Be like Jesus from this Sundays Gospel reading (John 2:1-11)
Embody freedom! Jesus teaches us true freedom is choosing to do what is right, not doing as we please.
Jesus, God Himself, shows us this time after time. He told his mother during the wedding at Cana no, but Mary left the choice up to him after she gave instructions to the hired help.
He chose to turn that water into wine and save that family from shame.
Jesus didn't want to do that. He did it out of love. Love for His Mother and love for the wedding hosts. He did it because he knew it was the right thing.
Same with every encounter Christ has with sinners. Jesus chooses to do what is right by often forgiving their sins. He also goes out of his way to help others.
As my city and numerous others brace the impact of the Omnicron Variant, we are being asked to step up once again. To do what is the right thing by wearing masks.
How do I know it is the right thing? This minor inconvenience benefits someone I don't even know; it's a simple act of charity. That kid who's four years old can't be vaccinated yet for COVID. That old lady wearing a bandana on her head is enduring chemotherapy and is at high risk; she lives in a mask already; I can stand in solidarity with her.
However, the freedom here is their freedom to do what is right and still participate in life with as minimal risk as possible. We are called to humbleness and submission to the service of those at risk.
So, I can be like Jesus and choose to do what is right in easing the pain of others.
It's not perfect, but it is effective. If everyone did that, we would be done with this pandemic sooner.
Be like Jesus.
Peace,
Matt