Tag: obedience

1 Samuel 6: No Strange God
1 Samuel 6: No Strange God

Saturday, November 29, 2025

Written on January 12 and posted today as a Favorite . . .

This is a portion of the Ark story we might find interesting. In earlier chapters, the Philistines have taken the Ark, hoping to benefit from what they believe to be its extraordinary power. What they do not understand is that the Ark is not an object of magic or superstition to be used as they wish. What it does hold is this: Aaron’s staff which bloomed as a sign of God’s presence when the Hebrews were captive in Egypt, manna that sustained them in the desert as they journeyed toward the land promised to them by God, and the tablets of commandments given them by God through Moses. It is not the Ark which now sustains the Israelites in battle as they struggle to maintain their identity in a world that wishes to eliminate them, it is God. And this is something the Philistines do not understand. Things have gone badly for them since they seized the Ark in a raid and now they wonder how to best dispose of it.

We enter the story today and watch as they determine what to do. There are wonderful lessons to be learned from all of this.

First, God does not exist in some inanimate object. God is within and without because God is everywhere. We cannot hide from God, nor can we sort of summon God or put God away when we do and do not want God’s presence. Because God is everywhere, we need never fear that we are alone; and we must work to form our best relationship with God.

Second, we cannot somehow seize, steal or borrow someone else’s successful relationship with God. We cannot pretend with God, nor can we fake anything with God. Because God is authentic, it is impossible to form a false bond with the Lord; and our best connection will be one that is open, honest, and humble.

Third, we cannot manipulate God in any way. We cannot bargain, control or wheedle our way into God’s goodness, nor can we avoid God in any way. Because God is omnipotent, it is impossible to out-maneuver God; and the best way to interact with him is with frankness and readiness to do God’s will.

There is, no doubt, much we might say about this reading; but the simple message is this: Our honesty, authenticity, security and humility are key to a healthy relationship with God.

In today’s MAGNIFICAT Morning Prayer mini-reflection we read: Now and then, God’s people of old needed to be reminded of the care with which his love had surrounded and protected them. Now and then we do too! This introduces a canticle from Deuteronomy 32:3-7, 10-12. You may want to read it today. It concludes . . . The Lord alone was their leader, no strange god was with him.

The Philistines do not understand the true source of Israel’s power. Believing it to come from a magic box, they do not comprehend that true power and authority comes from an honest, authentic and humble relationship with God. We hold this in our hands and feet each day. Our power comes from the way we act out our relationship with God. Let us pray for the grace to accept this gift, for the meekness to allow God to work within us, and the serenity that comes from knowing that we are secure in God who has no strange gods with him.

A re-post from November 4, 2011.

Images from: http://areureallyawake.wordpress.com/tag/gods-love/page/2/ and http://www.mishkanministries.org/theark.php

Cameron, Peter John, ed. “Prayer for the Morning.” MAGNIFICAT. 12.1 (2011): Print.

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November 29, 2025

Deuteronomy 32:3-7 and 10-12, honesty, humility, obedience, our relationship with God, Philistines, readiness, The Ark returned
Isaiah 36: Strategy
Isaiah 36: Strategy

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Sennacherib and his troops play a central role in today’s reading; these several sites may have something you will want to know:

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/701sennach.html

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/534613/Sennacherib

Sennacherib
Isaiah 36 is the introductory chapter of an appendix inserted into Isaiah’s prophecy (and it parallels the account we can also find in 2 Kings 18). When we read these verses carefully, we discover that this is more than an historical account. It is also the story of fear and trust, loss and gain, rebellion against the Lord or obedience to him. It is the story of failing and successful strategies.

In today’s Noontime, taunts are delivered to those inside the besieged city and if we read beyond this chapter – or if we recall the telling of this story from Kings – we will see that God never abandons the faithful. We will also see that God has ways of resolving conflict that are far more creative, and far more meaningful, than any solutions we might devise. Our only task – our only successful strategy – is to trust and follow God.

On what do you base this confidence of yours? Do you think mere words substitute for might and strategy in war?

The commander ridicules his opponents for thinking that words alone will frighten his troops; he mocks them for their belief in an unseen God. But he has also miscalculated. Placing his confidence in military supremacy and acumen, he teases those guarding the city walls. Perhaps the true reason for his jeering is that he knows that none of his gods can be stirred to help him. He has conquered whole regions through the strength of his warriors, but perhaps he fears that he cannot conquer these people who believe in the authority of Yahweh and who have been saved so many times by this Living God. He has heard about the God who saves the Israelites, but he has not personally experienced Yahweh’s awesome power. Perhaps he cannot fathom a God who serves his people in such a faithful way. He will soon have a lesson in obedience and trust.

On what do we base this confidence of ours? Do we think mere words substitute for might and strategy in living?

As followers of Christ we know that words alone do not make us disciples; we must act in Christ and not rely on personal strength or a store of information. James reminds us that we are to be doers of the word and not sayers only (James 1:22). Thus, the strategies of the Christian fold into one plan: Love one another as Christ has shown us – do not judge, do not seek revenge, pray for all. Even our enemies.

The ultimate end of the Israelite story is one all of us know and it teaches us the lesson that reliance on God when in danger is important but that ultimately we cannot succumb to corrupt and easy living. We must be persistent in maintaining an honest relationship with God. We must adhere to this new Law of Love rather than multiple empty rules that foster rote worship rather than genuine communion.

On what do we base this confidence of ours? Do we think mere words substitute for might and strategy in living?

We base our confidence on God. We substitute nothing for an authentic relationship with God and we publicly display this relationship daily in the way we treat others. The only strategy we employ is to hone true to God’s plan like a homing bird headed for home.

Image from: https://bible.fandom.com/wiki/Sennacherib
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July 3, 2025

2 Kings 18, Hezekiah, James 1:22, obedience, Sennacherib, trust
Daniel 10: God’s Mission
Daniel 10: God’s Mission

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

This is a portion of the story of the bright, young Jewish man, Daniel, who goes in to exile with the Jewish nation. He continues to follow God’s will in the new and alien land; and God never lets him down. Rather, God cares for Daniel – and his companions Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Chapter 3) even the fires of a great furnace. This prophecy is full of wonderful stories we heard as children. It is full of mysterious visions that explain our future. It is full of the promise of the present and we have much we might learn about humble obedience when called.

Stand up, for my mission now is to you . . .

When we hear these words we, like Daniel, struggle to understand what God has in mind for us and how we might do God’s will.

From the first day you made up your mind to acquire understanding and humble yourself before God, your prayer was heard . . .

When we understand that God has chosen us for a mission, we will likely fear that is too difficult and too impossible for us.

Fear not beloved, you are safe; take courage and be strong . . .

When we believe that God is with us, there is nothing we cannot do when God asks . . .

Written on November 18, 2010 and posted today as a Favorite.

Image from: http://bongodogblog.com/tag/shadrach-meshach-and-abednego/
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November 26, 2024

humility, obedience, Shadrach Meshach and Abednego
2 Samuel 14 & 15: Deceit – Part II
2 Samuel 14 & 15: Deceit – Part II

Alexandre Cabanel: Thamar

Saturday, October 19, 2024

We see Absalom set himself up as heir to a throne he will not inherit. We see him strip away all that is holy from his life. Reading ahead, we see him die a ridiculous death, hanging by his hair from a terebinth tree while one of David’s soldiers runs him through with a spear. Absalom plots for years to murder his brother for the rape of their sister, Tamar. Absalom relies on the very human resources of power, looks and cleverness to win for him the vengeful goals he lays out for himself. It is clear that Absalom does not consult God as he enters into and executes his plans.

Absalom was a prince of a powerful nation. It was written that: In all of Israel not a man could so be praised for his beauty as Absalom, who was without blemish from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. (14:25) But what had become of his soul? How had the events of his childhood so shaped him to produce such anger? Why were the gifts he had received from a loving God not enough to please him? What was it that made him always want more?

Upon his return from exile, Absalom falls to the ground at his father’s feet when he is pardoned. He then stands, and leaves the palace to set his newest grab for power into motion. He employs deceit to win friends and enemies alike rather than obedience to God as his game plan. He relies on his influence and charm and for awhile these tools prove a powerful arsenal; but in the end they are not enough. In the end, Absalom – the master deceiver – is himself deceived. He returns from Geshur and continues to weave the labyrinth of his life with chariots, horses and henchmen all the while forgetting that the proper response to pardon is a grateful heart. Let us learn a lesson from Absalom’s ruin.

For more information about the people and places in this reflection, visit yesterday’s post, Deceit – Part I.

A Favorite from November 21, 2008.

Image from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamar_(daughter_of_David)
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October 19, 2024

Absalom, anger, David, obedience, revenge, Tamar
Ezekiel 48:35: The Lord is Here – Part II
Ezekiel 48:35: The Lord is Here – Part II

Easter Saturday, April 15, 2023

Tablets of Jewish Exiles

We know that when the prophet Ezekiel was deported, he was taken to a small village on a canal near the banks of the river Chebar. Scholars believe that around the year 597 B.C.E. he trekked with others from Israel to Syria, then south through modern Iraq. He may even have volunteered to accompany an early wave of deportees before the collapse of Israel in 593 B.C.E. In any case, he was called by the Spirit to speak, and to write down the oracles sent to him. And he obeyed. An essay in the CATHOLIC STUDY BIBLE tells us that despite the fact that he uses the pronoun “I” so frequently, he “showed little initiative and remained completely obedient to God, like clay in the hands of the potter. He never questioned God’s complete control”. (Senior RG 337-338)

Ezekiel was a strong influence in his community and kept before the exiled the central importance of the temple and the presence of the Lord – even though the temple had been defiled, and the faithful could no longer visit its sacred precincts. It is likely that through priests like Ezekiel, the Jewish community was able to cling to Yahweh through the excruciating trial of separation, and so we can look to him as an exemplar of how to best live when we are physically separated from something we hold dear. We must allow the healing waters of the Spirit to flow through our temple – because the Lord is Here. He is in the suffering, he is in the healing, and he is in the rejoicing.

When we are faced with deep disappointment or separation from all we love, how do we respond? Today we consider this question as we remember that God is especially with us when we suffer.

The River Chebar today

From the CATHOLIC STUDY BIBLE (NAB) Readers’ Guide page 337: The last chapters of Ezekiel describe the new temple in the New Jerusalem and the description “offers a vision of fresh water, flowing from the altar, down the Kidron Valley, into the Dead Sea. It is part of a biblical tradition, symbolically declaring that all life flows from God, enthroned at the Temple . . . The long passage in Sirach 24 transforms this stream into the four rivers of paradise, awaiting the wise person and true worshipper. The Temple accordingly becomes a symbol of the messianic era and mirrors God’s true and everlasting home in heaven. . . The passage from Ezekiel, especially its opening words [in 47:1-12], has inspired the ancient paschal hymn, in Latin Vidi aquam, ‘I saw water.’ Water became an important feature in the Easter liturgy. The Book of Ezekiel ends fittingly with the new name for Jerusalem, ‘The Lord is here’.”

When we spend time with this prophecy today, we have the opportunity to feel the presence of God as we remember and reflect . . . we are Easter People . . . cleansed by Easter water . . . and the Lord is among us.

Senior, Donald, ed. THE CATHOLIC STUDY BIBLE. New York, Oxford University Press, 1990.RG 337. Print.

Images from: http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/exhibits-events/tablets-of-jewish-exiles/ and http://www.richardlydiard.com/achives/chebar_river.html

Adapted from a Favorite written on September 15, 2007.

For more on the Babylonian exile of the Israelites, visit the Encyclopedia Britannica at: http://www.britannica.com/event/Babylonian-Exile
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April 15, 2023

Babylonian Exile, obedience, River Chebar, separation, Sirach 24, The Temple
Judges 5: God’s Yardstick – Deborah
Judges 5: God’s Yardstick – Deborah

Canticle of Fidelity

Deborah the Prophetess

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

The book of Judges is the part of the Bible saga where we see a fledgling nation forming. The twelve tribes have survived the rigors of their years of desert wanderings, following the pillar of fire and smoke which protects them. Joshua has led them into the land promised to them and they have secured a foothold where a kingdom will be established. A series of judges, or heroes, will rise up to gather the people to remind them that Yahweh has promised land, kingdom and blessing . . . and that they, God’s people, owe their creator fidelity, loyalty and obedience. This is the covenant they have entered into.

The context for these stories is “Holy War” and close reading of Judges, in which so much war is waged, tells us that we are called to cooperate with God’s plan and providence rather than serve our own small agendas. The whole point of this part of the story is to stay the course, but it must be God’s course and not our own. The forces of darkness cannot stand up to the perseverance, the innocence and the trust of the faithful. Deborah does this well.

Artemisia Gentileschi: Jael and Sisera

In the preceding chapter we see this prophetess sitting under her palm tree delivering just decisions to the people. We also see Jael, wife of Heber, lure the enemy Sisera into her tent to kill him with a tent peg to the temple. Jael kills this enemy because Yahweh has ordained it as spoken through Deborah; and we find that these tribes fight off the pagan peoples any way they can; always consulting with Yahweh before going into battle. In these ancient times, the struggle to survive dominated all aspects of life and we see a good deal of brutal interaction. Yet is our interaction any less brutal today?

Deborah judges the tribes during the period of time which coincides with political unrest following the death of Ramses II in Egypt. The time of transition proves difficult for these people who struggle not only against the pagan nations that surround them, but also with conflict among the tribes. David will unite these people into a true political and spiritual kingdom, and whose son Solomon will erect a Temple which speaks to the fame of this people and their God.

Deborah leads well because she listens well when she speaks with God each day and it is against this voice, this measuring stick that she measures her own life. We will want to follow her example of fidelity as we struggle against the violence that surrounds us.

Images from: https://www.learnreligions.com/deborah-israels-only-female-judge-701157 and https://www.sartle.com/artwork/jael-and-sisera-artemisia-gentileschi

Adapted from a reflection written on November 18, 2007.
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January 10, 2023

covenant, David, fidelity, Heber, Holy War, Jael, land-kingdom-blessing, loyalty, obedience, Ramses II, Sisera, Solomon, violence
John 18:28-38: Glory, Part IX: Handing Ourselves Over
John 18:28-38: Glory, Part IX: Handing Ourselves Over

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

The scene of Pilate moving from inside to outside and back again as he links Jesus and his accusers is an interesting one in which we see two worlds, two understandings, two ways of thinking collide. In the end, Jesus allows himself to be handed over for judgment, punishment and execution . . . and in so doing he demonstrates to his followers how we are to behave when faced with insurmountable odds. We are to obey the voice within, follow the example of Christ, and rest in the peace of the Holy Spirit to become the paradoxical witness to the world we know we are called to be.

Today’s lesson on Glory: When we hope to avoid suffering, we also avoid opportunities for intimacy in Christ.

In an auditorium recently in which young people had gathered to raise funds to help a sister parish in Haiti, teenagers sang and swayed to music glorifying God and his awesome works. I was struck by their innocence and fervor, and I prayed that the crosses they had already born, along with the ones they would be called to bear, would not weigh on them too heavily. And then I remembered that earlier that evening I had seen evidence that perhaps these young people were not so innocent of suffering after all. Tucked quietly in an alcove behind the table where Haitian coffee was being served to guests was a simple hand-painted sign clearly written by a youngster . . . and as I read it, I hoped that this young woman or man understood the enormity of the citation cited from the words of Mother Theresa of Calcutta:

I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.

This speaks such plain truth. And yet we fear the pain and suffering which leads to this tremendous love in which we might rest for eternity. We too often rush to the arms of denial, quick comfort, or easy silence which gives assent to corruption and wrong doing.

In today’s reflection we see this truth in the gestures and words of Jesus who allows himself to serve as savior and symbol for all peoples of all times and all places.

May we serve as humble replicas of this paradox of Christ’s love. And may we come to know God’s glory through our simple acts of handing ourselves over to God.

Search for information about Theresa of Calcutta and reflect on why and how her presence among India’s poor gave rise to opposing views about her work. Consider how this paradox may or may not be a sign of God’s glory in our time.

Image from: https://www.holyart.com/blog/saints-and-blessed/story-mother-teresa-calcutta/

Adapted from a Favorite written on September 14, 2008.
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July 26, 2022

corruption, denial, Haiti, obedience, paradox, Pontius Pilate, Theresa of Calcutta
Titus 3: Prepare
Wednesday, December 22, 2020

Titus 3

Prepare

El Greco: The Apostle Paul

This brief letter has something to say to us about forming community. Today we reflect on its third and last chapter. Titus was an assistant to Paul mentioned in some of his other letters and also in Acts. He began a Christian community on the island of Crete, and Paul counsels him about how he might advise these early Christians to live among deceivers and heretics. These are words we might use today.

Be under the control of magistrates and authorities . . . be obedient . . . open to every good enterprise . . . slander no one . . . be peaceable, considerate, exercising all graciousness toward everyone.

Paul reminds Titus and us that we have all been foolish, disobedient, deluded, slaves to various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another. No one but a saint escapes the downside of humanity.

The upside, the good news is that the Christ has come to walk among us, to be one of us, to take on our burdens which overwhelm us because God is goodness and mercy in their most perfect form.

What are we to do to reach for such heights? Avoid foolish arguments, genealogies, rivalries and quarrels about the law . . . After a first and second warning, break off contact with a heretic. We are to devote ourselves to good works to supply urgent needs.

The message is clear. While we strive to follow Christ we cannot expect perfection in or of ourselves. This perfection can be obtained only in and through Christ because of God’s mercy and compassion and love for each of us.

In this Advent season, as we near the celebration of the day when the child comes to live among us, we might pause to consider our arguments and our foolish enterprises. We might consider how we are to cast off anything that does not lead us to Christ. We might consider how we best devote ourselves to good works that address urgent needs when all else fails us. We might consider how we will be best prepare. For now is that time.

Adapted from a reflection written on December 18, 2008 and posted today as a Favorite.

Image from: http://rclnotes.blogspot.com/2011_02_01_archive.html

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December 22, 2020

burden, community, Crete, good works, heretics, obedience, Paul, preparation
Psalm 32: Overwhelmed by Grace
Saturday, October 17, 2020Psalm 32

Overwhelmed by Grace

The second of the penitential psalms “is a joyous testimony of gratitude for God’s gift of forgiveness for those who confess their sins and follow the law of God. Instead of constantly pondering their sins, believers acknowledge their wretchedness before God and accept forgiveness and reconciliation. Their torment ceases, and a new person is born, overwhelmed by grace, confidence, and a sense of obedience.

“In praying the psalm, we can focus not only on the happiness resulting from the forgiveness of particular sin, but also on the more profound happiness obtained by the complete victory given us by God in Christ over sin in all forms”. (Psalms 86)

We too often emphasize all that is wrong with the world, our community, our colleagues and even our friends, family and self. Today’s reading invites us to accept the knowledge that we are not perfect, to ask forgiveness for the times we have wronged self and others, to graciously accept the pardon we receive, and to allow God’s grace, joy and peace to bring us profound happiness. This deep and lasting contentment is the gift of complete victory we are free to reject or receive.

And so we pray . . .

Forgiving and unifying God, we lay all our imperfections in your hands.

Grant us this day the complete victory of your love as we come to you in truth.

Give us the confidence we need to believe that your love has the power to bring joy out of suffering.

Inspire in us such love for you that our obedience is a source of delight rather than a burden to shoulder.

Move in us a spirit of reconciliation that surmounts all fears, calms all anxieties, and heals all wounds.

Bring us your profound happiness that heals, binds, unifies and transforms.

Grant us your lasting gift of overwhelming grace that seeps into the bone, calms the heart, and warms the troubled soul.

We ask this as we ask all things through your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE PSALMS, NEW CATHOLIC VERSION. Saint Joseph Edition. New Jersey: Catholic Book Publishing Company, 2004. 86. Print.

For a sermon on Grace: The Verb, click on the image above or go to: http://ssje.org/ssje/2010/03/09/grace-the-verb-br-mark-brown/
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October 17, 2020

confidence, forgiveness, grace, gratitude, obedience