Weekend Reflections for 7/2/21

     In the Gospel this Sunday, Jesus is excited to return to his native village of Nazareth and show off his "haunts" to his new disciples. For the townspeople, it promises to be an occasion of great celebration--"local boy makes good" could have been an appropriate bulletin heading.

     So when the sabbath arrives, Jesus enthusiastically begins to teach the locals, from the depths of his heart, sharing profound insights regarding the goodness of his Father. But instead of being captivated by his discourse and his preceding miracles, the people "took offense"! Jesus is not fitting into the box they expected. Moreover, he is challenging them to live a life of deeper authenticity...how dare he!

     Today the most common evil spirit ravaging our country is the spirit of offense (according to wise discerners of spirits, such as Bishop Hermann). Thus, many Americans are quick to take offense at anyone who is not immediately supportive of their lifestyle choice, anyone who dares to invite them to live a life of greater authenticity in Christ.

     It would be wise for committed Catholics, before offering their all-important testimony of faith (1 Pt 3:15), to petition God to first bind those spirits of offense so quick to enter our loved ones when we speak to them. St. Paul reminds us in this regard (cf. Eph 6:12) that our battle is not against flesh and blood (particular individuals for whom truth has become a relative concept) but against principalities and powers (evil spirits motivating their defensive posture). Brandon Vogt's excellent work Return lays out the best way to further these necessary conversations.

    May the love of Christ impel you and me to break out of our comfort zones, moving beyond a "live and let live" mentality, meeting people where they're at so as to help them out of where they're at--a guiding principle of ministry from our beloved St. Ignatius. 

-Fr. Anthony Wieck, SJ