Today's Thoughts...

Today’s Thoughts: Dietrich Bonhoeffer once wrote, “Many people are looking for an ear that will listen. They do not find it among Christians, because Christians are talking when they should be listening.” We might say that in the Gospel today (Mark 10:32-45) Jesus is looking for an ear to listen and what he gets is people who want to talk.
 
Jesus shares with his friends what is ahead on their journey. He shares what he is going to go through and for this sharing he gets a response that doesn’t concern him but those who are supposed to be listening.  James and John think only about their future not that of Jesus or others. Jesus has come to serve. Jesus has come to carry the cross. Jesus has come to be a saving gift for others.
 
There often is a lot of discussion, or what I like to call chatter, when Pope Francis says something that cause people to pause and think. For instance, a few years ago he gave a homily concerning who is redeemed. The chatter turned to who is an expert that can speak or clarify to what Pope Francis meant. Or who is an official spokesperson of the Vatican who knows what Pope Francis means.
 
Was the point of Pope Francis’ homily that someone should respond and tell us what he means or was the point of his homily that we should listen and think? Do we know the mind of God? Do we know the mind of Pope Francis? What if God wants to welcome an atheist into heaven is that wrong? Is God making a mistake? What if Jesus’ presence in the world was to redeem everyone is that so bad?
 
Through the Gospel today Jesus reminds us that in order to be a part of the Kingdom our life must be a life dedicated to the care and service of others. If we make this the focus of our life, then the possibilities are endless because as Monday’s Gospel told us all things are possible with God.
 
Are we listening or are we talking? Have a great Wednesday everyone!