We are in Ordinary time – I’m always amazed by the name of this liturgical season. A Savior was born – this little baby will grow into a ‘man” who will sacrifice His life for us. Somehow this doesn’t seem “ordinary” rather quite extraordinary that we sinners, still with our feet stick in the mires of sins (I speak specifically about myself), are about to be saved/redeemed/reborn/given everlasting life. Definitely not ordinary – I know we repeat this every year – the birth, the miracles, the passion and death, more miracles – yet this is still not so ordinary. I think about the birth of any baby and the changes that ensue for everyone involved – nothing is ordinary there – everything has changed. I bring all this up because sometimes I fall into the routine of thinking that life is ordinary yet need to remind myself to stop and realize just how extraordinary it is. If I take the time, I see the “God-winks” or “God-incidences” that occur daily, the little, and sometimes big, miracles that are part of our lives. Too often, I am stuck just sailing along thinking that I am running my life and large and in charge. I’m grateful to say that more and more I do recognize those “miracles” whether it is in the quiet moments of snuggling my youngest granddaughter or in an interaction with a student. I catch that glimmer of my blessings and my awareness is more frequent (perhaps something with getting older and, hopefully, wiser).
Today’s gospel has always intrigued me. People getting upset because a miracle takes place and it is on the “wrong day.” Really!! Instead of being in awe and sharing the joy of this man no longer plagued with a “withered hand” – there are complaints that this is done on the Sabbath! I can think of no better time to experience the manifestation of God’s love. Would you not expect a loving mother to hold her babe and furnish nourishment every day? Is God as our loving parent so different that His love cannot be shown every day? Loving and showing love is not work – it is a basic part of our lives. So healing someone is not work – it is not against the “laws of God.” Rather these man-made rules that interpret God’s intent fall so far short of the most important things in life. As an old nurse, I never felt I violated God’s will or trust by caring for the sick on any given day, be it Wednesday or Sunday. I am well aware that I cannot accomplish very much without the help of God. Oh, I need to do something with the gifts/skills that I am given. But all my hard work would add up to nothing without God’s grace. It behooves me to do the best I can with this miracle that I call my life. I cannot/ should not fritter it away but I’m not out here alone. This gospel also challenges me to check some of my judgments at the door, do I immediately see the “wrong” of what someone is doing without seeing the accomplishment of God’s will? Am I wise enough to differentiate the self-will from God’s will?
Our first reading reminds us that Jesus comes to us as both a “priest” and “King.” Clearly the kingdom is not of this earth, something that was difficult for the people of that time to understand and sometimes, still difficult for us. We walk alongside Jesus – as a friend and as a wise counselor and priest. Still, we bow down to the awe of Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our King of Kings. Yes, it is clear since the birth of Jesus, nothing remains ordinary.
Of course, as it is “ordinary” for me, I want to also provide a link to a song to fill our souls. This one has been a favorite for some time and still leaves me in awe each time I hear it.
Aaron Shust’s My Savior, My God
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
