A Change in Perspective - February 23
Today’s Readings - Psalm 41, 52; Gen. 37:1-11; 1 Cor. 1:1-19; Mark 1:1-13
When my stepfather was in college his father died suddenly, leaving his two sons to take care of their mother and younger sister. My stepfather was a pre-med student soon to graduate college and begin medical school. No longer was his focus on his studies but rather how he would fill the role as one of the primary providers for his family. In that one moment, everything changed. Who he would be for the foreseen future and what his role would be changed in the blink of an eye.
Abrupt change can knock anyone off their feet. It takes a certain propensity for flexibility and the ability to see the possibilities in something new, something unexpected. It takes a willingness to see life as the endless gift of possibilities that it is rather than seeing it as just one dead end after another.
Jesus as far as we know learns for the first time when he hears God’s voice as he comes out of the Jordan River, that he is God’s son. God’s beloved Son. That’s quite an announcement. In many ways I would imagine this news is frightening, overwhelming and full of unanswered questions. At the same time, Jesus must feel a huge amount of responsibility. Another aspect might be the incredible possibilities this offers. Possibilities to make a difference, to share the love and compassion that is God.
Life is full of possibilities or opportunities. Sometimes, however, it may feel as though there are more dead ends or “proceed with caution” signs than joyful possibilities. How we respond to these moments can make all the difference.
A good friend’s husband was injured in an accident at work and lost part of one leg. Their entire future changed. Her plans to begin graduate school with his taking on the role as solitary breadwinner suddenly looked very different. I was with them recently and the husband shared with me that he wants to begin a ministry for people with disabilities. He’s literally been knocked off of his feet and now he wants to find a way to minister to those who have also lost their footing in life. That’s something he might never have envisioned if he hadn’t had his perspective changed so radically.
All of life is a gift given to us by God. However, how that gift unfolds and the circumstances that arise differ immensely from person to person. Jesus gave us his life as a model of perfect love and acceptance of all that is God’s. During this holy time of Lent as we prepare ourselves to embrace the paschal mystery, I invite you to join me in seeing life through new eyes, through the eyes of possibility, embracing all of life, the good as well as the not so good as an opportunity to share God’s love.
In case you’re curious my stepdad did eventually go to medical school and became an amazingly compassionate wonderful doctor, but not before he bought a cart and sold fresh fruit on the streets of Boston to support his family. He always said that was one of the best jobs he ever had!
Faithfully,
Sally+
Questions for Reflection and Challenge - Can you think of a time in your life when you may not have embraced the possibilities of change in a way that led to the best outcomes? How might you act differently today? What can you do in preparation so that you don’t miss the next opportunity?