Reflection for 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Today’s readings talk about confrontation and repentance, both of which are important in life and relationships. Let me share two stories and a brief reflection.

There was a teacher who asked her class, “I’ll say a sacrament and you give me a Bible quote for that sacrament.” First she said, “Baptism.” All the hands went up, “Go out into the world and baptize all nations,” a student said. “Confirmation?,” asked the teacher. “Receive the Holy Spirit.” “Wonderful,” said the teacher. “Eucharist.” “This is my body and blood poured out for you” was the reply Finally, the teacher said, “Matrimony.” There was silence in the room, no hands went up. Then one child said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing.”

Jesus says, “Go and tell your brother his fault.” For those of us who are married, aren’t we anxious at times to remind our spouse of a fault (perhaps more than one). Especially today, with covid-19 keeping many people working from home. Then, if you are like many of us, add retirement to the picture, and you are together 24-7. There is lots of time to see one another’s faults and errors. And it’s easy to point those out as well. But Jesus also says we have to be willing to listen, and if we listen to one another, our hearts are touched. If I had to guess, I would bet that the vast majority of us would say we want to stay with the person we have, faults and all. So today would be a good day to remember what we said on our wedding day. “I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of our life.”

Let me share another story with you, a tale of “togetherness” that appeared in the Chicago Daily News, written by a woman who was struggling with her own “me and my shadow” problem. She wrote:

I’ve heard of the problems newly retired men and their wives face when confronted buy too much togetherness, and I was always amused at the way they so often get on each other’s nerves. I never thought I’d face such a problem, but it’s been two months now, and matters around here are pretty bad.

I ran out of patience that first Monday. There we were, the two of us. Dave busied himself by following me around, inquiring into my household routines. I tried to be pleasant, but my surly nature surfaced when he asked, “Why don’t you vacuum all the way under the bed?” I tried to interest him in any number activities, with little success. I’ve even shouted the merits of daytime TV. “What you really need is a job,” I told him, knowing he’d never be able to find one at this age.

Yesterday was typical. Dave and I spent the morning together as always now. He sat looking out the window for a while, sighing intermittently. Then he came into the kitchen. “When are we having lunch?” he wanted to know. This at 8:30! We went, lockstep, to the bedrooms, where he watched me make the beds. To his query, “What should we do now” I snarled, “How about a duel with sabers?” A lengthy discussion followed of my system of sorting wash. I don’t like to sort wash, much less talk about it.

The situation is getting to me. You’d think that someone with so much intelligence, someone I truly love, would not be so totally annoying when faced with a change in routine. Ah well, my problems won’t last forever. In the fall, Dave will be in kindergarten!

So, let’s not focus on another’s faults. Rather, let’s cherish the joyful times we have together. You never know when that might be taken away.

If you have a brief faith reflection on today’s reading that you would like to share, please send it to me at deaconruss@holyspiritunoh.org.