Control and vindication

The psalmist today in the texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary prays to God “Let them know that this is your hand” (Psalm 109:27). The Letter to the Romans declares the deep faith of Paul that there is nothing in Creation which can separate us from the Love which is demonstrated by God in the gift of the life of His Son to humanity. Friar Jude Winkler reminds us of how our fear of being taken under the control of evil influences may be keeping us from surrendering to the Love plan of God which is mercy and forgiveness for all. EdwardMorse of Creighton University identifies a tendency which may be part of our desire, and that of the psalmist, to have vindication over our enemies when we experience the action of the hand of God to lead us. This desire for vindication is perhaps our seeking a sign of the Presence which is actually not in accord with His Will. Our vindication is a need focused toward ourselves. The Gospel of Luke tells of the warning some Pharisees give Jesus of those who desire to kill Him in Jerusalem. Jesus understands that the place where the Will of God is revealed is Jerusalem. In this place, traditionally, the people have slain the Prophets. The gift of Life which will open all people to praise “Blessed is the One who comes in the Name of the Lord” (Luke 13:35) will be through the witness that even death does not separate God and His children.