25th Sunday in Ordinary Time – A Reflection by Fr. Leo
The way of Wisdom and the spiritual life is a paradox for those not seeking her ways. We see this in our readings today in several ways. In the gospel Jesus redefines greatness and power. He teaches that the Son of Man must suffer many things, die, and rise again. This, the disciples don’t get and are afraid to talk about it. Like Peter, they would like a powerful political messiah, not a suffering servant.
Jesus also demonstrates true greatness when he takes the child, puts his arms around him and says that to welcome a child is greatness, to love and care for, rather than be served.
The paradox is that what the ego, or our smaller self thinks it needs and wants to be great, is the opposite of what Jesus demonstrates. It is the higher call to love with humility and serve rather than be served that is true greatness. Here it is our higher-self or our soul self that is nourished and expressed in what Jesus demonstrates with the child in their midst, and indeed, with his whole life.
Following Jesus is about letting our deepest and truest-self lead us in life. This deepest self requires self-awareness on many levels, which in turn requires much prayer, study and reflection. A simple place to start is to become aware of our feelings through the day. What does our body tell us and can we name what and why we are feeling what we feel at any given time. This may take some work, but this awareness and understanding will increase our self-awareness and let us know if it is our ego or our soul- self leading us in life.
When we are centered in our true self, our thinking and acting reflect that inner peace and becomes a source of grace for ourselves and others, pulling them up with us to be their higher selves as well. Every time we let charity lead us we will find ourselves happier and others blessed because we are being true to our own divine nature within. This is what builds the Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
Saint James’ words remind us of what happens when we let the ego or false-self take over. He writes, “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice.” This is the basis for all the wars and strife that afflict humanity. When we rise up with Christ to a universal consciousness we are like the drop of water that ripples through the whole ocean. Our every act of love builds the cords of universal harmony.
When we are in tune with the Spirit-Wisdom, St James’ other words make sense, “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is shown in peace for those who cultivate peace.”
Let us seek Wisdom individually and collectively, that our true-selves may be at the helm of our lives and that all creation may come to know the fullness of the goodness of God.