Pentecost 4, Proper 8
When Jesus came to the house where the young girl died, he denied her death and the people laughed at him. Sometimes it can be that way for us, too. Even in the face of the help that we need - when the offer is placed squarely before us - we laugh and turn away in scorn instead of welcoming the relief that is available.
Jesus asks the people, "Why do you make a commotion?" That question could just as easily be posed to any of us. Instead of being still to receive, and listening to learn, we make a commotion. We fill the situation with our own static and turmoil because we cannot imagine how any solution beyond our abilities is possible. How could anything happen that we haven't controlled, and understood?
Sometimes the commotion is just a cover-up for our anxiety. Anxiety can mean wringing our hands over things that cannot be changed, or worrying about things that haven't happened and may never happen. Anxiety can mean getting lost in the negative possibilities and worst-case scenarios. Anxiety can waste a lot of energy and time. It's not good for our spirit or our body. And it can be a great distraction from the work of ministry!
Fr. Gehlsen
Showing posts with label pentecost. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pentecost. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Ordinary Time
A MESSAGE FROM FATHER GEHLSEN:
In the season after the feast of Pentecost I can't help but wonder how we set the workings of the Spirit aside. I don't believe we do it on purpose, but we get so caught up in the days of summer that sometimes religious commitment isn't on the top of our priority list.
The Pentecost event is so powerful and so dynamic that an indelible mark should be within us. The passion of the Spirit should be directing us to share our gifts and talents like the disciples and apostles. We probably won't be able to speak in different languages, but we can be attentive to those around us who manifest fear, worry, sickness, societal troubles, family issues, and personal hardships. It was the apostles who eventually brought the hope of resurrection and healing to all hardships in life.
We are called in the same manner as the apostles to be alert to the needs and spiritual concerns of others. Summer doesn't lighten our loads of Baptismal Covenant Ministry. We are to be vigilant and awake to respond to the needs of those around us.
Have a wonderful Summer!!
Fr. Tom
In the season after the feast of Pentecost I can't help but wonder how we set the workings of the Spirit aside. I don't believe we do it on purpose, but we get so caught up in the days of summer that sometimes religious commitment isn't on the top of our priority list.
The Pentecost event is so powerful and so dynamic that an indelible mark should be within us. The passion of the Spirit should be directing us to share our gifts and talents like the disciples and apostles. We probably won't be able to speak in different languages, but we can be attentive to those around us who manifest fear, worry, sickness, societal troubles, family issues, and personal hardships. It was the apostles who eventually brought the hope of resurrection and healing to all hardships in life.
We are called in the same manner as the apostles to be alert to the needs and spiritual concerns of others. Summer doesn't lighten our loads of Baptismal Covenant Ministry. We are to be vigilant and awake to respond to the needs of those around us.
Have a wonderful Summer!!
Fr. Tom
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)