“See this is our God in whom we hoped for salvation, the Lord is the one in whom we hoped“ Isaiah 25:6-10
I didn’t book the guest In I brought to the kings banquet the last few Sundays, no one stopped them coming in, I guess it was obvious they were part of my bubble.
I sat in the pew, “budge up” I said to my husband, I then looked apathy straight in the eye, “good morning” I said “take a seat”
I’m not sure when apathy started coming to the banquet with me, that’s the thing about apathy it slips in, it doesn’t rage or shout it just quietly steals little by little, so subtlety that you don’t notice what is being taken. Previous months of TV liturgies now making way for stifling masks and homilies that failed to touch what my parched heart needed to hear had slipped my soul into the spiritual equivalent of a onesie. I can see it now.
I’d arrived early this Thursday as I was stewarding and the blessed sacrament was still exposed so I knelt on both knees and bowed, my mind aware I was full of distraction, “Oh, Jesus” I sighed “Im sorry” As Benediction began music and beautiful singing came from the organ loft, I couldn’t see the cantor but the sound pierced my soul with the spear of the sacred. The king came over to my apathy in that moment, bound it and threw it out.
You see Apathy has no defence in front of the majesty and glory of the king. Apathy is always rendered speechless in front of such splendour.
I don’t think I’m alone with my uninvited guest. How are you doing ? The retreats are cancelled, the virus still dominates, it’s getting too cold to meet up outside as much, are you dragging yourself to Mass ? Or is it one step worse, you’re not responding to the invitation at all ?
I love you so I’m calling you out right here.
Get thee before the King of kings ! Get thou to the banquet! Yep you have to book, yep you have to wear a mask that will steam up your glasses, it’s uncomfortable, there’s no singing, it’s different but please don’t let your soul slip into the dark abyss of CBA.
What is it that sets your heart on fire for Jesus ? Do it.
Evagrius ( one of the desert fathers) gives us 5 remedies against Acedia ( spiritual sloth) you can look those up but here’s a few of my personal antidotes..
Sing loud and crazy worship in the car.
Recite the creed with the zeal of the Martyrs.
Make a confession as if it’s your last day on earth.
Find a view that takes your breath away and think of the beauty of who made it.
Watch the clouds, watch the stars. Stay with that awe.
Change up that prayer time ( the routine not the amount, unless that’s slid too)
And then take yourself before the king, ask him to bind and cast out your apathy because you have been called and, my friend you have so, been chosen. I pray that we all start afresh pursuing the God who relentlessly pursues us. That as we receive him at that altar this week we are as consumed by Him as He is by us.
If you are housebound take heart, another desert Father also said “Go, sit in your cell, and your cell will teach you everything”
Your front room becomes a Cathedral when you invite Him into it.
#acedia #gospelreflection #spiritualsloth #invitation #manyarecalled #kingsbanquet #weddingfeast
