In today’s challenging times, we often feel compelled to act. We want to do something, anything in response to very strange new social requirements. First, we might discuss the latest off-center news with friends who think as we do. Although, it is hardly a discussion. It is usually a quick text to our small group of like-thinkers (our safe-space). We try to understand socially preferred behaviors, requirements, even mandates.
Then, perhaps we are invited to a stress clinic via Zoom to reassure us we are not alone in our worries, our misunderstandings, our fears. Just imagine what it would feel like if you did not know God through all the ups and downs of a global pandemic! Thankfully, we do.
Loving God like an Obedient Child
Today’s first reading from Samuel reminds us we need to be obedient to love. Because God is love (1 John 4:8), we are able to recognize Him early on in life, through the love we receive as children. We reach out for and obey our parents in order to be safe, to grow, and ultimately thrive.
As we grow up, we flee our familial nests and in our natural yearning for independence, sometimes we stray from the recognition of God as manifested in the love of our parents. We are still okay with being obedient in general, but on our own terms, much like Saul and his men pilfering the booty, the spoils. Samuel lets him know of God’s disappointment and subsequent disciplinary action: “Because you have rejected the command of the LORD, he, too, has rejected you as ruler.” (1 Sam. 15:23).
We risk a great deal when we are not obedient to love. Julian of Norwich (1342-1416) reminds us that God wants us to behave like a child would, trusting in His goodness, steeping ourselves in His love (Cf. Showings), much like we did as small children with our own parents.
New Wine Bursts Old Wineskins
When the Pharisees criticize Jesus for not requiring fasting from his followers, Jesus explains what we might interpret as the value of living in the moment, with Him. The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
It is important to remember that God is with us in our troubles, our anxieties, even the small ones that cause our unwarranted stress. He discerns our reflections and thoughts in our hearts. We need not only to apologize, or sacrifice, but also accept His love, and trust in His goodness.
Jesus explains, “Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins are ruined. Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.” (Mark 2:22).
Let the new wine into your life. Trust fresh ideas and welcome them like new wineskins. The world, nature, humanity, is taking a deep breathe right now. Relax like a new wineskin and let the graces of new wine flow into your heart. This is obedience to love.
