We Already Know

My theory is that people very often know the right thing to do, but they just don't want to do it.  It's happened to each of us at one point or another.  This week's Gospel reading, I think, reflects that.  

The Gospel reading is Luke 3:10-18.  Different groups of people are approaching John the Baptist and asking him how they are supposed to lead their lives.  The tax collectors ask what they are supposed to do: John tells them not to collect more than is prescribed.  The soldiers ask what they should do: John tells them not to extort people.  The answers are so obvious, I have to ask whether the tax collectors and soldiers didn't already know the answers.  "Q:  Hey, should I keep harming innocent people?  A: Nah, I've got a better idea; don't harm innocent people."

What's the point?  Two things, I think.  One, trust your instinct as to what the right thing to do is.  The Golden Rule is still the best way to judge our own actions, and I think that we are pretty good at applying that rule to get to the right choices.  And two, don't ask God what to do when you already know the right answer.  In life, there are plenty of incredibly difficult situations where it's hard to know whether to do A or B: I think prayer is a good approach there.  But we probably shouldn't ask God what to do when we already know the answer.  If we do, maybe we're not really praying; maybe we are just looking for a rationalization of the wrong decision.

Peace be with you.

- The Older Brother   

 

 

Contemporary Voices of the Desert

December 5, 2021 / Luke 3: 1-6

We (The Fishers of Men) are ending of our second year of posting weekly reflections from our hearts.  Our opening mission statement sums up our goal as Catholic men of faith – to welcome and lead others into the mystery of sacred scripture and the love of God.  These men write using pseudo names to maintain anonymity.  They believe that God has called them to follow in the footsteps of the humble servant (John the Baptist) who was “not worthy to loosen the throngs of Jesus’ sandals.” (LK 3.16) 

This reflection is dedicated to my brothers, the fishermen who have committed themselves to evangelization, prayer, and writing.  My brothers go by the pen names of Theophilus, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, The Older Brother, The Servant, Ishmael and simply, Anonymous.  They parrot many attributes of the Baptist in ways they would struggle to admit.  Just as the Baptist is a model of how Christians should exercise their prophetic missions by pointing others to Christ, these men also fulfill this expectation in a unique manner.  They are certainly contemporary voices of today’s desert.

While tending to their families and carrying the church on their shoulders, these men make the time to pray, reflect and write musings from their hearts each week.   Their love of Christ and faith in the Gospel eclipses all that man has done to sabotage these virtues.  I am truly humbled to be in such company, especially today.  The Fishermen are contemporary voices crying out (like John in the wilderness) to their fellow sisters and brothers and to our church to repent and prepare the way of the Lord.  These contemporary fishermen are truly heirs to the Baptist, and I am not worthy to be among them. They come from diverse backgrounds and origins, yet share the same command of Jesus to, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19

Even in anonymity, these modern-day Fishermen deserve to be acknowledged.  They seek nothing other than to pointing others to Christ.  What more can be said?  Please say a quick prayer for these courageous and faith-filled men.  And to my brothers, my fellow Fishermen, I send each of you a debt of gratitude that can never be entirely repaid.  You have given me and to many others more than you know.  And when darkness arrives, know that Christ is whispering in your ear reminding you that, “You are the light of the world.”  John 8:12 - Keep up the good work guys!  Pax.

The Pilgrim.