Today’s first reading and Gospel speak to me of how God, and faith in God, can pierce through the messiness of life.
There has always been sin on the part of humans – gluttony, cruelty, greed, lust, and much more – but the age at the time of Genesis 6 was particularly vexing, according to the writer. The people were so evil that God was ready to chuck it all. To throw the baby out with the bathwater. To wipe out the whole of creation.
But because one person (Noah) and his family were just, humanity and the world’s creatures got a second chance.
That’s how much God values acting justly. So, when we are weary and burdened by the messiness of our own sinfulness, mistakes and lack of concern for others, we can have faith that God gives second chances. Jesus’ whole mission was a huge second chance for us. We can remember that one person acting justly is enough to change the course of history. So, let us take stock of ourselves and act justly.
The conversation in the boat in the Gospel greatly amuses me. Again, the messiness of life. The disciples relished in that mess – worrying about where their next meal is coming from, who forgot to bring bread, why did they forget to bring bread – and Jesus lived there in the messiness right along with them.
But he encouraged them to rise above it, to see the bigger picture, the true meaning and value in their (our) lives and in the people we meet. Even though the disciples were constantly bickering and trying to one-up each other, Jesus still loved them, still taught them, still died for them, just as he does for each of us.
Cindy Murphy McMahon
I am retired after 17 years with Creighton’s University Communications and Marketing office, most recently as associate director of communications. I graduated in journalism from Creighton in the mid-’70s, and the skills I first learned there have provided a fulfilling career, including newspaper reporting, photography and editing; teaching; public relations and marketing; and freelance writing and editing.
A native of Chicago, I met my husband, Tom McMahon, in Omaha and we have been here for most of our married life. We have been blessed with three sons and seven grandchildren, and spending time with my family is my greatest joy.
I am grateful for the opportunity to explore my faith and the Scriptures by writing reflections for Creighton’s Online Ministries, and consider it a blessing and privilege. I enjoy hearing from, and learning from, people who read the reflections.
