18th Sunday of Ordinary Time [C]

 


18TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME [C]


It’s all about letting the story unfold. Take that Harper Lee story, for example: To Kill A Mockingbird. It was originally released as a novel (1960), and then two years later it was adapted for the silver screen. Imagine yourself buying a ticket, sitting down to watch this highly anticipated film. What do you see as the opening credits begin to roll? You see a variety of objects, being kept within a box. What kind of objects? They list as follows: two Indian Head pennies; two carved figurines; a broken pocket-watch; a ball of string; a medal earned from a spelling bee; a jack-knife; and two sticks of Double-mint chewing gum. 


Forget about trying to make any sense out of these objects. It’s too early. You have to let the story unfold. Likewise, forget about trying to make any sense out of the title. It’s too early. You have to let the story unfold. Eventually it will all fall into place. Eventually you will come to appreciate the significance of these objects. And you’ll come to understand why the title gives reference to a Mockingbird. Remember, however: this is something that will happen eventually, in the fullness of time. Meanwhile, be patient. It’s all about allowing the story to unfold. 


A similar patience will be required when you turn your attention to the Plan of Salvation. You won’t make any sense out of it if your progress ends with the Book of Ecclesiastes. It will seem pointless. You’ll be repeating that refrain from chapter one, verse two: “Vanity of vanities!!”  The Ecclesiastes perspective can be described as an earthly perspective. And yet, if we can simply let the Plan of Salvation unfold, then we will be making room for what the New Testament has to offer. This means factoring in the words of Jesus and also the words of St. Paul. 


Jesus makes it clear: you’re being foolish if you restrict yourself to the earthly perspective. The rich man of Luke chapter twelve is actually being branded as a fool (12:20). You can take the foolish approach, or you can be formed into something brand new. That’s the invitation being expressed in Colossians chapter three. As your perspective blossoms, you in turn will begin to blossom (3:10). Extend your focus; take into account the realm situated beyond our own immediate realm (3:1-2). 


The earthly way of life needs to be understood as one part of a much larger picture. Or it can be regarded as one chapter within a much larger story. If you allow the story to unfold, the result will be an experience of profound satisfaction. So be patient. Make it a general practice to be patient. First of all, give that Harper Lee story a legitimate chance to unfold. You’ll be glad that you did. And furthermore, give the Lord’s plan a legitimate chance to unfold. You’ll certainly be glad that you did—not just glad, but eternally glad. 

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