There is so much information going around on nearly every topic these days. I think that even as we are encouraged to stay inside to observe pandemic precautions, the amount of information we receive on every topic on a daily basis grows exponentially. Perhaps we have a limit on how much we can see and process. Sometimes that information we receive is stored away without a second thought, but at other times something brings us back to look more deeply into an issue. In those cases the information we receive can change our minds, or inform our actions.
The scriptures this week were confusing to me upon first reading them. I had trouble finding a common theme to them or any at all. But I wanted to consider how they might relate to my daily life or all our daily lives. So I took a closer look, and then the words ‘evidence’ and ‘guidance’ came to mind for me.
Today’s Gospel puts into contrast two groups, separated by their relationship to belief. Those that embraced the teaching of John the Baptist, and those who did not, despite the evidence. As I consider this Gospel, I think that faith and belief can be related to a scientific theory almost. In science, a theory is tested by looking for whether there is evidence pointing to a conclusion, and theories can be changed over time. In a similar way, there’s a relationship between what we experience in our lives as evidence, and what we believe, and then based on what we believe, we can act, giving further evidence for our faith.
Our readings remind us that in our daily lives, we are called to be part of the Body of Christ, to respond to the call that God has for us. In the Gospel, we hear of two brothers who are called, and whose actions in response were the opposite of their words, and I found that interesting because they are still given the choice to act even after their words. They were able to change their mind, to give evidence with their actions, just as we are when we go about our daily routines, responding to God’s call to us. At times, we might find ourselves on the ‘right’ path or sometimes we may become a ‘stray sheep’. We too have the opportunity to choose each day how to act. The Psalm touches on forgiveness and moving forward, saying — I have messed up; I made a mistake; but God still guides me. God teaches us on our path, and informs our actions, and our actions spread to others. How we respond to God’s invitation can be evidence to others of our faith. We are given the daily choice to offer evidence, a living truth of the Body of Christ.
The questions that stir in my mind as I take in today’s readings are “How can I live out my faith today?” or “How can I live it out with the choices I make?” I see the evidence of God’s guidance and care around me, which shapes my belief, so how can I be a part of that confirmation of Christ to others?
~ Karina Comes, B.S. in Biology, Class of 2021.