Our readings today are challenging and complex. The first reading tells us of suffering and persecutions and of wicked people and charletans who go from bad to worse. It challenges us to remain faithful in the midst of all this. The responsorial psalm echoes the idea that peace comes to those you are faithful and follow the law. Regardless of the persecutors, they will not create a stumbling block if we keep our focus and our hearts full of awe. It is the gospel that was most complex for me to understand. Jesus appears to be disputing the claims of the scribes about the relationship with David. I believe it is trying to explain the irony of Jesus being from the house of David (son of David) yet David refers to him as my Lord. David gives homage to him in anticipation of his coming. It is David who actually descends from the Lord. This past weekend as I was driving to a meeting, I started reflecting on some life choices that I made when I was much younger. As may be expected, I thought about some decisions and behaviors that had hurt others and I regretted. I had the radio on and the song, East to West was playing. Just as I was wallowing in my regrets, the lyrics were: I know You've cast my sin as far as A sense of forgiveness and comfort was very evident, realizing once again, this was no coincidence. That feeling was evident again on Sunday when the responsorial psalm included: As far as the east is from the west, Once again, I felt the forgiveness and peace and the knowledge that God is always willing to forgive when I take the time to ask. But it didn’t end there, as I turned the radio on Monday morning on my way to work, you guessed it, the song playing was once again, East to West. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, |