What does it mean to be powerful? Does it mean that we rule over all others, or does it mean that we humbly connect with those around us? Is it given without hesitation, or reserved for the unsuspecting? Is it earned, or is it received? The reading today gives us a very introspective look at power. As Catholics, it is at the root of our faith to believe that the power of God is unlike any other, it is that which created the world in the beginning, and that which keeps us progressing everyday. We hear about the power of prayer, the power God has through prayer, the power God has to answer our prayers, and the power God has to heal. It is true, God is all powerful. But what about us?
The power God gave us as humans is in our free will. In our daily lives as we are persecuted by those of little faith, those of secular-stricken ignorance, we are empowered through God to preach and love despite hate. As we meet the obstacles that threaten to destroy us, we are empowered by God to rise above and let go. As we experience sorrow, we are empowered to have faith and compassion. Just as we are able to pull power from our faith to move the small but burdening mountains in our life, so does the refuge we are given through empowerment so directly link to free will. The same free will that God provided knowing that we would use it to sin. Despite our better judgement.
This sin roots, as the reading proclaimed, in the death which provides us life in the flesh. The nail we hammer into Jesus on the cross, the blood that is spilled through our own bad judgement; death. Jesus, a prophet of goodwill, becoming a sinking pool for our sins, who endured death so that we could live.
So death is at work in us, but life in you.
Since, then, just as Jesus was risen, so shall we. With forgiveness and life from the death created by sin. Just as the Gospel preaches we see a woman, passionate about the Lord our God, and wanting the best for her sons. Wishing them a spot at Jesus’ left and right hand. What Jesus explains to the woman in the scripture is a lesson for us, the flesh of the world, the empowered followers of Christ. We worship the Lord, not for his power, but rather, for his humility.
If we wish for power, we will fall slave to humanity. If we wish to bloom before our season arrives, we will fall immediately to the earthly elements. But, if we nurture our power to be steady in our growth, we will thrive in his divine glory.
The most powerful men, are the weakest.
The weakest men, are the most powerful.
