Holy Frustration

 From Ignatian Solidarity Network author Elise Gower, 3/16/22:

"Today’s Gospel theme is frustration. The saying goes, “What would Jesus do?” ... I find myself pondering “What did the disciples do?” This helps me make sense of my human responses to things like the pandemics of racism and Covid, or my own resistance to growth and change. ... But, when I start with the disciples, I become aware that Jesus invites me to wholeness; to leadership.

I can feel the disciples’ frustration. They’re afraid. Jesus is not only sharing that he will die, but describes his pain, suffering and crucifixion. I imagine being a disciple, hearing this:  

I’ve left everything to follow this man—my job, my family, my comfort! And now, I’m going to lose him? And who is this mother making this request on behalf of her sons?! 

The passage says, “When the ten heard this, they became indignant.” Frustrated.

Jesus asks, “Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” This is a big ask, knowing his impending execution—a death that holds the sin of a society that resists and terrorizes what they fear. We see this all too often. Suddenly, following Jesus takes on a whole new meaning. Am I willing to give of myself, completely, in response to the realities of our world today—not just when it’s comfortable or convenient? To lead is to act against the grain.

This Gospel offers a pretty profound definition of what this is—drinking from the same cup as Jesus. A cup of holy frustration. Drinking this cup demands a daily commitment; sometimes, minute by minute. It’s not performative allyship. It’s not the kind of advocacy that also ensures my privileges remain intact. It’s looking within before righteously blaming others. This Lent, will you drink this cup of holy frustration, to follow Jesus towards new life?

For Reflection: 

• Imagine yourself, a disciple in today’s society. What tires and frustrates you?
• What does drinking from the same cup as Jesus look like today?
• Where are you called to deepen your commitment? "

Humility Over Power & Reputation

 A Lenten reflection from the Ignatians:

"By Justin White

• Listen to today's reflection, read by the author

If you want a model of holy frustration…look no further than Jesus in today’s Gospel.

I don’t blame Him. If we turn our eyes and ears to Matthew Chapter 22 we see Jesus answering many questions from both the Sadducees and the Pharisees who had “plans to trap him in his words.”

Jesus sounds fed up with the trickery from the leaders not because of any ego or pride, but because He knows that the focus should be on the liberation of the people not the solidification of power and reputation.  

Power and reputation can be dangerous realities if not tempered with humility.

What if the Sadducees and Pharisees conspired to work with Jesus and not against him? What if they had allowed themselves to understand that Jesus was speaking on behalf of the same people that they vowed to teach, protect, and care for?

We’ve seen in our own times people advocating for themselves and others—only to have their lived experience questioned. “Come on Justin, do you really believe Black Lives Matter is helping?!” “Don’t talk to me about white privilege Justin, everyone struggles!” “Toxic masculinity…so I’m not supposed to be a male now?!” These are all recent questions that I’ve fielded and I felt trapped in my words.  

We lose so much when we deny the reality of another person’s lived experience because it challenges ours.

“Then what should we do Justin, what’s your answer?”

Jesus offers an answer—humility. Through humility we can fully listen, through humility we can experience a deeper conversion towards the Kingdom of God.

During this Lent, how can humility enter your life and create a new heart and a new spirit?"