Initiates, circles, prejudices, or different paths
(Lk 9:46-50)
Redemption presents two essential aspects: the Gift of the Call and the aptitude to accept the Proposal.
From wave to wave this realizes a new Creation of the person, of fraternity, of the Church, and of the world.
Thus Faith: a relationship of welcome and incisiveness, wich reverberates; always young. Such is spiritual childhood.
It’s for this reason that Greek text speaks of workshop boy, the servant of the house [«paidìon»: vv.47-48] as a model of disciple close to the Lord - ready to shoot in front of every life request.
Greatness in smallness.
But in this passage Lk joins that of the servant, with an idea of "first period" typical of those who present themselves at the threshold of communities: «mikròi» [v.48: incipients and shakies].
Often those who have less energy.
However, instead of an unconditional welcome, the latter feel the mistrust of veterans, who disdain dialogue and confrontation; always beware of novelties - and the danger of to be "overshadowed".
The unprecedented life that could arise is immediately suffocated or encapsulated by self-styled experts (v.49), neglecting and dampening the renewed God’s Gift to the assembly.
In short, the Community must return to its immediate and spontaneous Principle, without making the arrangements chronic.
The «following together with us» [instead of following Him personally, v.49] is contrasted with the simple richness of spiritual childhood and service, in the wider coexistence and sharing.
We also know in ourselves the cravings for domination; but those who become «minimum», «servant», «voiceless», leave ample room for the strength and tolerant - transmuting - work of life.
The New radiates the unforeseeable divine and human. And the boldness of modesty that listens and has respect for one’s own soul and brother as a gift-proposal, can make everyone find again, from within.
Pure freshness that evokes the joy of Grace; that keeps a clear eye on everything - even on the wiles of others, because they too can make us take different directions.
The place of honor is so coveted, but those who remain unpretentious can be much better available to an unparalleled condition, and to fraternity that respects the vocation of each one.
In this way, let us avoid punctuating the present in Christ with the models (vv.49-50) because in following the Lord not everyone walks in the same mode.
The Coming tide wants to drag us on the territory of growth without mortification: inside, there exists and it’s eloquent a secret time and space, that inhabit us.
They resonate in harmony with the Gospels. There is no need to "get back in step" of all time always, nor just find a way out.
Let’s surrender to the young and creative instinct. It would be the journey of Joy: in the new reality and eminent Beauty, from discomfort.
To internalize and live the message:
What nourishes your desire for God, for youth, for brothers and sisters?
[Monday 26th wk. in O.T. September 30, 2024]
