Reflection for January 25, 2009

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

A few years ago, I had the privilege of assisting victims of Katrina in the aftermath of their harrowing experience. People in the shelters and the hospitals of Alexandria, Louisiana, were brought there from multiple areas in the hurricane region. Many welcomed the opportunity to tell and retell their amazing stories of rescue, and the crushing pain of loss, and their gift of new hope.

Although the circumstances of each person were distinct, certain commonalities became evident. Some did not receive adequate information. Others had disregarded the instructions to get out before the storm because they thought that the warnings were exaggerated. They felt, “we’ll take our chances.” When the storm reached its intensity, it became impossible to adequately protect their families, pets, and possessions. Rescue from the putrid swirling waters became their sole preoccupation. The hurricane victims, who clung for days to rooftops, floating trees, or debris, described praying for strength and endurance. Some experienced flashbacks of significant people and events in their lives. They prayed in gratitude, they prayed for forgiveness, they prayed for life.

In today’s first reading, Jonah, a prophet without a strong reputation or experience, was sent by God to give a message to the inhabitants of Nineveh. He was directed to tell the people that their lives were headed on a path to destruction. Amazingly, the nation, not just a few individuals, heeded Jonah’s warning that God was calling them to repentance. Their lives changed drastically as they focused on doing good rather than evil.

In the Gospel, we see that Jesus, knowing that John the Baptist had recently been arrested for his activity, boldly entered the region of Galilee. He urged the Galileans to repent and to believe in the good news of salvation. Then he personally invited some very ordinary people to follow him and to become life long disciples.

Today, Jesus asks us to fearlessly turn around our lives, in response to the reign of God’s love that is in our midst. Some of us who have experienced illness, severe loss, or near-death events, may already be sensitive to the limits of time, and a deep desire to live in loving relationship with God and one another.

Regardless of our past history and current experience of contentment or crisis, Jesus personally invites us to discipleship:  “Follow me,” join me in this great and wonderful enterprise of proclaiming the good news of God’s love. We can say “yes” because we believe that at this moment and in this place, God’s forgiving and compassionate love is fulfilled.

“Look up at our God with gladness and smile; your face will never be ashamed.”
Ps 33:6

   Reflection by Sr. Sheila Brosnan, SC