The pattern we hear in Scriptures of God inviting people deeper is repeated in our own lives
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Many of this week’s readings converge around the theme of “taking the next step.”
For example, we have two Gospel readings from Matthew 5 in which Jesus says: “You have heard that it was said … But I say to you…”. Let’s slow one of those down and add some commentary.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’” Yes. All right — that was enough then, when it was said. And it was a step forward at the time. But at this stage of your faith, if you’re going to move forward in this relationship with God, it’s time to take the next step. Therefore: “But I say to you…When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.”
Another example comes in Matthew 6, where Jesus gives instructions on almsgiving, prayer and fasting. Again, let’s slow one of these down and add some commentary.
“Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them.” Let me clarify: I don’t want you to stop performing righteous deeds! You’re doing the right thing — keep that up! But you’re doing the right thing for the wrong reason, and therefore in the wrong way. Take the next step! Start doing that thing for a different reason, and it will change the way you do it. So: “When you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.” Keep doing the things you’re doing! The next step is to do them for the right reason and in the right way.
How does that lesson apply to us?
Well, consider the story about Ahab and Naboth, which we also read this week. Ahab’s wife (Jezebel) has Naboth killed so that Ahab can take ownership of Naboth’s vineyard. When the prophet Elijah confronts Ahab about this evil deed, Ahab’s immediate reaction is repentance. That’s part of why the psalm after this reading is Psalm 51: “Have mercy on me God, in your goodness … Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me.”
We need to realize: that’s David’s psalm, after he commits adultery with Bathsheba and murders her husband! Ahab, at this point, is like David: a sinner who repents.
But what’s the next step? Ah, there’s the difference! David stays with his repentance and becomes one of the great heroes of the Bible. Ahab doesn’t stay with his repentance and becomes one of the great villains of the Bible.
It’s like the difference between Judas and Peter. Both of them betray the Lord. But what happens next? Peter turns back. He allows himself to be forgiven and — wonder of wonders! — even commissioned by the Lord. Judas doesn’t take that step.
Scripture abounds with examples of God inviting people to take the next step. Scripture abounds with examples of people accepting the invitation, or not. That same pattern is replicated in the world today and in our own lives. No matter how little or how far we’ve come, God is always inviting us to take the next step. What’s the next step in your relationship with the Lord?
