Word to the Wise
Saturday, January 14, 2023 - Saturday in the 1st Week in Ordinary Time
[Heb 4:12-16 and Mark 2:13-17]The word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account. Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help. [Hebrews]
It can be an uncomfortable feeling to be the subject of inquiry or investigation or evaluation with others poking into one's life. In our digital age the protection of personal data has become a controversial topic in political and social life. When this feeling is translated into the life of faith, one's relationship with God can become uncomfortable as well. The Letter to the Hebrews describes the "word of God" as penetrating the inmost regions and secrets of the heart: soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account. Gulp!
It is remarkable how much we believe we can "conceal" our words and deeds from God when it is really ourselves that we are concealing something from by some form of denial. The Letter to the Hebrews goes on, however, to assure us that God's "scrutiny" is a merciful one and that we should not become discouraged by our weaknesses. Rather, we should acknowledge to ourselves as well as to God that we are in need of God's mercy. That is the whole point of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Although the content of a confession remains confidential, the public location of the sacrament under most circumstances and our presence at that location is an acknowledgment of our need.
Holding ourselves accountable is difficult, but God knows our lives and hearts. The old saying is a good one: You can run, but you can't hide! AMEN