767 ELM STREET * ROCKY HILL * CONNECTICUT 06067
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767 ELM STREET * ROCKY HILL * CONNECTICUT 06067 |
           
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When I was in grammar school the sisters would often conduct a music appreciation class. We would explore the great operas and symphonies. During one of these sessions I remember that we were asked to try to hear the voice of the oboe, or some other instrument, amidst the sound of the whole symphony. How could one do it? One does it by sharpening one’s ability to hear the voice of the instrument through practice-that is, attentiveness. In the 1930’s Germany there were voices that said, “If you surrender your conscience; if you place your faith in our “new messiah”, Adolf Hitler, you will be delivered from your suffering.” Well, many people listened to that voice. The result of listening to that voice was 50 million killed and hundreds of millions wounded and homeless in World War II, the attempt to annihilate the Jewish people in Europe, much of Europe and Asia in ruins, and the birth of the Atomic Age, that is still with us. I believe it safe to say that people were not delivered from their suffering! There are all sorts of voices in our world that clamor for our submission, and often enough, these messages can appear to be quite attractive and convincing. Sometimes those voices lead us away from the Lord, the “Good Shepherd”. I suppose some of the reasons this may happen may be a result of the lack of faith in the Lord, or a lack of understanding that some of those voices are in complete contradiction of the Lord. To oppose or resist those voices that are in opposition to the Lord is no easy thing for many. It may require sacrifice of time, money, or even one’s life. These are the believers that have washed their baptismal robes-those robes that recall our commitment to die with Christ-white in the blood of the Lamb. Despite their fear; despite the cost these ones remain steadfast in the time of distress. In Nazi Germany there were those that refused to listen to the voices of hate. Lutheran Pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Catholic Priest Maximillian Kolbe, and the people of Le Chambon, France were examples of those who said, “No” to the voice of lies and hate and “yes” to Jesus Christ. We know that in doing this we may have nothing to show for our efforts that the world would credit to us as success. In fact, we might be judged to be failures, making no difference as to how the world works and be considered traitors of the State, race or whatever! This is a great test of faith in a world that demands quantifiable results as proof of success. The disciples of Jesus, like Paul and Barnabas, are not primarily concerned about measurable results. What is primary is being witness to the One sent by the Father in a life marked by sacrificial love for others-even, and perhaps, especially, for one’s enemies! Easter, the experience of the risen Lord, is the bedrock of our faith that tells us not only that we need not fear death; but also, that we need not fear life! The risen Lord empowers and calls us to go bring the “good news” to the whole world despite risk, despite rejection and despite the possibility of persecution, in the manner of the Lord’s non-violent and assertive love. Some will listen and welcome the “good news” and its bearers, other will turn away from the “good news”, and some will seek to silence those who speak the “good news”. But in the power of the risen Lord a follower of Jesus knows that there is nothing to fear. A non-Christian, M. Ghandi, may have captured the radical nature of following the voice of the Good Shepherd” and the cost involved while remaining faithful to the Lord. They may break my bones; they may break my body, they may even kill me. Then, they will have my dead body, not my obedience! We may respond to such a statement by admitting that such a witness is difficult. However, for those that have been attentive to the voice of the Good Shepherd in daily prayer, worship and action borne of loving regard for others, such a life not only becomes possible for many, but necessary! Such people recognize that the Lord’s voice is one that summons us to an intimate relationship with the Son and the Father and results in people dedicated to transforming our world from a place of instances of hate and fear to one of peace and acceptance of all. Deacon Robert M. Pallotti, D.Min. Return to Saint James Home Page |