7th Sunday of Ordinary Time [C]
SEVENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME [C]
We’ll be able to agree that Jack London knew how to cover both ends of the spectrum. His 1903 novel leads us into the wild; meanwhile, in his 1906 novel, we put the wilderness behind us. The title speaks for itself, with regard to his 1903 novel: The Call of the Wild. Here, we follow the story of a domesticated dog who transitions to the wild. Subsequently, the 1906 novel traces the path of a wolf that becomes domesticated, taking on the name of White-Fang. In each instance, we hear about one set of instincts being exchanged for another set of instincts.
The call that comes from the wild can be described as rather compelling. That being said, we also need to consider the call that comes from within the pages of sacred scripture. When David spares the life of King Saul, we actually find ourselves being implicated (see 1st Sam. 26:1-25). Our own approach needs to parallel the approach of David. In other words, we need to incorporate the practice of mercy. As far as Jesus is concerned, it’s not enough just to spare your enemy; the expectation is that you will actually have love for your enemy. Love, even if the love is not likely to be returned. Give, even when you recognize that nothing is going to be given back to you (see Luke 6:27-38).
Your inborn instincts point you the opposite way. You’re inclined to love those who love you, and to hate those who hate you. And when you give, you want it to be a solid investment. You don’t want to see good money going after bad. These impulses derive from your inborn instincts: the instincts you’ve inherited from your forefather Adam. Paul, however, makes it clear that Jesus has been revealed as the New Adam (see 1st Cor. 15:21-22). We get to listen in as the New Adam speaks in Luke chapter six. He’s prescribing a new set of standards, a new set of instincts. You can trade in your inborn instincts for something brand new. Potentially, the “inborn” will be replaced by the “reborn.”
How do we make that happen? We can answer that question by referring back to the novels: it all has to do with exposure. For the domesticated dog, it’s a case of cause and effect. We’ll label the cause as follows: being exposed to the wild. This rate of exposure causes the dog to become increasingly wild. Conversely, as the wild animal finds itself being exposed to the world of civilization, it becomes increasingly civilized—and/or domesticated. Exposure represents the cause for both the dog and the wolf. It produces one kind of effect with the dog, and it produces another kind of effect with the wolf.
So what will it mean for you if you expose yourself to Jesus, the New Adam? The rate of exposure develops into a cause. As for the effect, you will recognize a new set of instincts taking shape within you. Therefore, commit yourself to the practice of prayer, to spending time in the Bible, to sacramental encounters, and to a healthy level of Christian fellowship. By doing so, you will be exposing yourself to the person of Jesus Christ. And as a result, you will be gaining a new set of instincts—instincts aligned with the Gospel. Then again, if you turn away from Jesus, you will revert back to your default settings. You will be reacquiring the instincts passed along to you from the Old Adam—the Adam who forfeits a superior way of life.
