Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options
Dianne BergantAugust 01, 2005

Is it true that life has gotten harder over the years? Or might it be that we have simply grown up and now realize that it has always been a challenge; we were simply shielded from its hardships? We were taught to live good lives, to be kind to others and to follow the rules. Why is it, then, that the more we try, the harder life seems to be? Just what does God expect of us? Perhaps this is the wrong question. Perhaps we should ask: Just what do we expect of God?

Today’s readings challenge expectations we might have of life or of God. Elijah presumed that a genuine experience of God would be accompanied by extraordinary phenomena: a mighty wind, as was the case with Job (Jb 38:1); an earthquake, like the one that occurred when God gave the commandments (Ex 19:18); or fire, reminiscent of the burning bush (Ex 3:2). But no! It was in the tiny whispering sound that Elijah recognized the presence of God.

We sometimes trivialize the Gospel story, viewing Peter’s lack of faith with a subtle sense of superiority. One would think that after seeing Jesus perform the miracle of the loaves, Peter would have trusted Jesus’ power to support him across the waters. We certainly would not have doubted! But it is one thing to observe divine power at work in the lives of others and quite another to step out bravely into chaos, sure that that same power will sustain us.

And then there is Paul, passionately in love with Christ, yet willing to be “accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh.” His words may be a gross overstatement, but his devotion to his Jewish compatriots is unquestionable. These were and will always be the people chosen by God to bring forth the Christ, according to the flesh. Paul is willing to sacrifice himself for them.

What does God expect of us? No more than has ever been expected of these others: the realization that it is in the very ordinary events of life that we meet God; willingness to follow Jesus even into chaos that might overwhelm us; genuine love for and commitment to others. It is a challenge, but he says to us as well: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

The latest from america

March 31, 2024, Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord: The Easter experience is one that unfolds slowly and deliberately.
Victor Cancino, S.J.March 27, 2024
March 24, 2024, Palm Sunday: The readings for Palm Sunday this year highlight both words and actions that seek to make sense of the senseless suffering of God’s anointed.
Victor Cancino, S.J.March 19, 2024
March 17, 2024, the Fifth Sunday of Lent: As the church nears the end of this somber season, the Gospel of John ascends to a beautiful interpretation of Jesus’ approaching hour of glorification.
Victor Cancino, S.J.March 12, 2024
March 10, 2024, the Fourth Sunday of Lent: There are so many places of conflict around the world at the present moment. Each place yearns for peace, stability and the hope that someone will take responsibility. 
Victor Cancino, S.J.March 05, 2024