This is a world full of challenge. I am often frustrated reflecting on how I respond. Last week I saw a program on television showing how people react when they see others placed in difficult positions. I realized how often I would have stayed out of other people’s business.
This is the opposite of what today’s Gospel asks. We are called to take responsibility for our fellow human beings. Even more, we are called to recognize that the reward system which the Gospel suggests is opposed to that of our materialistic world.
With getting our oldest son settled in a new city and school fees looming on the horizon for our youngest son, we are being rather careful with what we spend. These are the moments when our giving is tested. I must admit being more protective with funds than what is called for in the Gospel.
My oldest son is now trying to make it on his own. I realized that in many ways he has much greater faith than I do. He is starting a career in service, working in an urban public school. By comparison, he has much greater financial challenges facing him than I do.
The first reading and psalm advocate trust in the Lord. I am realizing how much easier this was, when there were back-up resources. The Gospel clearly shows God’s favor for those acting in spite of their weaknesses.
Our Lord loves us in our weakness. Perhaps this is not so strange. I think of the moments that have brought me closest to others. Many have involved loving someone in his or her moment of difficulty and challenge.
I pray today for the strength to trust. I pray for the love and grace to be willing to serve in the many ways in which I am called.
Dear Lord, You are the source of all things. Help me to see that the things of the world are there not to be guarded but to be cherished. Help me to see the Beatitudes as a sign of Your care for humanity, and a call for us to respond accordingly.
Mike Cherney
I grew up in Milwaukee and have lived in Madison, St. Paul, Hamburg, Geneva, Omaha and Boston. I taught for 27 years in the Creighton Physics Department. Now I am mostly retired and have returned to the Milwaukee area where my wife recently became President of Mount Mary University. I continue to work with Creighton students on projects in high energy nuclear physics at Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island and at CERN just outside Geneva, Switzerland. We have two sons and three grandchildren who all live in the northern suburbs of Chicago.
I am a person who asks questions. This often leads me down a challenging path.
