My Dear Parish Family,
Today’s readings offered to us are all quite beautiful as we are reminded of God’s great love for us and His willingness to supply all our needs. Yet, St. Paul asks a question that deals with some layers of response and responsibility. “What will separate us from the love of Christ?” he asks. Not the deep life-crisis; not a worldly threat; not cosmic powers; and not even death. Realistically, the only thing that can separate us from Christ is self-will—a thing that Paul does not mention in his list of dangers. Christ will not separate himself from us, but we can choose to separate ourselves from Christ, and it’s a relatively simple uncoupling.
I remember reading once a statement that has been attributed to a 14th century mystical theologian, Meister Eckhart -“The only thing that burns in hell is self-will.” I don’t think that hell has too many fans these days, especially as it is usually rendered as an eternal fiery torment (We’ve had enough of high temperatures this summer!). But when self-will pits itself against God’s will, we are about to get burned, no matter what you care to call it. Jesus chose to follow his Father’s will above his own and is united by that common will for all eternity. When you and I separate ourselves from Christ, we’re making a far different choice!
This demonstrates the remarkable autonomy of human freedom: You and I can do what even angels and principalities can’t do, what even death is unable to achieve. Jesus puts his very life in our hands, but we can refuse it. He passes the basket of plenty, but we can decline the invitation. He offers us love that’s stronger than death, but we can, if we insist, look elsewhere. Please, with God’s grace, let us make the right choice to walk with God – the One whom the Psalmist reminds us: The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs. Ps. 145 God bless you all and …Oremus pro invicem.
Fr. Scott Shaffer