Readings: Ezekiel 2:2-5; 2 Cor. 12:7-10; Mk 6:1-6.
Life’s Unpleasant Realities
We often think that our challenges are unique and that
we are alone in our struggles. However, it’s important to remember that life’s
challenges are universal. We may even believe that God is punishing us with
sickness, loss, or deprivation. Sometimes, we may feel that others are more
blessed, prosperous, or better endowed than us, leading to jealousy or envy.
These feelings, though very human, may be far from the truth. Just as all
lizards lie on their bellies, no one knows which among them has a stomachache.
Or, as Shakespeare would say in Macbeth, “There’s no art to find the
mind’s construction in the face.”
Today’s readings remind us of life’s harsh realities.
Ezekiel felt unworthy when sent to preach to rebellious people. “I am
sending you to the Israelites, rebels who have rebelled against me; they and
their ancestors have revolted against me to this very day. Hard of face and
obstinate of heart are they who I am sending you.” (Ez. 2:3-5).
Preaching to rebellious people is unpleasant but terrible when the
messenger feels unworthy. For the prophet, the thorn in his flesh is the burden
of preaching to rebellious people. But the grace of God made it possible for
Ezekiel. “The Spirit entered into me.” We must rely on help
from above if we are to deal with the problems of life. Hence, we pray with the
Psalmist, “Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy.”
In the second reading, Paul, a successful preacher, is blessed
from above. He “Was caught up into Paradise and heard ineffable things,
which no one may utter.” (2 Cor. 12:4). But he had life’s unpleasant
realities too. “That I, Paul, might not become too elated because of the
abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of
Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I begged the
Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is
sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor.
12:9).
Paul’s weakness humbled him. We do not know what Paul suffered
from, but it made him as human as us. Paul discovered that his pains did
not change how God felt about him. He was loved despite his brokenness,
weakness, shortcomings, and limitations. Our weaknesses remind us how much God
loves us; we are thorns in God’s flesh. “God created man in his image;
in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them.”
(Gen.1:27).
Like Paul and Ezekiel, other prophets also had their
share of thorns. Isaiah was unworthy, “Woe is me; I am doomed! For I am a man
of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips.” He was cleansed: “Now
that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed, your sin purged.”
(Is. 6: 5-8). Jeremiah was too young, “Ah, Lord God!” I said, “I know
not how to speak; I am too young. Say not, “I am too young.” (Jer.
1:6-7). Moses was a reluctant prophet. He had many excuses, but God insisted he
was right for the job. He told God he was not a good speaker, “If you
please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past, nor recently,
nor now that you have spoken to your servant; but I am slow of speech and
tongue.” God reminded Moses who he was, “Who gives one man
speech and makes another deaf and dumb? (Ex. 3:4-4: 17). Christ was
willing, but his people rejected him, as we read in today’s Gospel. “Where
did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty
deeds are wrought by his hands! And they took offense at him.”
We all have our share of thorns. We cause some while others are
brought on us by people. How do you handle your thorns? The truth, as R.E.M
sings: “When your day is night alone, if you feel like letting go (hold
on) if you think you’ve had too much of this life, well hang on, ’cause
everybody hurts, sometimes, everybody cries, sometimes.” You are not
alone! Many times, we are burdened by our thorns. Be it rejection, sickness,
death, broken heart, drugs, lack of money, bad marriage, debt burden, fear,
sexual orientation. Like Jesus, we may be rejected by our parents, children,
brothers, sisters, spouses, co-workers, friends, peers, and even church
members. They may not get past their knowledge of you to know the new
you.
Remember, God is not punishing you. The challenges you face are
not a sign of God’s wrath but an opportunity to show strength and faith. Don’t
give up; trust in God and persevere. Even if the challenge persists, remember
Paul’s words: “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from
me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made
perfect in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9). God never turns anyone
away. Even when others reject you, God is there for you because “All
things work together for the good of those who love God.” (Romans
8:28). Be thankful, be blessed, be courageous, and above all, be happy!
Rev. Augustine
Etemma Inwang, MSP
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