Know what is hope

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic
An illustration contrasting 'Grasping' and 'Holding' with two hands: one grasping sand, representing trying hard to be understood, liked, and right; the other holding sand gently, representing doing my best to listen, share thoughts, and show respect.

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 89:20, 21-22, 27-28; Mark 2:23-28

Summary

May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to our call. Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath. Fill your horn with oil, and be on your way. (Eph 1:17-18; Mk 2:27-28; 1 Sam 16:1b).

Reflection

Fill your horn and be on your way.

It is common to stall with the definition conflict of Sabbath and Sabbath rules and reduce Jesus’ reply with the minimum of importance (lawful and unlawful eating). We can even stop at the relational and presence argument that Jesus is present and that he is a higher order of importance (like yesterday’s gospel).

No.
No.
No.

Listen to the hidden words of Jesus made clearer in 1st Samuel: Fill your horn and be on your way.

In an echo within the Samuel tradition, David is saved by a signal from Jonathan, a goal beyond the familiar: There he said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows.” And as the boy ran, he shot an arrow past him. (1 Sam 20:36). Run. Run to the place I shoot the arrow, there will the Lord reveal his mission to you.

There are many stopping points in life. Stopping points and resting points are not the same thing.

Our hope is not for the next resting place (although those are needed and necessary). No, we are to go to the place the Lord shoots the arrow. There our mission awaits us. If we focus on the grain in the field or the rules of the Sabbath or the decorum of the temple we will miss the mission of the Lord.

Personal Reflection

  • Sabbath upon the love.
  • Fill your horn with grace – for you have been chosen.
  • Follow the farthest arrow – for the Lord leads you to the place hope is needed.
  • Do what the Lord requires.

Know your hope is not in definitions and rules and decorum but in mission: Oil and finding the farthest arrow shot by the Son of Man, Lord of the Sabbath.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012026.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

2 thoughts on “Know what is hope”

Leave a Reply