Abraham was given a promise and set off in search of that promise in trust. Lot went with him and in the process, they began to bicker as all families do. (click the link to read more)

2017-06-27
Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 372
GN 13:2, 5-18
PS 15:2-3A, 3BC-4AB, 5
MT 7:6, 12-14

Abraham was given a promise and set off in search of that promise in trust.  Lot went with him and in the process, they began to bicker as all families do.   When the time came that might have come to blows, Abraham put his ego beneath him and allowed Lot to choose which land he wanted to have.  Abraham had the right to tell Lot all of this is mine, you take what I give you.   Instead, he lowered himself and allowed the younger man to choose.   Lot looked around and saw a land filled with everything the heart could desire.   Not only was it fertile and gorgeous, but it also had bustling cities and people living progressive, modern lives.  In the end, Lot ends up in danger and loses most of what he has been given, while Abraham is blessed and prospers.

That seems to be what happens to all of us when we set out with our passions, desires, and wants in charge instead of God.   Things change.   Society changes.   Those in charge shift.  It can be daunting and painful, but change isn’t bad.   The main thing is for us to keep God in charge.   To trust.   To lower ourselves with a servant's heart as Jesus did at the last supper and help those changes grow into something beautiful and holy.  What the world has to offer isn’t always something we want, even though we think we do.   Our self-worth doesn’t come from changing who we are, reinventing ourselves, or even a complete makeover.  Our worth is inherent from God and no one can take away that dignity, even if they try.

Another danger that Jesus warns us about today is getting involved with those who want to trample that dignity under the ground.  Sometimes in the role of the servant we want to take whatever someone gives us, and even reject that we are worth more than anything else.  God doesn’t want you to live in a world filled with emotional or physical abuse.   That’s not what being a servant is about.   He doesn’t want you to continually argue with those who have no interest in hearing your words, or to continually let someone smear your name and berate you every single day.  You are the pearl.   You are the treasure that Jesus sold everything, gave His life to purchase.   Don’t let anyone trample you in the mud.  Our Traditions, our faith, they are all pointing to one thing: God loves you.   Don’t take them lightly.   They don’t deserve to be thrown away because a culture doesn’t like them.   They deserve to be cherished, loved, and only offered to those who are sincerely searching for answers.

Have a servant's heart, meek and mild.  Yet, never forget that you are royalty, a child of the King.

His servant and yours,
Brian Mullins

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my rock, and my redeemer. - Psalm 19:14