FOR THE SAKE OF JOY
Our readings this week are challenging. They speak of the difficulties that arise once we trust God with our heart. The division in our Gospel is not because God wants us to be odds with one another; rather it is the natural consequence that occurs when we decide to make a change in our lives – when we make a choice for a love that doesn’t start with our own efforts.
What once worked no longer does. What used to be peaceful is now unsettling.
But alongside these dramatic words and even more dramatic images is a hope-filled invitation. The letter from Hebrews in our second reading helps us to focus lest the difficulties become too great a distraction.
Keep your eyes and heart fixed on Jesus. He is the way. He is the example. This is what you heard: For the sake the joy that laid before him, he endured the cross. Consider how he endured such opposition from sinners, in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart.
For the sake of joy. . . What are you willing to sacrifice for the sake of joy? What are you willing to endure?
CLICK HERE for the readings for 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time (Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10; Psalm 40; Hebrews 12:1-4; Luke 12:49-53)