A few weeks ago, I had a Zoom chat with young men in their 20’s, from all across the country. We talked about heavy stuff, including what St. Paul writes in the second reading about “some conducting themselves in a disorderly way.”
We also talked about another writing from Paul in 2nd Corinthians about having a “thorn in the side.” So I asked these young men, what are thorns in the side of people their age. They shared a whole list of things that I suspected young men to struggle with, but then one young man added, “We also have an addiction to comfort.”
“What? Say more.” I told him. He described how many people his age don’t want to be uncomfortable. They want things to go easy for them. They avoid being pushed, forced, or made to do something uncomfortable.
Remember, this is the age group that got “participation ribbons,” that is, by just showing up they want to be rewarded. They were told that they can do anything. And life is supposed to be smooth, so they tend to ignore risky situations, lack persistence, feel self-entitled, expect great jobs with high wages without any experience, hesitate on commitments, and want an easy life.
Whew. That sounds not ONLY about young adults, but could be many of us. Yet in the gospel Jesus stresses that we all will face hardships in our lives. And some of us will be hated for staying on the right course. Jesus said, “by your persistence you will save your life.”
Sometimes that’s hard to accept, but it’s true. It’s the times when we “push ourselves” or not just seek the easy way that we will find deep joy. For example, by getting good sleep we will get better health. By pushing yourself at the gym, you gain long range fitness. Or by putting in the time to pray (or keep coming to church) we can feel connected to God.
Another aspect of this, is how we stretch ourselves financially. That is, not just thinking about ourselves or just focusing on our needs and forcing ourselves to give more, think of others more, stretch ourselves more . . . then good things happen.
In biblical language this is called “tithing.” That is, giving back to God (via Church or to other programs) at least a certain percentage . . . then one is always RECEIVING BACK. As a parish, we have been doing this for years. We give away 5% of what we take in.
I want you to hear a parishioner(s) about how this “giving back” works . . .
5pm – Connie Vigen
8:30, 10:30 – Mark and Mary Beth Barder.