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
As the east is from the west
And I stand before You now as
As though I’ve never sinned
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,
so far has He put our transgressions from us.
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.
I did not need any further proof to help me realize that I will fail from time to time but I will not be rejected as long as I continue in this journey to do the right thing. As the first reading reminds us:
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching,
for refutation, for correction,
and for training in righteousness,
so that one who belongs to God may be competent,
equipped for every good work.
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.
