What dwells within
I remember one day sitting in study hall when I was in high school watching two guys play, “rock, paper, scissors.” These two decided that the loser would get punched in the arm. One decided to add water to the game, so it was “rock, paper, scissors, water” and this guy shot water every time. He would make a waving motion with his arm to signify water. With that, he won every time. Sadly, the other guy was not catching on because water erodes the rock, water rusts the scissors and water wilts the paper. The fella had one sore arm when the study hall was over. So the lesson is that water is an incredible force in nature. A strong current of water can move big objects with ease. Also with water, this powerful force always seeks the lowest place. If there is a leak in a roof, the water will slowly make its way to the basement and eventually flood it.
I think water can make a pretty effective symbol for God because God who is all powerful, so powerful that there is nothing that God cannot do, seeks the lowest place. Don’t we hear something similar in our second reading? We read:
Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
There is nothing that God cannot do and yet He revealed Himself in the Person of Christ. He became flesh and dwelt among us. He was born in a stable. He was born into a poor family. He was totally humiliated, rejected, and died on the cross. Our All Powerful God seeks the lowest place. And God continues to seek the lowest place. He dwells in us, humble souls - those that the world may look at as unimportant! Through His Holy Spirit, He makes his home with us! Plus, God is comfortable there. So on those days when you feel unimportant, maybe passed over at work or at school, think about what dwells in you. Also, when it comes to others, may we be mindful about what dwells in them.
God bless and stay safe!
In Christ,
Fr. Steve Breck
Pastor, St. Mary Magdalene
