Today’s readings are hard-edged, clear, uncompromising. No comfortable ambiguity. No “ifs, ands or buts,” as my mother used to say.
My habit when I encounter readings like these is to think first of all the people I know who ought to read and heed them. It is so easy to become lost in finger-pointing and blame-placing.
Fortunately, I eventually get around to realizing how much the readings apply to me. They are not about condemning one or another group -- they are about taking stock of my behavior in light of the word of God. These seemingly harsh words are about the ragged edges of life, the places where I encounter God, the places where my choices make a difference in the lives of others.
There is a cliché about walking the walk instead of talking the talk. What comes after I say I am a Christian, a follower of Jesus? How and why do I say that, and what difference does it make in my life? Today’s readings offer some fairly obvious clues.
The messages take on a particular clarity during Lent.
“Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.”
Isaiah has a talent for keeping it simple. And could anything be more straightforward than the words of Jesus?
“… you have but one father in Heaven.”
In the end, what at first appears to be a harsh challenge is in reality a gentle invitation to allow faith, compassion and kindness to rule my days.
How could I ask for more?
Member of Creighton University Community
Since its inception in 1997, Online Ministries has been blessed to have myriad members of the Creighton University community offer their personal reflections on the daily scripture readings.
