Today’s readings address the inherent difficulties we face in discerning and executing the true, right, just, and beautiful.
Paul’s letter to the Romans reflects upon the internal conflict between willing and doing. The good we want to do often diverges from what we execute. Sometimes this divergence is a product of our weakness. We get tired and cranky. We get overwhelmed by the pressures of the world. We get seduced and tricked, or we just give up and give in. It has been said that the doctrine of original sin is empirically observable, and we often feel the tension that our sinful proclivities produce. Living in that tension is tough. We wound one another and ourselves by our sins.
Only God can heal us of these wounds. Do not be fooled with false promises of security, validation, comfort, or excuse, which are rooted in worldly ways. Paul states that he wants to do good, but he also recognizes that one’s mind can be darkened through practicing sin. (See, e.g., Romans 1). Only repentance leads to mercy and healing. But repentance requires instruction and conviction, which also comes from God.
Today’s psalm calls us to program (and reprogram) our minds to orient and dispose our consciences rightly to God’s law, as well as to his compassion, goodness, comfort, and saving power. We cannot escape the tension through the world’s artifices, but we can learn to live within it by drawing near to the One who can save us, learning from Him and sharing His love. Deliverance comes from a relationship, and this relationship also draws us into fellowship with other followers who are on similar journeys, from whom we receive encouragement, hope, and instruction.
In today’s gospel, our Lord reminds us that using our minds is not optional! We need to study history and other forms of human wisdom to function prudently. Even our faith is rooted in the veracity of others’ experiences in following the Living God. We cannot rely solely on our own capacities for observation and reason, but we are guided by others and the lessons they can teach. We need the Church for this, as our ability to be a judge in our own case is compromised by our own distorted views and blind spots, which often prevent us from seeing the true state of things. Our Lord advises us make peace with others instead of being surprised by an adverse judgment. This requires humility and sober assessment, realizing that we may not be as strong or virtuous as we think. When we have conflicts with others, it is good to be reminded that we are also sinners in need of mercy and that such mercy is dispensed with the same measure we mete out. Let us live generously!
Lord, help us to seek you always. Your loving kindness provides the balm for our weary souls, which we can find in the sacraments. Teach to follow you with humility and gratitude, recognizing the generous gifts that you dispense to us. Comfort us by knowing you are leading us in this great journey, sometimes carrying us, and never forgetting us. Thanks be to God.
Edward Morse
Ed Morse is a professor of law who holds the McGrath North Endowed Chair in business law at Creighton. University School of Law. He and his wife Susan are Catholic converts. Together, they operate a family cattle farm in rural Western Iowa.
Writing these reflections over the past fifteen years has helped me to learn and grow in faith. Sometimes it has also chastened me by reminding me of the constant need to practice what we have learned as we live out our faith journey together. I am grateful for feedback and encouragement from my fellow travelers.
