Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week of Ordinary Time
We read from the prophet Amos how God favored the people of Israel, and they did not return God’s love.
Do two walk together
unless they have agreed?
Does a lion roar in the forest
when it has no prey? Amos 3:1-2
There’s the old saying that “it takes two to tango.” God wants us to participate in His own divine life. God doesn’t need us to exist. The Lord calls us by grace to participate in what is promised to “those who love Him.” Yet God will never force us, the people of God, to follow Him. Jesus isn’t going to drag us kicking and screaming into Heaven. How often people complain about God and they don’t do anything to follow God.
There’s an example I often used when teaching CCD or Catechism classes to Catholic youth. I would say to them that God’s grace is like water from a faucet. You turn a knob and the water flows freely. If you have a cup, even a cracked or damaged one, the cup can still fill up as long as it’s under the water faucet. However, if a cup or glass has no bottom, it can’t hold any water. The glass won’t hold any water without a base, even if it’s right under the faucet. I would tell the youth, the base we need to have is our faith and willingness to serve God. Amos also says that God allowed Israel to suffer “upheaval” in order to return back to God. Yet Israel did not return to the Lord. What inhibits us from returning to God?
The storms we face in life will throw us into upheaval, confusion. How often we say we would do better if times changed! And yet we are called to trust in God in that very instance! The disciples in the boat with Jesus were shaken by the storm they encountered. How could Jesus be sleeping in a time like that? The disciples awakened Jesus and He stopped the storm and calmed the sea with ease. He asked them, “Why are you terrified, you of little faith.” Could the disciples have calmed the storm if they wanted to? We will never know. The disciples would go on to do even greater miracles after the Resurrection and the great commission. When we turn to Christ in total trust we too can calm any storm life throws our way. Let’s walk with the Lord today!
Reflection: Ask yourself, “Am I walking with the Lord? Am I relying on God and His grace?” Remember, it takes two to tango.
Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB
Posted in Articles for Lent, Daily Reflections, Lenten Resources