Ezekiel 24:15-23
Deuteronomy 32:18-21
Matthew 19:16-22
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SHOCK THERAPY
"Will you not tell us what all these things that you are doing mean for us?" —Ezekiel 24:19
The actions of Ezekiel and Jesus in today’s Mass readings are shocking. They are prophetic statements meant to capture a person’s attention.
In our secular culture, we are used to outlandish behavior and shocking statements. Grocery stores sell tabloid newspapers, and the typical headline uses the word “shocking.” News programs are on the watch for sound bites that grab our attention. After a while, we grow desensitized to these approaches, and we become shock-proof.
Likewise, the rich young man and the people of Ezekiel’s time were shocked but did not change their lives. Are we shock-proof like the people of Ezekiel’s time? Can nothing get through to us? Jesus did get through to the rich young man, who was indeed shaken up. Sadly, the young man could not accept Jesus’ prophetic message and so walked away from Jesus. He found Jesus too much (see Mk 6:3).
Well, Jesus is indeed too much. That’s why we must be immersed, baptized, into Him. We and our attachments must be drowned in the waters of Baptism. Let Jesus shock you into His loving arms (see Jn 6:61).
Prayer: Lord, prepare me each day to love You much more deeply and love the world much less. Take all of me, Lord.
Promise: "If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments." —Mt 19:17
Praise: Matt returned to the Faith this past Lent.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (Become shocked into new life by reading our leaflet, Developing a Deep, Personal Relationship with Jesus. Order, listen to, or download our CD 52-1 or DVD 52 on our website.)
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