Today’s readings:
Ezekiel 12:1-2
Psalm 78:56-62
God raised, loved and used Israel for His glory. But they were disloyal, disobedient, and veered away. “They are such a rebellious house!” (Ez 12:2c). God sent prophets to chastise and rebuke them, and bring them back to the plan of God. But oftentimes they rejected the prophetic word. “They have eyes to see, but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear.” (Ez 12:2b).
In the same way, God raised, loved and used CFC (CFC-FFL) for His glory. CFC split in 2007 because there were those who veered away. Today the restored CFC, CFC-FFL, moves forward in its life and mission, faithful to its authentic charism, deeper into the heart of the Church. But is everyone on board? Are there still some who have eyes but do not see or fully grasp the vision, especially in relation to the call to the New Evangelization? Are there still those who have ears but do not hear or fully respond to the marching orders given by the Servant General?
Most of our CFC-FFL brethren are actually on board. But given the enormous task God has for us, God wants everyone fully on board and no one to be left out, and so continues to speak His prophetic word to us. To be fully on board is not only to assent to the vision and direction given, but to strive to give one’s all to the work.
“But they tested and rebelled against God Most High” (Ps 78:56a). How is rebellion to God manifested?
“His decrees they did not observe.” (Ps 78:56b). It is not fully heeding the directions given by the leadership appointed by God.
“They turned disloyal” (Ps 78:57a). It is not being true to the vision and mission of the community, as expounded on by the founder.
“They proved false like a slack bow.” (Ps 78:57b). It is not fully responding to the call to be warriors to engage in massive spiritual warfare, thus not enabling the army to be able to call on and depend on everyone.
“They enraged him with their high places, and with their idols provoked him to jealous anger.” (Ps 78:58). It is having priorities other than God’s and the work given to us.
What is the consequence of such rebellion?
“God heard and grew angry; he rejected Israel completely.” (Ps 78:59). Given the extent of the work to be done, given the privilege given to His people to participate, nay, to lead in that work, God grows angry at His people who do not fully engage in the work. And given the great need to proclaim the good news of salvation in Jesus, if we do not fully respond to the task and rise to the challenge, then God will reject us and move on, finding other people who can do the task.
“He forsook the shrine at Shiloh, the tent he set up among human beings.” (Ps 78:60). The shrine at Shiloh, despite its holy status, was destroyed. We can have our spirituality, our worship, our devotions, but if we do not do the work God entrusts to us, then we still fall far short.
“He gave up his might into captivity, his glorious ark into the hands of the foe.” (Ps 78:61). If we are not fully engaged in God’s war, if we spend our resources in aspects other than what He has given us to do, then we are not going to experience the fullness of God’s power and strength. We will experience more defeats at the hands of the enemy.
“God delivered his people to the sword; he was enraged against his heritage.” (Ps 78:62). Those who rebel against God will die.
Today God presents to us in CFC-FFL a glorious future. He shows us the way to being saints, martyrs and warriors. He has already given us our lay response to the New Evangelization. He enables us to truly be a servant to the Church. It is a great privilege as well as a great responsibility.
Let everyone respond fully, whole-heartedly and zealously. Onward to the New Evangelization!
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