, the ambiance is not that of the sacred place; it’s no longer a place for silent contemplation. All you hear is the cluttering of coins, cooing doves, bleating lambs and mooing cattle; it’s more of animal-market than a house of prayer. However, that’s not out of disrespect for the temple; far from it. Indeed, Jews had a sense of sacredness, but why then such market?

At the esplanade of the temple there was a place where pilgrims could procure themselves with money (temple money), animals and birds for sacrifice. So it’s a way to facilitate the accomplishment of the religious practice. Unfortunately, in the long run, it’s the market ambience that took over, depriving this sacred place of the quietness it deserved. Jesus reacts to such abuse by driving out the traders: “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” And in his discussion with those who challenge him for what he’s just done, Jesus goes further to affirm that he’s the temple.

Jesus, new temple

When he says: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” he refers to himself as the new temple, the very presence of God among his people. And that has a new implication as we hear this command: “Take these things out of here”. It’s not about sorting out objects from churching building; sweeping or mopping the temple made of bricks but our own lives. That’s what Paul reminds us when he says: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” (1 Co 6:19-20). It means, I need to check the mooing cattle, bleating sheep and cooing doves in my life. In short, what are the things that desacralize the temple of God that I’m? It’s time to choose, to sort out the things that occupy the space of my life.

My Sinai

In the First Reading God gives the 10 Commandments to the people of Israel. These people have left Egypt, walking towards the Promised Land. Probably they have, in their manner of interacting and in their mentality, the baggage of slavery. So, it’s likely that once they reach the Promised Land they continue behaving as though they are still in the land of slavery where the powerful ones oppress the little ones. That’s why the Law that God gives them is not an extra baggage; but rather a guide that will enable them live fully as liberated people. So, this Reading of the giving of the law just reminds us that Lenten season is our march towards Easter. But the important question is: what are the things in my personal life and my relations that need some sorting out? What burdens should I leave behind so that I can move ahead, light and liberated?  It’s not necessarily about what’s good or bad; rather, it’s about making a choice for things that help me to advance and have the courage to part away with those things that slow me down.

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See also:

2nd Sunday, Lent B: Let Go and Keep Moving!

1st Sunday, Lent B: Withdrawing to your 

3rd Sunday of Lent A, We are Samaritan woman

Conflicts in Your Couple; Who’s Nasty?

Homily: 2nd Sunday, Lent B: Let Go and Keep Moving!

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One activity that we can associate with Lent is walking –it’s a journey. That’s why, in some places, you organise Lenten pilgrimage which is, essentially, about walking. The idea is to displace oneself which implies leaving what’s familiar to me and discover something new. It’s learning to let go. Can I say I have already started moving?

The little girl is on her journey; have you began yours?

Bible readings
Genesis 22: 1-2, 9-18
Psalm 116: 10, 15-19
Romans 8: 31-34
Mark 9: 2-10

Blood thirsty God, bad note our sensibility

If there are texts in the Bible unbearable to our sensibility, one of them is this Sunday’s First Reading: “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you.” If killing one’s own child is the exigence of faith in God we would have far much less people practising their faith today. Even though that was a practice among pagan religions of Abraham’s time; today it’s simply unimaginable. A blood thirsty god is not for us. Indeed, with the God of Israel who says to Abraham: “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him…” such practice has its place no more. So, let’s not walk away in anger; there’s something we can learn.

Faith of Abraham, he’s chosen to move on

In the obedience of Abraham we can discern: letting go and giving without reserve: “…now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” Here Abraham just continues the march began ever since his first encounter with God: “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you” (Gn 12:1). Since then Abraham learnt to let go, and to move on. However, it’s important to note that it’s not a punishment, or simply testing him, when God asks Abraham to leave and go –it’s for his own good. Abraham left for his own sake; it’s for fulfilling the promise.

The Lenten season is a journey we have undertaken for our own good. Such symbolic displacement points to the change of attitude and of behaviour that we may need we may need to make in our lives. Lenten season challenges us to make a change in our lives, not as punishment, but that we may live fully. Of course, we know from our experiences that sometimes we advise a friend to move: change your work or place of residence. At times that can be a painful rupture and yet that may be the only way to a life that’s more fulfilling.

Abraham is therefore an inspiration to us. It’s only up to each person to see: in which I areas do I need to let go and move on? How can I give fresh air to my life? But we probably have to battle with the tendency to remain implanted; it’s temptation in the Gospel.

Let’s build three tents

What an overwhelming experience for the disciples when they see Jesus transfigured on the mountain! No need making them appear as guilty persons; the reaction of Peter, John and James is only natural: we build tents and stay on. Indeed, we want good things to last. Remember spending a beautiful evening with friends; you just want to go on but only to realise that you must go in order to be ready for an activity the following morning. Besides, it’s not bad for the disciples to remain there beholding the glory of God, only that it would mean the end of the mission. We go down, so Jesus tells them. He encourages the disciples not to remain fixed but to move on.

Isn’t Jesus encouraging each one of us to move on? Just check where you would possibly be stuck; what are the things that are bolting your feet and thus preventing you from moving? Lent is a journey, just check if you have actually began moving –it’s never too late.

This can inspire us also about prayer

He’s a spiritual person! We have certainly heard that before, and probably not only have we pronounced such words; we may have even desired to be spiritual persons. But have we ever wondered to find out what it means to be a spiritual person?

We may have an image of a spiritual person of someone in perpetual ecstasy –a person with no contact with the mundane world. I cry heresy! Perhaps, the transfiguration experience can we help us to descend the mountain and help us have our feet on the ground.

Prayer is one of the recommended acts during Lent. But what is it about? I call it a mountain experience. Why?

In the biblical sense the mountain, an elevated land, is close to heaven, and thus a privileged place of encounter with God; just like prayer is that intimacy with God. So the temptation, like in the case of the disciples, is to want to remain in that ecstasy –with all the risking of cutting ourselves off the reality around us. That’s why as he did to his disciples on the mountain, today, Jesus is equally telling us: let’s descend the mountain. So, if we have intensified prayer as Lenten resolution, well and good; nevertheless, let’s take care so that our intimacy with God becomes also an inspiration to commit ourselves to the wellbeing of those around us.

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See also:

2nd Sunday of Lent A. Transfiguration, flash of consolation

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

1st Sunday, Lent B: Withdrawing to your Desert

Ash Wednesday B, Lent: A Pause in order to Move on

 

1st Sunday, Lent B: Withdrawing to your Desert

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Lent opens with Jesus, in the Gospel, withdrawing to the desert for 40 days. Perhaps, it’s a sign that we should also consider making a little trip to the desert. But how can we have desert experience in the midst of our busy lives, in bustling cities? Happily, Lenten season is there to guide us.

I will lure you into the desert and speak gently to you

Bible readings
Genesis 9: 8-15
Psalm 25: 4-9
1 Peter 3:18-22
Marl 1: 12-15

But what’s so special about the desert?

The desert occupies an important place both in the Bible and also in the history of the church. What then is the meaning of the desert? Let’s take some examples to help us appreciate the desert experience in our life as Christians.

Desert, place for maturing

After leaving Egypt, the people of Israel will remain long time in the desert, as nomads, before they can reach the Promised Land. During this time the people will have to reflect and make solid decisions about their lives, realising that the freedom is not just the question of leaving Egypt and crossing the red sea. When the euphoria subsides they have to face what’s ahead of them before they can settle in the Promised Land. With harsh conditions of the desert the Israelites begin to think even with nostalgia of their days in Egypt, especially when they remember tender meat and onions. In order to advance, they will need to mature their choice and their determination to move from the land of slavery to the land of freedom.

Perhaps Lent is a favourable time to revisit my experiences and the choices of I have made; how can I make the best out of them in order to advance in my life?

Going back where you began

Another interesting reference to the desert is that of Hosea and his unfaithful wife, Gomer; a couple which is an analogical expression of the relationship between God and Israel. Here’s what Hosea intends to do to his wife: “Therefore, I am going to persuade her, lead her to the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her” (Hs 2:14).  It’s like saying: let’s go back to where it all began and, in the silence of our heart, we can listen to those initial aspirations that gave birth to our relationship.

It means we can profit of this Lenten season to descend to what we consider as foundation, or centre, of our life. There we can find new energy and new inspirations that can give us a new push in life. 

Desert, a place of retreat

The desert was a place of preference for persons who desired to live their Christian faith in a profound way. When Christians were no longer persecuted and Christianity became the state religion; being Christian risked becoming a simple popular culture. That’s how we have persons like Anthony the Great, Macarius, Pachomius, to mention but just some, who withdrew to the desert moved by the thirst of giving depth to their faith. Monasticism or contemplative life has inspiration from such desert fathers.

For us today, it may not be necessary that we go to the desert, besides, we may not even have the possibility; yet, having an inner chamber where we can withdraw and live a little profoundly is absolutely necessary. Lenten season is exactly such desert experience that is proposed to us. So, let’s not hesitate to dive into it and give depth to our life.

Temptations, a way of facing oneself

In the silence of our hearts we can discover our temptations, that is, those enticements that may be alluring to our eyes but which, in reality, have little to nourish our lives. They are temptations all those things which, by false incentives, dissuade and block us from remaining steadfast to the journey we have embarked. When we talk of temptations we want to think in terms of a devil, that is, some external force that comes to hijack us and induces us into what we don’t want to do. Yet, if we pay attention we realise that those temptations have a lot to do with our own inclinations. The desert gives us the time and the serenity necessary to face ourselves and thus define priorities around which we can organise our life.

But Lent, for what?

Why all such Lenten effort? It’s a question that may arise –and it’s legitimate. The response is simple: It’s about opening to a new beginning –it’s giving chance to life both to oneself and to others. That’s what we find in the First reading.

After the floods, that is, death and destruction; God makes an alliance with Noah and his sons. It’s about: never again to death, never again to destruction. In this alliance God is offering a possibility of a new beginning in which every effort should be made for life.

Well, then, through Lent God is giving us this grace period –giving chance for life to every person. A new beginning is possible. It’s up to us, each one according to his situation, to see how to give a chance for new beginning in his personal life, in his work or in his family life.

May this Lent be a time of renewal in your life!

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See also

Ash Wednesday B, Lent: A Pause in order to Move on

 6th Sunday B. Leper: Jesus Stretched his Hand and Touched Him

5th Sunday B. Question of Suffering

1st Sunday of Lent A. Temptations, start Lent by naming your demon

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