Ez 2:2-5/2Cor 12:7-10/Mk 6:1-6a
The readings over the next several weeks speak to discipleship--not only what it takes to be a disciple of Christ, but also, I think the readings prepare us for the response that we often will receive. Why do I say that? Being a disciple of Jesus calls us to be counter-cultural. In short, to go against the flow; to play 'outside the box'; to march to our own drum; to not be afraid that we aren't 'just like everyone else.' All this is a bit amusing to me, since we live in a society where being an individual who can think and act--be independent--is greatly prized. That is, until my 'independence' infringes on yours. In short, it is human nature (tracing all the way back to Adam and Eve) that no one likes someone else telling them how to think, act, or behave.
With Jesus, however, we never have to worry about that. When we give our life to Christ, He frees us. This seems like a contradictory statement. How can Jesus free us when He (and His Church) are constantly laying down 'rules'? The simple fact is that when we love someone deeply, we will do whatever we can to please them, making sure that our every action works towards strengthening and deepening that relationship. When our focus is so sharp, the distractions and opinions of others or outsiders become diminished. Funny thing about loving Jesus is that the more we love Him, the more we understand that we are called to love others--that is the fruit that is borne out of that relationship. Another contradiction for if we fall madly in love, our relationship with Jesus propels us out towards others--it is not a selfish relationship that makes us give up all others.
When you talk to people who are deeply religious--in a mystical and deep union with the Father, through the Son, and led by the Spirit--they are very peaceful, content, and filled with joy. Not that they do not suffer the same misfortunes, obstacles, and pitfalls all of us do, but somehow, they cope better, see things 'differently', and are able to anchor themselves most steadfastly to Christ and not to the passing fancies of the world around them. The less they have, the more generous of heart they are. Again--more contradictions--but all of this brings great freedom.
That is what St. Paul, I think, is referring to when he notes that, "I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong." He knows most assuredly that Jesus is with Him always and will never abandon Him. His Spirit breaths in and out of him as sure as the breaths he takes. This confidence brings about a zeal and urgency to share the Gospel so that others may know Jesus, too and thus share in this joy.
Here's the rub, however. Just as Mark's Gospel notes, oftentimes those closest to us are the most difficult to talk to about the faith. Rather than seeing Christ speaking through us, they see their parent, spouse, relative, or friend, with all of our warts and faults. The call to transformation and leaving of old lifestyles and habits may sound more like convictions than invitations and hence, rather than turning towards Christ, they commit the very 'sin' they accuse the proclaimer of--judgment.
This is where the role of disciple gets difficult. It's easy to be a disciple of Jesus when everyone loves Him and life is good--but when challenges arise, when we have to stand for Truth and trust in Jesus rather than appease another--that is when we must hang on. That is when we must turn to the Lord and with all humility beg for the grace to be strong, to love others all the more, and not let go.
As disciples, we must cling to Christ. Whether people listen or not, that is their choice--but it is our vocation to proclaim the Good News of salvation with love, joy, conviction, and compassion. The words of the Lord to the prophet Ezekiel are as true today as when written long ago: "Thus says the Lord God! And whether they heed or resist--for they are a rebellious house--they shall know that a prophet has been among them."
St. Faustina Kowalska, in her conversations with Jesus on Divine Mercy, connects the importance of trusting Jesus and the graces and freedom that flows from such complete giving over the Him. She writes as the Lord instructed her:
Tell souls that from this fount of mercy souls draw graces solely with the vessel of trust. If their trust is great, there is no limit to My generosity. The torrents of grace inundate humble souls. The proud remain always in poverty and misery, because My grace turns away from them to humble souls (1602). Entrust everything to Me and do nothing on your own, and you will always have great freedom of spirit. No circumstances of events will be able to upset you (1685).
That, sisters and brothers, is true freedom. Let us proclaim this so that all may dwell in the freedom, love, joy, and peace of Christ!
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