Ahhhh, Humanity

Saturday, March 28

Readings – JER 11:18-20; JN 7:40-53

I’ll admit hat today’s readings are a bit complicated for me.  If you sometimes have trouble understanding the scriptures, please know that you’re in good company!

The first reading from Jeremiah speaks of the innocent one who is headed into violence and then is looking forward to watching God’s vengeance on the people who hurt them.

And in the gospel, there’s a somewhat confusing sequence naming the division in the crowd and the attempts of the religious leaders to bully and intimidate people around their following Jesus.

No easy theme jumps out at me apart from the complexity of humanity. In one moment we’re holy and kind. In another we’re mean and petty.

I often marvel at how complicated humans are – especially emotionally.  We have all kinds of conflicting emotions, thoughts and actions that all seem true at the same time.

So even the “holy one” who trusts God would like to see his/her/their enemy get what’s coming to them.  And the very different reactions to Jesus – from fear to reverence – are all evident today.

I think of our humanity at a time like this.  Many of us probably have a variety of emotions and thoughts swirling.  We might be so frustrated with people we love.  We might experience very conflicting thoughts on what to believe.  We might be confused and afraid to act.  We might be grateful and feeling blessed. We might be overcome by anger.

Whatever your situation may be, come back to the present moment.  It is in the present that we can release everything that we cling to and get out of the contradictions that we embody all the time.  It is in the present moment that we can release all of our preferences and judgements.  It is in the present moment that we can let go of all of our fears and shortcomings.

For today, just sit with God in the present moment and know that all is well – no matter what is happening.