19th Sunday of Ordinary Time [B]

 


19TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME [B]


Are we grieving the Holy Spirit? Do we actually have this capability? Paul would answer by saying “yes” (see Ephesians 4:30). How does it happen? We could imagine any number of possibilities. For example, you can grieve the Spirit by adopting an attitude of despair. Note the case of Elijah in this passage from the First Book of Kings. An angel has to intervene, helping him to recognize that there is a way forward. And as a result, Elijah begins moving in a forward direction (19:4-8). Upon learning that there is a way forward, he commits himself to picking up the pace. He welcomes the prospect of moving forward. 


What about the audience featured in the Gospel of John, chapter six? How do they feel about the prospect of moving forward? Are they welcoming the arrival of the Messiah? No. They dismiss him as a local derelict (6:42). Are they welcoming the concept of a new and improved Manna? No. The book has been closed on this subject. Manna had its place back when the original Exodus was underway. It was relevant then. But it can no longer be regarded as a topic of relevance. And so they walk away from Jesus and his message (6:60-66). 


Pay attention to the contrast: an angel points the way forward and Elijah responds by putting one foot in front of the other. He welcomes the opportunity to move forward. Meanwhile, Jesus points the way forward in John chapter six. And yet, his listeners want nothing to do with this notion of moving forward. It’s not an idea that should be welcomed or embraced. We can picture both Jesus and St. Paul shaking their heads. And as they do so, the Spirit enters into a fresh  state of grief. 


The story is told about a man who is being confronted with flash-flood conditions. He climbs onto the roof of his house, as the waters continue to rise. Being a particularly religious man, he petitions the Lord, praying for a miracle. Soon afterward, room is made for him in a passing row-boat, but the man declines. His faith is being directed squarely upon the Lord. Next, a motor-boat approaches, offering assistance. Again, the man declines. Finally, a helicopter appears overhead, unrolling a rescue ladder. Once again, the man declines. He insists: “The Lord will take care of me.” 


Eventually, the waters overtake him and he drowns. Standing before the Almighty, he demands to know: “Why did you let me drown??”  In response the Lord explains: I did my part by sending you a row-boat, a motor-boat, and even a helicopter! In other words, the man should have welcomed what had been presented. By extension, God has sent his Son into our world. The Gospel has been pronounced. The Eucharist is being introduced. Do you realize that a way forward is being outlined for you? Or are you going to remain as you are? If the floodwaters sweep you away, the Holy Spirit will have something to grieve about. And of course, it stands to reason that you also will have something to grieve about. 

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