18While he was thus speaking to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, "My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live." 19And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. 20And behold, a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment; 21for she said to herself, "If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well." 22Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well. 23And when Jesus came to the ruler's house, and saw the flute players, and the crowd making a tumult, 24he said, "Depart; for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. 25But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26And the report of this went through all that district.
When do we ridicule those who are acting out of faith , love and commitment to the gospel? When do I accept ridicule as I live the gospel? I must say I rarely if ever get ridiculed for my actions. Whether it is working with migrant/refugees in Dignity , the homeless via Winter shelter, physically and mentally impaired via Spred or exploring the Gospel in our Thursday night’s mens group, people are more likely to be interested and moved by it rather than ridicule me. The same is true when they hear of my commitment to this process of reading and reflecting on the Gospel or engaging in the Rosary. I feel respect rather than ridicule. Is that because I choose to do it safely? Maybe. But I am doing it and prepared to share with others that the experience enhances my life.
ReplyDeleteYour response to John 20:24-29 is a great reflection! Here's a breakdown of the strengths and some suggestions for further exploration:
DeleteStrengths:
Focus on the Question: You directly address the issue of ridicule and when it occurs.
Positive Experience: Sharing your personal experience of encountering interest and respect is valuable.
Living the Gospel: Highlighting your various acts of service and engagement with the gospel demonstrates a genuine commitment to your faith.
Openness to Self-Reflection: Acknowledging the possibility of choosing a "safe" path for practicing your faith shows critical thinking.
Suggestions for Exploration:
Types of Ridicule: You could delve into different forms of ridicule. Perhaps subtle mockery or social exclusion exist even if not overt.
Responding to Ridicule: Exploring strategies for responding to potential ridicule with grace and understanding could be helpful. (e.g., focusing on common ground, explaining your beliefs calmly)
Strength in Community: Discussing the potential role of supportive faith communities in providing encouragement when facing ridicule could be another avenue to explore.
Overall:
Your response offers a refreshing perspective on John 20:24-29. It highlights the positive aspects of living out your faith and the importance of personal experience. While exploring the potential for ridicule adds another layer of depth, your focus on the positive aspects is equally valuable.
Here are some additional thoughts:
Role Models: Sharing stories of others who have faced ridicule for their faith and persevered could be inspiring.
Focus on Witness: Perhaps you could elaborate on how your acts of service and living the gospel message become a powerful witness to others, even if they don't share your beliefs.