While we recall the Presentation of Mary, the thoughts in the first reading set up the concept of "hot and cold." These tie in well with the second reading from St. Luke's gospel. Zacchaeus and his story. A great moment for reflection. There are three character groups in the story: the followers of Jesus, the critics (so what's new?) and the lone man in the tree, Mr. Z. Obviously the followers are a crowd that might be considered hot ... in their dedication to Jesus and his mission. The critics would surely be considered cold. And then there is Mr. Z, sitting up and out of the way in the tree. Surely we see him at the outset as Mr. Lukewarm. Recently I read a marvelous use of the word "triage" in relation to this particular gospel story. Most likely Jesus was confronted with the problem many of us face today: I am so busy and there are so many people or issues pulling at me. Ask anyone working in parish life; ask anyone in the health care world. Busy, busy. What can I do to answer all the needs? My friend turned to "triage." Recall "triage" is a tool hospital emergency rooms use to sort out all the "I need your help right now" cases that come before them. "Triage" is a process of sorting, selection, choosing. Jesus probably looked at the followers and thought, "they don't need immediate attention." The critics most likely are not going to turn around and follow. They are going to die to the efforts of Jesus. Now Mr. Z, up there in the tree, Mr. Lukewarm, in him Jesus saw possibilities. With some attention and care, this man could become a genuine apostle and follower of Jesus. "Mr. Z, come on down from that tree. I am coming to your house for dinner this evening." Mr. Z represents others like him who with just a little personal attention could be saved. So, we might ask if we see the wonderful message that Jesus is giving us here? And did you ever think of using the practical method of emergency room health care practices to make decisions about the best use of our time? Most specially, how about the use of time to set aside some moments for prayer with the Lord? "I am too busy" is often the response. Yet, triage all the demands: what will always be there, what will not be changed regardless of your intentions, what can be changed by taking some time to strengthen your own relationship to Jesus Christ? Tuesday, November 21, 2006
DAILY REFLECTION: November 21, 2006
While we recall the Presentation of Mary, the thoughts in the first reading set up the concept of "hot and cold." These tie in well with the second reading from St. Luke's gospel. Zacchaeus and his story. A great moment for reflection. There are three character groups in the story: the followers of Jesus, the critics (so what's new?) and the lone man in the tree, Mr. Z. Obviously the followers are a crowd that might be considered hot ... in their dedication to Jesus and his mission. The critics would surely be considered cold. And then there is Mr. Z, sitting up and out of the way in the tree. Surely we see him at the outset as Mr. Lukewarm. Recently I read a marvelous use of the word "triage" in relation to this particular gospel story. Most likely Jesus was confronted with the problem many of us face today: I am so busy and there are so many people or issues pulling at me. Ask anyone working in parish life; ask anyone in the health care world. Busy, busy. What can I do to answer all the needs? My friend turned to "triage." Recall "triage" is a tool hospital emergency rooms use to sort out all the "I need your help right now" cases that come before them. "Triage" is a process of sorting, selection, choosing. Jesus probably looked at the followers and thought, "they don't need immediate attention." The critics most likely are not going to turn around and follow. They are going to die to the efforts of Jesus. Now Mr. Z, up there in the tree, Mr. Lukewarm, in him Jesus saw possibilities. With some attention and care, this man could become a genuine apostle and follower of Jesus. "Mr. Z, come on down from that tree. I am coming to your house for dinner this evening." Mr. Z represents others like him who with just a little personal attention could be saved. So, we might ask if we see the wonderful message that Jesus is giving us here? And did you ever think of using the practical method of emergency room health care practices to make decisions about the best use of our time? Most specially, how about the use of time to set aside some moments for prayer with the Lord? "I am too busy" is often the response. Yet, triage all the demands: what will always be there, what will not be changed regardless of your intentions, what can be changed by taking some time to strengthen your own relationship to Jesus Christ? 
