Saturday, January 14, 2017

How Much More

Saturday of Week 2 in Ordinary Time
Hebrews 9:2-3, 11-14
Feast of St. Agnes


I’ve always had difficulty reading Hebrews.  It takes a lot of work.  But this morning I noticed something in the passage that grabbed my attention.  It reminded me of passages when Paul would say FOR IF…and then a bit later…HOW MUCH MORE.

FOR IF:  our time-honored rituals are so proficient at purifying us from the Outside-In
HOW MUCH MORE:  will the Blood of Christ cleanse our consciences from the Inside-Out

I can’t put that work on the goats or bulls.  I can’t put it on the black sheep in the family, the commi, or those Republicans/Democrats.  In imitation of Christ I must start by offering myself.  He offered himself so that the scapegoat transacting impulse might be seen for what it is…a refusal to go deeper, to see honestly…to own up.  It is a refusal to allow my own conscience to be confronted by the love of God.  I instead remain satisfied with a quick Band-Aid on the outside…a temporary fix…a nice veneer.

Trust in the HOW MUCH MORE
And then do the work to meet God there
It will be fruitful work
Life from death

St. Agnes, Pray for me



  

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