Many of us own a bathroom scale or use one at a gym, it gives us an indication on how we’re doing with our diet and exercise programs…even our general health.
But sometimes, we need to take a deeper look, maybe a blood test, MRI or cardiac ultrasound.
Lent is a special time when we take a deeper look into our hearts and souls…to see what drives us…and what we place first in our lives and why….?
Today’s two readings from Exodus and John challenge us to do this deeper look in our hearts and minds.
The Folly of Impatience
In the first reading, we see how the Israelites lose sight of God’s glory after Moses is gone for an extended period of time. They lose patience, experience doubt and go with “Plan B” and fall into idolatry. They fashion a golden calf and choose to worship it instead of God.
How do we handle our impatience or doubt in God’s presence in our lives, our struggles? Are we tempted to look for a “Plan B?” What are the golden calves that we fashion to satisfy our need to find pleasure, security, or reassurance in life?
Too Much Skepticism
In the gospel, we see another reality, skepticism, which can lead to diminishing or even rejecting Jesus divine authority.
Jesus seeks to guide those who doubt Him, back to the truth by saying, “You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify on my behalf. Yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”
Jesus continues: “How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is God?”
Our Goal Is God
Those are two important points for us to consider. The first is the caution to avoid seeking scriptural justification for what we want to do that contradicts the teaching of Jesus.
The second is that our first objective above all is to glorify God with how we live. We need to strive for God’s approval first and foremost.
It’s good for us to challenge ourselves by asking: do we ever seek the approval and recognition of others above God’s approval at work or school, even in our families or among friends?
Are we tempted to compromise our values or beliefs to fit in with our families, friends, co-workers or classmates?
Seeking Reconciliation
At times, it’s easier than others to resist these temptations, usually when things are going well for us, whether in health, relationships, or work. But at times, we are more susceptible and even fall short and sin against God like the Israelites and Jewish people in Jesus’ time. There’s no question that we can be strengthened by spending time in honest examination of our motives and weak spots in our character before God…and when we fall short by going to Confession.
My brothers and sisters, let us ask for the grace to seek God's glory above all else. May we have the courage to stand firm in our faith, even when it means facing opposition or ridicule. May our lives be a testament to God's love and mercy and one day share in the eternal glory of his kingdom.
In faith, we turn to our Blessed Mother: Blessed Mother, pray for us, that we may always seek the glory of God in all that we do. Help us to turn away from the empty promises of the world and to embrace the fullness of life that is found in your Son, Jesus Christ.
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
