Are You 'Stiff - Necked'

~~~ Exodus 32: 7-14 ~~~ Psalm 106 ~~~ John 5: 31-47 ~~~

Today I am using the ordinary lectionary readings even though

we celebrated a Mass of prayer and thanksgiving for Pope Francis.

The alternate psalm was the Lord is My Shepherd;

certainly appropriate as we pray for the new Holy Father

to be blessed with the Holy Spirit

as he leads the universal Catholic Church.

God complains to Moses that his people are 'stiff necked'.

I am not sure of the exact meaning, but it seems to me the people

had become very stubborn.

God was not living up to their expectations fast enough

to keep them satisfied.

Gee, have you ever had that feeling?

You know the one where you think God is either not listening

or taking too long to answer your prayers.

I must be honest and admit I have been in that state...

in that place where you wonder where God is in your life.

It is amusing that Moses intercedes on behalf of his people before God.

In effect Moses reminds God of all the trouble

he has gone to to lead these same people...

only to destroy them now.

God does indeed listen to Moses and refrains from exercising his wrath.

Moses quoted the actual words spoken earlier by God to defend his people...

rather brilliant on his part.

God keeps his promises to his people.

God keeps his promises even when the people fall short for their part.

That is an amazing fact about God.

Jesus realizes he is not believed by many to be the Messiah.

He calls on those who have come before him...

those who have given testimony on his behalf.

Those, like John the Baptist, who was loved and admired by many.

You search the Scriptures,
because you think you have eternal life through them;
even they testify on my behalf.
But you do not want to come to me to have life.

If you hear the scriptures and do not follow through on the journey

toward developing a more intimate relationship with Jesus

you are missing the boat.

Out life must also be a living testimony

 validating the person of Jesus

as the Son of God.

I invite you to use the remaining days of Lent

to reflect on how your life

reflects the life of Jesus.

How loving, caring, kind, compassionate,

and forgiving are you?

Lord, show us how to be more like you today.

If we too are 'stiff - necked' soften us with your love.