"And if Satan is divided against himself,
how will his kingdom stand?"
This phrase from the gospel really struck me as telling of our society and where we are at as a community, a Church, and a world; especially following the first reading with the frustration that the Isrealites cannot follow the commands and the law of the lord. Its difficult to fully embrace this message but I do think so much gets in the way of building the kingdom of heaven. There has been so much drama at my work place lately it has really impeded my ability to do my job to the best of my ability. People have been mean and heartless. Spreading rumors and lies to cover their own mistakes and their own insecurities. I was in tears on Tuesday telling my principals that I just want to do my job but I can't because of the adult behaviors in the building. It's never easy to work with others especially when peoples egos are vulnerable to scrutiny, and yet I have such a strong desire to change the culture and shift the thinking that no matter how awful it gets I know in my heart I just can't quit.
Ahhh, the Devil, he seeks to divide us, to pit us against one another other, us and them. When we stand together as a unified front we are so much stronger and he has very little chance of taking us down. And the devil knows it. Unity and collaboration is his worst enemy. He hates a good leader who challenges all to be the best they can be for the good of the whole.
ReplyDeleteI love the psalm refrain "If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts." I can't say it without smiling and thinking of Jim Barry and all those missing 'Rs'. It really gives me hope and fits so well with both of these readings. An openness to listen to the word of God as it is lived in the world around us leads to a unity that the devil cannot destroy. A soft heart is a sign of our ongoing conversion. This conversion softens our heart to see the good and the beauty in everyone. Last week you affirmed that kid for not fighting back and you were able to see that he subtly bullied the other kid who instigated the fight. That doesn't happen without a heart that is soft to the goodness in the world around us. That is what we need in a Leader. That will bring us to a unity that the devil cannot possibly take down. Go Comets! Mom