Perception and privilege

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today presents texts which encourage reflection on the people chosen to be messengers of the Word of God and the privileges and responsibilities of those who are chosen to be aware of their closeness to God. The Prophet Ezekiel writes of a vision and an experience of the awe and wonder of God which is beyond the capability of human language to capture. Friar Jude Winkler comments that there is evidence that Ezekiel was mentally ill. The choice of a person to be prophet who would depend on the power of God to compensate for personal weakness is seen to be a method often employed by God to lead people. Friar Jude comments that the ancient peoples recognized special gifts from God available in the personalities of the mentally ill. We are often blinded by a culture that over emphasizes the strengths and self development of people. The mission intended by God is often brought to life through weakness, surrender and humility. The psalmist praises the situation of those people who are drawn close to God. The well being of Israel is the consequence of closeness to God. The episode from the Gospel of Matthew today opens with the prediction of Jesus passion, death and resurrection. The Son is showing the nature of God in adherence to the Plan of the Father. This is not the expected path of the One so close. Jesus presents the model of being observant to the Law of the Temple tax even as He makes the case that the children chosen by God should be freer in worldly duty than those who are under the rule of human authorities. Privilege is not something that we have or take. The privilege of understanding our invitation to intimacy with God is freely given to be demonstrated to others through humility and service.