01-17-2012, 09:27 AM
Scripture Reflections
Tuesday, 17 January, 2012, 2nd Week, Ordinary Time
GUIDELINES FOR RENEWAL AND CHANGE
SCRIPTURE READINGS: 1 SM 16:1-13; MK 2:23-28
The Church, like any institution, needs renewal. Without renewal, the Church will become static and degenerate. Yet, in the desire for renewal and change, there is a danger that we can go to extremes. We can either be paralyzed by the fear of upsetting those concerned and hence choose to maintain the status quo, or we could get carried away and implement changes that may result in greater distress and setbacks for the institution. Not all change is good nor contributes to renewal. Hence, today the liturgy gives us the guidelines for change and renewal.
In the first place, we must recognize that in any proposal for renewal, we can expect some resistance by those who are comfortable with the status quo. This was true in the case of King Saul who was rejected by God; and the attitude of the Pharisees who were unflinching about keeping the Sabbath laws. The respect for institution has the danger of not going beyond, and remaining stagnant for fear of rocking the boat. In contrast we have the example of Jesus who was not afraid to change. The stark reminder of Jesus is that “the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Similarly, Samuel showed courage by anointing David as king, even though Saul was still king of Israel. Such an act would be tantamount to committing treason. His life was certainly in danger. For change to take place, we must be courageous. This is the first presupposition.
The second point to note is that change must recognize the reality of the situation. We must be aware of the circumstances and problems confronting us. Change is required because circumstances have changed. Such perceptivity to the changing reality can be seen in Jesus when He defended His disciples who had plucked ears of corn on a Sabbath to satisfy their hunger, citing scriptures showing how King David too broke the Sabbath law in a situation of need. Thus, we should not blindly keep to laws or customs simply because they have been instituted for ages. This was the way God viewed King Saul. Although God had initially chosen Saul as king, He eventually took away his kingship because Saul was unfaithful and irresponsible. Institutions must be observed only in so far as they promote life and love.
Thirdly, change must not be effected on the superficial level but on the deeper reality. The problem with us is that we, like Samuel, are easily impressed by external appearances. Samuel mistook Eliab to be God’s choice for Saul’s successor because he was impressed by his external countenance and physique. So too the Pharisees, who were concerned more with the external observance of the laws than the purpose and meaning of the laws. True change requires us to dig deeper into the reality of the problem and to understand the needs of the situation. As God reminded Samuel, “God does not see as man sees; man looks at appearances but the Lord looks at the heart.”
For Jesus, it was important that we keep to the intention of the Sabbath law than simply observing it slavishly. If Sabbath were made for man, it must promote life, love and faith. And because Jesus as the Son of Man came to promote life and love, He, as the true man, is “master even of the Sabbath.” Hence, any change must not be superficial, but bring about greater love, life and fidelity to the gospel values and message of Jesus.
Fourthly, if any change is to take place, it must build on what is already given. As the theological axiom reminds us, “Grace does not destroy nature but perfects nature.” In this respect, David was chosen because of his fresh complexion, fine eyes and pleasant bearing. Such human qualities would certainly help him to be a more appealing leader in future. Furthermore, we are told that he was a shepherd, which would make him a natural shepherd of his people. Similarly, God calls prophets and priests in response to the needs of His people. Change must enhance those human qualities and positive aspects of what are already present and bring them to fruition.
Fifthly, human qualities or external needs alone do not suffice. God did not choose the other brothers of David but chose him. Proposals for change must be made in the light of God’s plan. We need to discern what God’s plan is for each one of us. It necessitates that we be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit so that we can read the signs of God for us. Hence, we require the power of the Holy Spirit. Indeed, we are told that when David was anointed, “the spirit of the Lord seized on David and stayed with him from that day on.” It is not sufficient to have the best plans and machinery in bringing about change. We need the wisdom and grace of the Holy Spirit to inspire and open the hearts of men. Without the blessings from God and prayer, nothing can be done. It means that in the final analysis, we must be people of prayer, inspired by the Spirit and motivated by Him.
Yes, applying these guidelines and considerations can help us bring about change more effectively and profitably for all. These pointers should serve us well so that we do not make the situation worse than before. When such factors have been taken into consideration, then we can truly say that change will be for the better because it promotes life, commitment, love and most of all, a deeper faith in God.
Tuesday, 17 January, 2012, 2nd Week, Ordinary Time
GUIDELINES FOR RENEWAL AND CHANGE
SCRIPTURE READINGS: 1 SM 16:1-13; MK 2:23-28
The Church, like any institution, needs renewal. Without renewal, the Church will become static and degenerate. Yet, in the desire for renewal and change, there is a danger that we can go to extremes. We can either be paralyzed by the fear of upsetting those concerned and hence choose to maintain the status quo, or we could get carried away and implement changes that may result in greater distress and setbacks for the institution. Not all change is good nor contributes to renewal. Hence, today the liturgy gives us the guidelines for change and renewal.
In the first place, we must recognize that in any proposal for renewal, we can expect some resistance by those who are comfortable with the status quo. This was true in the case of King Saul who was rejected by God; and the attitude of the Pharisees who were unflinching about keeping the Sabbath laws. The respect for institution has the danger of not going beyond, and remaining stagnant for fear of rocking the boat. In contrast we have the example of Jesus who was not afraid to change. The stark reminder of Jesus is that “the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Similarly, Samuel showed courage by anointing David as king, even though Saul was still king of Israel. Such an act would be tantamount to committing treason. His life was certainly in danger. For change to take place, we must be courageous. This is the first presupposition.
The second point to note is that change must recognize the reality of the situation. We must be aware of the circumstances and problems confronting us. Change is required because circumstances have changed. Such perceptivity to the changing reality can be seen in Jesus when He defended His disciples who had plucked ears of corn on a Sabbath to satisfy their hunger, citing scriptures showing how King David too broke the Sabbath law in a situation of need. Thus, we should not blindly keep to laws or customs simply because they have been instituted for ages. This was the way God viewed King Saul. Although God had initially chosen Saul as king, He eventually took away his kingship because Saul was unfaithful and irresponsible. Institutions must be observed only in so far as they promote life and love.
Thirdly, change must not be effected on the superficial level but on the deeper reality. The problem with us is that we, like Samuel, are easily impressed by external appearances. Samuel mistook Eliab to be God’s choice for Saul’s successor because he was impressed by his external countenance and physique. So too the Pharisees, who were concerned more with the external observance of the laws than the purpose and meaning of the laws. True change requires us to dig deeper into the reality of the problem and to understand the needs of the situation. As God reminded Samuel, “God does not see as man sees; man looks at appearances but the Lord looks at the heart.”
For Jesus, it was important that we keep to the intention of the Sabbath law than simply observing it slavishly. If Sabbath were made for man, it must promote life, love and faith. And because Jesus as the Son of Man came to promote life and love, He, as the true man, is “master even of the Sabbath.” Hence, any change must not be superficial, but bring about greater love, life and fidelity to the gospel values and message of Jesus.
Fourthly, if any change is to take place, it must build on what is already given. As the theological axiom reminds us, “Grace does not destroy nature but perfects nature.” In this respect, David was chosen because of his fresh complexion, fine eyes and pleasant bearing. Such human qualities would certainly help him to be a more appealing leader in future. Furthermore, we are told that he was a shepherd, which would make him a natural shepherd of his people. Similarly, God calls prophets and priests in response to the needs of His people. Change must enhance those human qualities and positive aspects of what are already present and bring them to fruition.
Fifthly, human qualities or external needs alone do not suffice. God did not choose the other brothers of David but chose him. Proposals for change must be made in the light of God’s plan. We need to discern what God’s plan is for each one of us. It necessitates that we be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit so that we can read the signs of God for us. Hence, we require the power of the Holy Spirit. Indeed, we are told that when David was anointed, “the spirit of the Lord seized on David and stayed with him from that day on.” It is not sufficient to have the best plans and machinery in bringing about change. We need the wisdom and grace of the Holy Spirit to inspire and open the hearts of men. Without the blessings from God and prayer, nothing can be done. It means that in the final analysis, we must be people of prayer, inspired by the Spirit and motivated by Him.
Yes, applying these guidelines and considerations can help us bring about change more effectively and profitably for all. These pointers should serve us well so that we do not make the situation worse than before. When such factors have been taken into consideration, then we can truly say that change will be for the better because it promotes life, commitment, love and most of all, a deeper faith in God.