In the Mixed Bag

Dear Friend,

A friend recently reminded me that love brings us into a close relationship with the pains as well as the joys of living. I sense that the love we heard about in last week’s readings - the Word coming down from above like rain and snow - accomplishes its work (i.e. “the end for which I sent it”, in Isaiah’s words) while raising the uncomfortable feelings of what a mixed bag my life can give me.  

Alice Camille points out that according to St. Paul (cf. Romans 8:26-30) what the power of the Holy Spirit does in us is mostly to transform us into channels of God’s grace (This Transforming Word, p. 165). She writes: “The power of God transforms its vessel first, then moves outward into the world…If we say no to this power, we say no for ourselves and for the world.” The power of the Spirit really does come to our aid, not imposing itself, but working in harmony with our freedom. Its work will surprise us: “We become compassionate where we’re normally irritated, or tireless rather than burned out… we find healing where wounds used to be.” 

According to Jesus’s stories this week (weeds and wheat) and next week (the great net), our lives really are a mixed bag. In our families there’s the heroic and the blundering, in our parishes, prejudice as well as great charity and generosity. Through it all, God offers us the wisdom that transforms us - to embrace it all, and to respond more and more appropriately, more skillfully, and lovingly in the face of it all. 

What a challenging course of “summertime reading” the scriptures are for us over the next couple weeks!  As the old preacher once said to his congregation, Say Amen or Say Ouch!

Gratefully,

Fr. Dan ofm, Pastor