Surrendering our weaknesses

I know it is late in the day…and man am I tired. :)

I really liked the words from Jesus to Judas: "Leave her alone.  let her keep this for the day of my burial.  you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."

When I first read those words I thought of all the times I’ve been asked why the Church has so many beautiful and extravagant buildings and icons and there is so many poor in the world.  I don’t know that I explain it so well, but I help them to understand that these buildings are part of our tradition…they point us to a time when Christians were finally able to freely worship in public and so they (the rich and poor) gave what they could to build beautiful displays of their love for God.  And, sometimes in our American culture I feel we have lost some of that connection to displaying our love for God in that manner.  There is also a reality that the Church is one of the highest contributors to impoverished people.  Can we do better?  Yes.  But, should we tear down a people’s sign of freedom and love for God?  I don’t believe so.  And the words from Jesus might sound a little arrogant and selfish…but I think if you really look at these words he is reminding us that we cannot forget his love and friendship if we are to live his freedom.  We cannot stop praising him through our gifts and art. 

Today I also focused a little on surrendering.  I think this fits in this story as well.  Judas had to surrender his own greed and doubt.  Mary had to surrender some of her humility and possessions by using expensive oil to wash Jesus’ feet.  And, I think Jesus also shows us a surrendering to the Father’s will…allowing this event to take place to help other people to begin to understand what is taking place.  Many people can understand where Judas is coming from.  What was happening seems opposite of what Jesus typically preached and did.

Where in your life do you feel like Judas wanting to know why God is allowing something to happen?  How can you surrender you life more to God to allow his burning love shine brighter in your life?  We need to take these to the altar and place them in front of Christ.  Take some time surrendering your fears, temptations, struggles, and doubts to God.  Let him open your eyes to the beauty of freedom from these things.  And, practice accepting (with joy) all the obstacles and places God is placing you.  Today is a day of surrendering. 

I came up with a phrase today that I want to try to tell myself every day…Be open!  Be joyful!  Become free!