Really independent? that depends...

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary for the fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time are offering an introduction to the change which we are invited to embrace as we continue our spiritual journey. The strong hand and mighty arm of God have been witnessed by the Israelites, led by Moses. They seek a kind of separation from the awe which borders on fear to a communication through a human prophet, who as Friar Jude Winkler points out, will see the life of the community with the "eyes of God" and communicate with them, inspired by God. The Israelites seek that independence which puts the day to day decisions about the path of Israel under their control. As the community develops this "necessary independence", Moses and the Psalmist implore them and us not to forget about hearing the directions from God. Paul writes to the Corinthians to advise that the dependance and anxieties of the married state might be wisely avoided as the people prepare for the end of the world which Paul believed, because of the Resurrection of Jesus, was imminent. Richard Rohr in his book, Falling Upward, writes of the necessary independent attitude and development of life skills in our youth or "first half of life". As we come to know our place in relationship with God and we glimpse that our true self is revealed in that relationship, we recognize as Fr Larry Gillick notes that independence may be one of the demons cast out by the growing Presence of Jesus in the "Holy Place" of our being. In the synagogue in Capernaum, according to the Gospel of Mark today, Jesus instructs the unclean spirit to be quiet. The relationship with Jesus and the model He sets for His followers grows through love, patience, peace, joy, mercy and forgiveness. It takes time for us to develop in intimacy with the Divine. The humility to consider that we depend on God is not easily found on most days.