It is only fair to hubby that I "tell" on myself.
Last night, after fighting all day and most of the evening with our outdated, used, and can't-believe-I've-done-as-much-as-I-have-on-them computers, I had a meltdown. I went into a shrieking rage. When I finally apologized, dear hubby said it was ok, and, risking an argument, I said, "No....it's not ok.....just because people treat me rotten and I can't get the equipment that I need and nobody cares about my creativity and most people just bubble through life about things like what to wear and which restaurant to eat at......that still doesn't give me the right to rage."
Poor man didn't say anything. I left him alone to finish watching his tv program in peace.
Yes, I need to learn to control my own reaction. God knows there is little else I can control....................including the kid next to me at the local library who loves loud rap music blaring out of his earphones............
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Reflection:
"....this night you will be scandalized in me......but when I am resurrected, I will go before you......."
This part of the Passion reading caught my eye earlier this week. No, Lord, I dont' want to write about that. Put it away, read it later, and, there it was again.
Jesus admits that there will be times when we will be scandalized. He is specifically referring to Himself, but, as I read it, it seemed to me to also refer to our religion that we call "Christianity". There are all kinds of scandals. There are the big ones that make front page news, usually about ordained clergy, then, there are the ones that don't make any news stories in any printed word, both by clergy and lay members, that can be just as devasting to our faith. Being an active Christian in a faith community is frequently messy and heartbreaking. Christians hurt each other in ways that they would never dare hurt non-Christians. (I'm writing of repeated offenses, particularly persons with the social standing and power to do such things.)
Remember, when we read the Passion together out loud this weekend, we are standing in as the religious persons of Jesus' day. While we may not be able to do anything about persons who scandalize our own faith, we can deal with how we react. This Holy Week, we might consider what might be appropriate responses for Christians hurting Christians. Each situation may require a slightly different response. However, one response is most likely never the "wrong" response: Prayer.
We are Christians because of the Person of Jesus Christ, not because of human gatherings (religion). I can ask myself, "WHY am I attending church? Out of duty? Out of habit? Out of social gathering? Out of fear that if I don't, I'll somehow end up in Hell? Or..........do I possibly go because I believe in Jesus, and because I know that He is waiting for me?"
Let us diligently pray for our faith communities this week.
