Faced with all the evil in the world, and all that is going wrong, do we just feel powerless? What can we do about Syria, Iraq, Iran – and conflicts here and now in the western hemisphere? But we can – in our own lives – strive to live in a different way. We can because we are the body of Christ and through Christ can strive towards all that builds peace.
The story of the ten lepers who were healed: but only one came back to say thanks. Do we desire something from Jesus rather than Jesus himself? Will we settle for a moment relief – or will we look below the surface to see more than new skin?
It’s a strange, even bizarre idea that Jesus shares: that by his leaving his followers will actually be to their advantage. What advantage can there be in loneliness and sadness? But would we recognise the promise that what is to come is greater: the spirit? But more importantly – are we open to what accepting the Spirit means to our lives?
The lost sheep; we’re all familiar with the story – but do you believe it? Do you doubt with a nagging internal monologue stating “I’m not good enough” that Jesus won’t find you worthy, over that of friends or family? Or on the other side of the story – if we feel we’re doing everything right, why should the lost who comes back through Jesus take priority over us?
Red Sky at Night, shepherds delight; red sky at morning, sailors a warning. How good are you at predicting things? In our Gospel reading, it seems the Jews were unable to move from earthly interpretations of the weather to spiritual interpretations of Jesus.
