19 February 2014
Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Can’t the first reading today be a commentary on Jesus’ parable of the sower? “The seed is the word of God. Those on the edge of the path are people who have heard it, and then the devil comes and carries away the word from their hearts…” Can’t we, who are conscious of hugging to the side of the path, get more out of what he writes by reading Lk 8: 11 and 11:28? James emphasizes putting the word into practice: So welcome it, act on it, abide by it, control the tongue, look after widows and children and keep unspotted by the world.
How easy it is to become “spotted” by the world. Now James invites me to think of a mirror. Mirrors in his days left much to be desired. They could be pretty deceptive, giving one an image that denied a need of Botox. On this subject St. Paul agrees with St. James. (Check out 1 Cor. 13:`12). Seeing oneself in the face of God was another matter.
Conclusion: Do I make a daily examination of conscience? Do I honestly attempt to see myself as others see me – as God sees me – or do I prefer studying myself in a first century-like mirror? Resolve: I’ll keep in mind what James says in today’s reading. I’ll revert to it over and over again during the day and, as I laugh at my self-deception and estimation of my righteousness, I shall ask the Lord to allow me to see myself in the reflection of his Holy Face. Then I’ll see the need of daily injections of his heavenly Botox.