Trials As “Discipline”
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” - HEB 12: 14
Today, Sisters and Brothers, we hear two words to focus on from St Paul, discipline and endure. Discipline simply put is instruction, a teaching given from authority. For us, as Catholics, that authority is the Church leaders, the Magisterium. These teachings can from time-to-time change but only with the approval of the same proper authority which is guided by the Holy Spirit. Discipline should not be confused with Doctrine, which is unchangeable. We know from prior reflections that endurance is the willingness to deal with unpleasant or difficult situations without giving up, wavering, or compromising what we believe in.
What St Paul shares with us gives us insights to what the early Church knew as discipline. The thought of discipline for those Christians was to have their blood shed and thus be martyred. They also knew discipline to be a public insult and trial, imprisonment, and the confiscation of their possessions by the government. While some could argue that our disciplines seem to be headed back in their direction. However, it is not quite there yet and compared with their discipline, it would appear that we may be more comfortable.
The difference in the ways we and the Hebrews look at discipline shows that we live in different times. Violent persecution has not hit that close to home for most of us. We should, however, realize that our differences may also indicate that our lives in Christ are watered-down, non-threatening to the devil, and sinfully bland. Therefore, making it easier to be compromising without realizing it by just adding another shade of grey.
Were we startled with what Jesus states in today’s Gospel? Jesus gives us a strong reprimand or warning when He states that no prophet or servant of God can receive honor among his own people. Because of this, the people of Nazareth took offense at Jesus and refused to listen or understand what He had to say. They despised His preaching because to them, Jesus was a mere workman, a carpenter, and a layman who had no formal training by a scholar or teacher. They also despised Jesus because of His undistinguished family background. How familiarity can breed contempt. This stems from thinking we know more, or our interpretation justifies how we should endure the disciplines of our Faith, Hope, and Love God and our neighbor.
Jesus could do no mighty works in their midst because they were closed-minded and unbelieving towards Him. If people, including ourselves, come together deciding to refuse to understand because we know better, then we will see no other point of view other than our own. We will refuse to be open and accept what is being revealed right before our very eyes.
The insights from the Good News of the Gospels come from the power of the Holy Spirit to those who have ears to hear and openness to believe what is being revealed. Jesus came to set all of us free; not only from our physical, mental, and spiritual infirmities, but also from the worst affliction of all. The tyranny of slavery to sin, Satan, and the fear of losing one's life. God's power alone can save us from hopelessness, dejection, and the emptiness of life that comes when we refuse to endure our trials as discipline. The clear, black and white teachings of Jesus.
“Lord Jesus, you are the fulfillment of all our hopes and desires. Your Spirit brings grace, truth, freedom, and abundant life. Set my heart on fire with your love and truth."
May God’s Grace and Blessings Always be with You and Yours!!
Shalom,
Deacon Bob