There seems to be two main themes in our readings this week, both with ample seeds from which to fashion a reflection or homily. The first reading and the Gospel both speak of the place of the prophet in God's Plan. Prophetic messages are two-way communication, namely, what God wishes to tell the people and what the people choose to hear. "Whether they heed or resist" and "he was not able to perform any mighty deed there" are similar thoughts that indicate the prevalence of resistence to hearing God's message.
In my experience, things have not changed much in all these years. Occasionally, I can be counted among the "hard of face and obstinate of heart" though not so much the last few years. As someone who is a visible worker in God's vineyard, I have come to realize that He is in charge and that He knows best, even if I still question so I can try to understand. It is extremely hard to live with that philosophy, however, when someone you love or are trying to help, is stubborn beyond measure to hearing God's words and following His ways, even through example rather than just words. Preachers must feel this way with their audiences or congregation at times, too!
When I contemplate how I feel and act in such situations, I come to realize what it means to say that God is in charge. To be His messenger is simply to be His messenger, not the insurer that the message will be heard or followed . Whew, that is hard ! How much time do preachers spend in their lifetime in preparation... studies on"how to" or methods of delivery, let alone the content of the Message ? How about parents and how they read and pray to know what to say and when in the lifelong role of guiding one's children? I think that all of that preparation makes one the humbled and well-prepared messenger of God and should be taken quite seriously. To let God be God, however, is not taught in a class or by reading the right book... it is caught by spending time with God and becoming attentive to how He works out a grace-filled life for each of His children. As I spend more time in prayer, I learn to recall that more and more, seeing it in my life and in those I love and care about, all of whom seem to miss the point now and again, including myself.
That is where the second theme comes in, acknowledging our weaknesses and knowing that, somehow, those are in God's Plan as well. "For when I am weak, then I am strong" is a humility that is truly God-given. Trying to become a better person is part of the religious tradition of almost everyone I know. We want to be rid of our weaknesses and sins, and, just like Paul, we beg God to take them away. Just like Jesus, we are "amazed at their lack of faith" . Again, God is in charge seems to be the Message ! The trust we must have is absolute, even when we are making a mess of things or someone else is!
From where I sit, which is not in an elated state right now at all, I think my best hope of connecting to the God Who is in charge is to paraphrase the words He said to Paul. I must pray, over and over, "Your grace is sufficient for me, Lord, for Your power is made perfect in weakness". I must pray that not with resignation, but with hope. I must connect it more often in my heart to the words I have been saying aloud for three months God will have the last word. I do believe both.. but the journey is hard and so constant prayer is much needed!
(Comments to Lanie at lanieleblanc@mindspring.com.)