Things are different below the surface

A challenge presented by reflection on the texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary  is how to see deeply into a situation and act or react according to what is unseen rather that what is obvious to the observer. Friar Jude Winkler notes that the conclusion of the Second Letter of Paul to Timothy is written as a testimony to the end of Paul's life as it is poured out in service of his mission to proclaim the Risen Christ to all. The author warns that there will be persecution and at that time in Church history heresy was beginning to appear. The temptation to be arrogant and forceful in the suppression of heretics is to be avoided in favour of loving patience. This remains a difficulty for ministry to this day. The one with "wrong" ideas and approaches seems to be quickly dismissed. The Gospel of Mark which contrasts the showy arrogant presentation as a believer of the Scribe with the simple sincere and devout expression of love and thanksgiving of the widow who seemingly has so little for which to be thankful offers a challenging reflection. We jump to the conclusion that the widow is so righteous and yet as Friar Jude advises we may be even more informed if we consider the giftedness of different believers. The faith which finds expression in our action is a gift of the Divine. We are not all equally gifted. We are called to respond in the measure to which we understand our giftedness. We need to seek the inspiration of the Holy Spirit before we rush to judgement based on what our initial observation with the "carnal" senses tells us. Patience my people!