Reflection for Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Division occurs in the crowd because they are uncertain who Jesus is. Some willingly express their belief, but others struggle to accept him as the Christ because of His origin. This division is not surprising since Jesus instructed that people would become divided on his account (cf. Mt. 10:34-36). We might experience this division when our closest friends or relatives do not share our same views on faith in God. The lack of unity can be a painful reality.
It’s not the case that Jesus desired division. Rather, He was well aware that the radical discipleship to which He called His followers meant that they would often find themselves rejected and cast out because of their beliefs. The spiritual writer, Thomas Dubay, says: “Nowhere in Scripture are we asked for much, or most, or quite a bit. Always it is everything. The God of revelation is never a God of fractions. It is not enough to love him with 95% of our heart, not enough to be detached from major obstacles, not enough to be merely cordial and helpful in community, not enough to be regular in prayer. No, we are too love with a whole heart to be detached from all we possess, to enjoy a complete communal unity, to pray always.” Living in a way where we are wholly given over to God might mean that we have to separate ourselves from evil influences and behaviors that prevent us from union with God. Jesus’ prayer was that “that they may be one, as [the Father and I] are one” (Jn. 17:22), but he wanted us to experience this oneness in Him, not apart from Him.
The fourth-century bishop St. Gregory of Nyssa said that we never truly become what we are called to be unless deep down inside. We choose it and keep choosing it all our life. We are certainly challenged to make a firm commitment to Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to show us the way to the Father. May this daily commitment be for us a powerful source of strength and joy!
Reflection: Where do I experience division in my life, and am I able to bring the lack of unity to Jesus, knowing that He experienced similar challenges?
Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB
Posted in Daily Reflections, Lenten Resources