25TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME B
WHEN I LACK UNDERSTANDING
MK 9: 30-37
MESSAGE
Lord Jesus, like your disciples, I too, do not understand everything you are trying to say to me, whether in the Bible or in the church or in the tradition of faith. I grasp some but lose most others. How I envy those who say they fully understand you and thus, can follow you more closely.
Like the disciples, I too, am afraid to ask questions. People might think I am that stupid; they might judge that I am a doubter; they might suspect I lack faith. Like the disciples I secretly ask questions to myself. Why is it difficult for me to fully understand and thus, to fully follow your words and your example in my life? The little that I know, I fail to execute. The words I hear get lost in the real battle of life.
What a relief that you treat me like you did to your disciples. You do not reprimand me or laugh at me or cast me out of your presence because I am slow to understand, hard to hear, delayed to act. You take the initiative to journey with me at my own pace, my own capacity, my own ability to respond to your words.
In the Gospel, instead of rebuking the disciples, you invited them to welcome a little child. You invite me too, to be inspired by a child who mirrors a lack of many things – lack of understanding, lack of maturity, and lack of perfection. You show that what you have for me is patience. You love and guide me with the same care and concern of one who takes care of a little child.
REFLECT
Do not be afraid to admit your imperfection… do not be ashamed if you do not know yet how to follow Jesus perfectly. If you cannot seem to leave your past behind and forsake your weakness radically, if you cannot live the Christian way excellently, remember that in God’s eyes you are a son or daughter in need of patience, understanding and guidance. Trust in his love; call on him to help you.
