We humans are not great at delayed gratification—you know—having to put off some immediate reward for some later payoff. The diet industry, beauty and exercise products and plans count on this aspect of our humanity—along with the whole buy-now-pay-later mentality. Many consumer industries depend upon this in our natures; and it’s why being great and best at anything (like Olympians) is difficult: if it were easy everyone would do it.
What has that to do with the readings for this Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time?
Jesus tells us today about the sacrifice it takes to follow Him: to be true to our core Christian beliefs (modeled by Him). He speaks of Christ first, in and before all other things: what you say you are, what you say—and especially in what you do. Christ first—in the face of opposition and social acceptance, in the face of fear, in the face of temptation and sin—and especially when tempted to the easy way. You know it: the cookie with your name on it; the couch and television instead of a walk; the drink or drug calling to you; turning away from a moment that may be teachable for persons near you or in your family that hold to positions that oppose Christian values—and taking the easy way out...
Do you ever ask yourself if you are truly committed to a life in Christ? And what does that mean—what does that look like?
The Gospel Acclamation verse today is: “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…” Your first reaction (mine was) is that of a special place of honor with all the perks implied by power. But the implication here is huge for true believers—and it is not about the privileges of power—but about the responsibility, the mission, the inheritance and accountability we are called to as Catholic Christians. This “entitlement” is one that demands deep commitment and fierce self-reflection. Our integrity as true believers must constantly be held to a Gospel standard and examined: are we doing the right thing, the hard thing, and waiting for a later and better reward? That is what we are called to do.
We are called to live for God in Jesus—doing the hard work. A new life is what we will find: a thinner and energized best version we are called to be to work in this field of souls. That is the life we are chosen for and choose: acceptance that bestows responsibility for others, accountability for our actions, and the joy of the cross. Is it worth the sacrifice and hard work, eschewing the easy way out? Only you can say for you.
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
What has that to do with the readings for this Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time?
Jesus tells us today about the sacrifice it takes to follow Him: to be true to our core Christian beliefs (modeled by Him). He speaks of Christ first, in and before all other things: what you say you are, what you say—and especially in what you do. Christ first—in the face of opposition and social acceptance, in the face of fear, in the face of temptation and sin—and especially when tempted to the easy way. You know it: the cookie with your name on it; the couch and television instead of a walk; the drink or drug calling to you; turning away from a moment that may be teachable for persons near you or in your family that hold to positions that oppose Christian values—and taking the easy way out...
Do you ever ask yourself if you are truly committed to a life in Christ? And what does that mean—what does that look like?
The Gospel Acclamation verse today is: “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…” Your first reaction (mine was) is that of a special place of honor with all the perks implied by power. But the implication here is huge for true believers—and it is not about the privileges of power—but about the responsibility, the mission, the inheritance and accountability we are called to as Catholic Christians. This “entitlement” is one that demands deep commitment and fierce self-reflection. Our integrity as true believers must constantly be held to a Gospel standard and examined: are we doing the right thing, the hard thing, and waiting for a later and better reward? That is what we are called to do.
We are called to live for God in Jesus—doing the hard work. A new life is what we will find: a thinner and energized best version we are called to be to work in this field of souls. That is the life we are chosen for and choose: acceptance that bestows responsibility for others, accountability for our actions, and the joy of the cross. Is it worth the sacrifice and hard work, eschewing the easy way out? Only you can say for you.
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
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