Word to the Wise
Friday, January 30, 2009 - Friday in the Third Week in Ordinary Time
[Hebrews 10:32-39 and Mark 4:26-34]You even joined in the sufferings of those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you had a better and lasting possession. Therefore, do not throw away your confidence; it will have great recompense. You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what he has promised.
The Letter to the Hebrews today sounds a bit like the advice I occasionally have to give to folks who come in with a "What's the use?" look and sound. Discouragement can be a terrible enemy to deal with. Those of my own generation - the Vietnam War generation - recall the enthusiasm and dedication to principle that led to considerable and occasionally destructive social unrest, even if some very important things were accomplished - especially in the realm of civil rights. Now these same folks find it very hard to stand on principle when the forces of moral secularity threaten the very things that they fought for oh so many years ago! It's hard to rush to the barricades when you don't even feel like leaving the house! (Nowadays, those barricades may very well be inside the house!!) I meet the same feeling occasionally in a college student who simply cannot believe that their life can make a difference to anyone! All confidence is gone. I may sound a bit old fashioned when I say that the best weapon against discouragement is encouragement. Fidelity to what Jesus teaches us in and through our Catholic heritage has never been easy, beginning with the original disciples! Indeed, sometimes the big challenges seem easier to confront instead of the insidious and subtle temptations that modern consumerism offer. Recalling our efforts in the past, whether successful or not, may help us to realize that we are not alone. God is with us as a constant companion and sends us often the Spirit with "skin-on" in the form of friends and co-workers. We have to do our part. We can drown in six inches of water if we don't want to lift our heads! The Letter to the Hebrews is right: Do not throw away your confidence; it will have great recompense!" AMEN
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