Sunday Reflection with Father Robin Gibbons - 30th August 2015

Fr Robin Gibbons

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Too many people seem to know exactly what God thinks or Jesus taught. I wouldn't dare presume to claim I know this at all and it amazes me how often 'god people' use this type of argument to get at others, especially those with differing viewpoints. We seem to be getting a taste of this in the run up to the Synod of the Family, people writing to the Pope to ask him to affirm Church teaching on marriage and divorce and not allow the type of discussion that others actually want.

Well I cannot and will not accept that this type of pressure is Godly work, we cannot force our demands on others least of all those who are outside of the Church, sometimes pushed out by the Church people themselves. Doctrine is essential and good order important, but I think Pope Francis is bringing us back to a more fundamental approach to Christ who asks each of us, 'are you with me, Yes? Then if you are my followers are you brave enough look into YOUR heart.

I think that is why the passage quoted from Isaiah in Mark's Gospel is very helpful as an examination of conscience:

'...their hearts are far from me.
The worship they offer me is worthless,
the doctrines they teach are only human regulations'.

Who among us can honestly say we have kept every commandment of God? Who among us does not really want to have God's mercy given to them? I do, I hope you do too, but then apply that desire to others as well! I also know I have at times failed and occasionally placed burdens on others. I suspect if any of you look into your hearts you will acknowledge that you too have some slippage.

That is why we must remind each other that the Good Shepherd comes to carry the lost, lift them up and love them. That is why the parable of the merciful father or prodigal son is one at the heart of our loving Christ's ministry. Listen to the words Mark speaks of Him; 'it is the things that come out of a person that make them unclean'. The stress alas is on us, on what we say and do, how we listen to and interpret the Word of God in daily life!

Fr Robin Gibbons is an Eastern Rite Chaplain for the Melkite Greek Catholics in Great Britain.