A Bruised Reed

Isaiah 42:1-4 - Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased. Upon whom I have put my Spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations, Not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench, until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching.

Thoughts: OK, so I admit it, I am a huge Pope Francis fan. When I read this passage this morning, my first thought was of Francis, our new Pope. His humble actions speak volumes. I saw a photo yesterday of Francis giving a homily. As I looked the photo, he was just radiating joy, it was a smile that drew me in and made we want to be around and to listen. I can imagine  Jesus just the same way. Drawing us all in.

The reading from Isaiah this morning predict the coming of Jesus and describe what his coming would be like. 

When we think of someone coming to bring justice, we often think of punishment for those doing wrong but not so with new savior. The people of Jesus' time thought the messiah would be a might king, a conqueror, a ruler. What we got was a gentle redeemer, a forgiver, a healer. 

We are the bruised reeds of this world, weak and sinful at least cracked if not completely broken. Jesus comes to mend the brokenness in our lives not to destroy or punish. For many Christians even, the light of Christ does not burn brightly but only flickers or smolders. People of this world would say just put it out, it does not give much light anyway. But, Jesus will fan and nurture that flame until it burns brightly once again. No flame is too small for God to revive. 

As we move through Holy Week, let us help mend the bruised reeds all around us and be the instrument to Jesus can use to fan the flame in each other.

Humble Pie

I was given a big piece of humble pie to eat last night. Can't say it was the most tasty thing I had ever had but it was something I needed.

You see, I have been on this great journey with the Lord. One of the things that has happened was a renewed desire to serve the church. More specifically through the diaconate. I had thought about it years ago but did not think the time was right. History certainly shows that to be a true statement. This renewed desire has been a great journey so far. Pretty much everyone has been excited and supportive of me. That is until last night.

A close family member and I were talking last night and they said something to the effect. I guess it is nice all this diaconate stuff and everything and I guess others are happy for you but I just don't see it. I don't see how you are any different now than before. Well, for one thing, six months ago, that would have really hurt my feelings. This time I listened to the comments and turned it around into a time of reflection.

I thought, maybe I just show good but in the privacy of my home I am different. I probably am different at home. Something I will need to work on. I am convinced that home is the absolute hardest place to evangelize. Jesus certainly found this true on his return to Nazareth. 

Really kind of interesting that this should happen now. It had been just about 8 hours earlier that we had witnessed a most humble man, Pope Francis, ask the people to pray for him upon accepting his role as supreme pontiff. I can only hope that if I make to ordination that I will never forget the scene of that day and that I will have the strength to live my life in humble service.

I owe a debt of gratitude to that brave family member that called me out and told me what they really thought and I also owe gratitude to our new Pope Francis for being good examples and good counsel.