HAVE THIS IN MIND
Life is full of surprises especially when it comes to loving and serving God. The disciples failed constantly to understand the meaning of Jesus’ life and ministry as it pointed to His messiahship. We cannot blame them for they came from a culture dominated by foreign oppression. Yet they believed there would be a messiah who would save them from this power. Jesus indeed is the Messiah to save them but in a different context — from the domination of the foreign power of sin.
Ignatius of Loyola instructs us with some spiritual wisdom in his teaching on consolation and desolation — those favors from the Lord that lead us to Him or those movements of the heart that separate us from Him. When we are in consolation, we should think of our moments of desolation. When we are in desolation, we should think of our moments of consolation. Sounds confusing? Ignatius taught this way so that we would not be attached to the movements within because they come and go as fast as our emotions. Instead, he advises us to rely heavily on the God of consolation, the God who gives grace. We rely on the Giver, not the gift. St. John of the Cross teaches us likewise — to rely totally on God who is the Giver of all good things.
In the Gospel, the people admire all that He did — something of consolation working here. Jesus is quick to tell them: Have this in mind — the Son of Man will be handed over to sinful men, a seeming desolation. In this way the people are called to be vigilant awaiting His messiahship to be fulfilled, not to hold on to the signs and wonders of His teaching and deeds but on Him who is the fulfillment of all things.
This is the wisdom we need in our spiritual life. Faith is a constant battle in vigilance against temptation. Faith is a constant opening to the grace of God. Faith is a constant belief in a God who wants to be in relationship with us. Many things will come against our faith. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you feeling drawn to consolation or desolation at this point in your life? How will you respond to the Lord?
Lord, in every age You are my refuge. Amen.
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