December 15, 2004 It's Our Choice
In today's Gospel, we hear Luke's version of the story of John the Baptist's disciples' visit to Jesus. Just this past Sunday, we heard Matthew's version. The two are virtually the same except that Luke tells us that there were two visitors. Matthew doesn't say how many there were.
In both versions, the question is the same: "Are you Him, or should we keep looking?" And, as the other Deacon Mike pointed out on Sunday, Jesus doesn't give them a straight answer. He rarely does. It all comes down to this thing called "free will". We aren't robots. We are human beings made in the image and likeness of God. As teenagers love to say, I can do whatever I want to." And, we can.
But we also love God, and we fear God. At least we should. Isaiah tells us
So, in effect, uncertainty is God's gift to us. When we feel frustrated because we are searching for an answer, and we think that God should give it to us, we should remember that if He did, we would have no power to choose. Merton also said that it's our desire to please God, even when we make a mistake, that really pleases Him.
I know you've seen the television commercial where the kids make mom breakfast in bed. I think it might be her birthday. Anyway, they make a total disaster out of the kitchen. Mom would have had a lot less work if she had made her own breakfast. But, how does she respond? She's thrilled that the kids think enough of her to try to please her. It's the thought that counts.
It's the same with God. He's thrilled when we try to please him, even if we totally screw things up, because we chose to try to please him. If he forced us to act, what would that prove about our love for Him? Zippo!
So we see God telling John's apostles to go back and tell John what they've seen. "Am I the one you're looking for? You're going to have to figure that one out for yourself. The evidence is all there, but you're going to have to put the pieces together."
It's should be easier for us today. We know who He is. But, it seems like sometimes we forget. When we're looking for answers it's easy to become frustrated and almost scream at God, "Why won't you give me an answer?" But consider the alternative. Do we want a God who tells us what to do, or do we want a God who lets us choose, knowing that by choosing, we're loving Him, just as He loves us?
In both versions, the question is the same: "Are you Him, or should we keep looking?" And, as the other Deacon Mike pointed out on Sunday, Jesus doesn't give them a straight answer. He rarely does. It all comes down to this thing called "free will". We aren't robots. We are human beings made in the image and likeness of God. As teenagers love to say, I can do whatever I want to." And, we can.
But we also love God, and we fear God. At least we should. Isaiah tells us
- "The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, A spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD. "
So, in effect, uncertainty is God's gift to us. When we feel frustrated because we are searching for an answer, and we think that God should give it to us, we should remember that if He did, we would have no power to choose. Merton also said that it's our desire to please God, even when we make a mistake, that really pleases Him.
I know you've seen the television commercial where the kids make mom breakfast in bed. I think it might be her birthday. Anyway, they make a total disaster out of the kitchen. Mom would have had a lot less work if she had made her own breakfast. But, how does she respond? She's thrilled that the kids think enough of her to try to please her. It's the thought that counts.
It's the same with God. He's thrilled when we try to please him, even if we totally screw things up, because we chose to try to please him. If he forced us to act, what would that prove about our love for Him? Zippo!
So we see God telling John's apostles to go back and tell John what they've seen. "Am I the one you're looking for? You're going to have to figure that one out for yourself. The evidence is all there, but you're going to have to put the pieces together."
It's should be easier for us today. We know who He is. But, it seems like sometimes we forget. When we're looking for answers it's easy to become frustrated and almost scream at God, "Why won't you give me an answer?" But consider the alternative. Do we want a God who tells us what to do, or do we want a God who lets us choose, knowing that by choosing, we're loving Him, just as He loves us?
posted by Mike at 1:42 PM
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