Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Daily Office Reflection: Enough!

Psalms 119:97-120 * 81, 82; Genesis 45:16-28; 1Corinthians 8:1-13; Mark 6:13-29

There are times in life when we just want to scream "Enough!" Enough already! I've had it, just... and then we can fill in the blank with whatever frustration, aggravation, thing that has made us impatient. There is always a balance we have to incorporate into those decisions when we follow through on the "Enough!" sentiment. There is usually, at least, a kernel of truth to our frustration, aggravation, impatience: a kernel of self telling us, yes this is the time to act, to move, to follow through.

We see this in Jacob listening to his sons tell them of their excitement about finding Joseph and of Joseph's invitation. Jacob moves from disbelief to excitement at the prospect of seeing once again the first son born from his beloved wife Rachel. Enough! Jacob cries. Enough talk and explaining. Enough. Let us act, move, go!

I often wonder if we are too patient at times, if we allow things to lie fallow for too long before acting. Lent is a time of thoughtful reflection and repentance for not only things we have done, but as our Confession so aptly puts, for these things we have left undone. I think Jacob's impatient shout of Enough! reminds us that there is a time to act and a time to get to those things we have not yet done. Perhaps Lent is a good time to start on those items.
jfd+

Copyright 2010, The Rev. John F. Dwyer. All Rights Reserved.

No comments:

Post a Comment