 |
| St Augustine of Hippo |
Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup,
so that the outside also may be clean.
We tend to focus on the superficial and the exterior more than the deep and interior. After all, what is visible is easier to control. Even just from our perspective it is easier to know we are 'doing things right' when it is just a matter of external observance.
The LORD wants us to go deep. He wants us to notice if we are neglecting the weighty things of the law, judgment and mercy and fidelity, but contenting ourselves with a focus purely external and not overly demanding practices. He wants to see if the face we put on for others really represents the truth of who we are or if it covering for a life that is fundamentally selfish.
The weighty things of the law are intimidating. We might prefer to just wait for the end of the world for God to set them right. It seems like are able to even impact the things that truly matter is limited. But God says to us that the time is now. He gives us the tradition of the Church to guide us and show us how to be sure that we are living lives of integrity. He gives us grace to actually live and endure in this renewed way of life.
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,
who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement
and good hope through his grace,
encourage your hearts and strengthen them
in every good deed and word.
The transformation God works in us does impact the surface and external aspects of our lives. But it goes deep into our hearts as well. To keep that transformation on the surface is to keep God on the outside. Putting it off until later is saying no to God in the moment. But refusal of God stems from a fear which is unfounded. Let us instead learn to trust in him to renew us from the inside out with his everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace. Then we'll be strong enough for every good word and deed. Let's do it now and not later, while the time for mercy remains
Before the LORD, for he comes;
for he comes to rule the earth.
He shall rule the world with justice
and the peoples with his constancy.
No comments:
Post a Comment