Monday, March 31, 2014

Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent, Cycle A - March 26, 2014

Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent
March 26, 2014    6:30am

 

Sometimes something really good or even great begins with the simplest word or gesture.
Listening attentively, a warm handshake, a pat on the back, an offer to assist with something, an affirming word –
Sometimes simple words or gestures like these can eventually lead to a good friendship or, in some situations even a marriage.
At the opposite end, sometimes something really bad begins with the simplest word or gesture.
Little sparks of anger, four-letter exclamations, so-called white lies, pretending you do not see the other person’s need –
Sometimes simple words or gestures like these can eventually lead to betrayal, estrangement, even to verbal or physical abuse.

Today Jesus is instructing his disciples to watch out for the little things.
It is the little things that can strengthen our relationships – with God and with each other and with society.
And it is little things that can also erode these same relationships.

Really good and really evil things and situations often start with little things.
That is Jesus’ point today.
That is why he calls us to be mindful of even the smallest part of the letter of the law and of his teaching.
That is why he calls us, for example, not just not to kill someone, but not even to let angry feelings get expressed in any destructive way.

In a way, it is a simple and obvious teaching.
But it is one we easily lose awareness of and forget.

It is a good reminder for this season of Lent.