24th Week in Ordinary Time: Wednesday 18th September 2019

Paul advises us not to try to figure everything out about our faith. So much of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is a mystery. God did not come to us in the way that we would expect. He was revealed in the flesh — in humanity — and vindicated in the Spirit. The flesh and the Spirit come together in him, as they will come together in us if we remain in him. Finally, he was taken up in glory.

We hope to follow, but the way in which that will happen might surprise and thrill us. Let us enjoy our faith, and not try to control it.

Jesus was puzzled and dismayed — people are never happy. They criticized John the Baptist because he was so tough and austere, especially with food and drink. Jesus was different, and he ate and drank normally, but people still were not happy. They called him a glutton and a drunkard. We all have our expectations of God and those through whom he speaks. We judge by outward appearances and through the lens of our own opinions and prejudices.

Jesus urges us to listen to the message, with the heart, and not be caught up in the way that it is packaged. God speaks to us in many ways.

Lord, give me ears to hear Your words.