The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with our sense that there are serious consequences to living with a closed mind.
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The reading from the Prophet Jeremiah gives insight into the response of the closed minds of his environment to his prophecy.
The Plot Against Jeremiah1
In Psalm 7 reflecting on the justice of God leads the psalmist to praise (Ps 7:18).
* [Psalm 7] An individual lament. The psalmist flees to God’s presence in the sanctuary for justice and protection (Ps 7:2–3) and takes an oath that only the innocent can swear (Ps 7:4–6). The innocent psalmist can thus hope for the just God’s protection (Ps 7:7–14) and be confident that the actions of the wicked will come back upon their own heads (Ps 7:15–17). The justice of God leads the psalmist to praise (Ps 7:18).2
In the Gospel from John we witness closed minds in discussion about the Origins of the Messiah.
* [7:40–53] Discussion of the Davidic lineage of the Messiah.3
Joseph Zaborowski comments that in today’s world it is getting harder and harder. It becomes easier to reject a teaching of Christ.
I ask myself in what ways am I not speaking out for my faith for fear of ridicule by others? Am I ready to truly implement the corporal works of mercy even if it interferes with my leisure time? Is my almsgiving enough or am I just giving from my surplus? These are just a few of the questions I’ve been contemplating this Lent.4
Don Schwager quotes “Not by walking but by loving,” by Saint Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"We approach God not by walking but by loving. The purer our love for him toward whom we are striving, the more present to us will he be. To him, therefore, who is everywhere present and everywhere whole, we must proceed not by our feet but by our moral virtues - judged not by the object of our knowledge but by the object of our love." (excerpt from Letter 155,13)5
The Word Among Us Meditation on John 7:40-53 shares Jesus can’t be stopped from his mission to rescue the world, it is completely possible for us to close our hearts to his love and close our ears to his word. Perhaps a “crowd” of housework, sports games, or other distractions keep us from paying attention to him. Or maybe some area of sin or selfishness blocks our vision so that we can’t see what he is trying to do in us.
Don’t let that happen! Today, try to listen with an open mind and try to find him with an open heart. If you haven’t started, now is a good time to begin praying every day. If there is a particular sin keeping you from knowing God’s love, get to Confession. Do whatever you need to do so that you can see Jesus and welcome his work in your life.6
Friar Jude Winkler explains the “Confessions of Jeremiah” as a series of confrontations with God. The story of Nicodemus is a paradigm of growth in faith. Friar Jude emphasizes Jesus comes from the Father rather than dispute Galilee or Bethlehem.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, shares five invitations that have served him as reliable guides for coping with death. And, as it turns out, they are equally relevant guides to living a life of integrity. They can be applied just as aptly to people dealing with all sorts of transitions and crises—from a move to a new city, to the forming or releasing of an intimate relationship, to getting used to living without your children at home.
Don’t wait. [Step fully into life. Be present.]Welcome everything, push away nothing. [Turn toward your suffering.]Bring your whole self to the experience.Find a place of rest in the middle of things. [For example, focus on your breath.]Cultivate don’t know mind. [Practice a beginner’s openness, curiosity, and humility.]7
Closed minds may miss the call to a full life relationship with the Divine.
References
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(n.d.). Jeremiah, chapter 11 - usccb. Retrieved April 6, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/11
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(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 7 - usccb. Retrieved April 6, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/7
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(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries - Creighton University. Retrieved April 6, 2019, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html 4
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(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 6, 2019, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
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(2019, April 6). 3rd Week of Lent - Mass Readings and Catholic Daily Meditations for .... Retrieved April 6, 2019, from https://wau.org/meditations/2019/04/06/
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7
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(n.d.). Daily Meditations Archive: April 2019 - Daily Meditations Archives .... Retrieved April 6, 2019, from https://cac.org/category/daily-meditations/2019/04
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