Message from Fr. Robert Tywoniak

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish

Jeremiah 20:7-9
Psalm 63
Romans 12:1-2
Matthew 16: 21-27

Seduced by the Lord!

My soul thirsts so much for the Justice of God. The desire for the Lord is so great. Therefore, it is easy to be seduced by God. That is the meaning of the opening line of the ..rst reading from the Prophet Jeremiah.

Jeremiah, a prophet of God says, “You duped me. O Lord, and I let myself be duped; you were too strong for me, and you triumphed.” Here the word duped means to be seduced. The whole passage contains a sexual connotation. It is as a virgin being seduced by a man.

At first, the innocent young lady might turn away from her suitor. She resists at first. She is not ready for a committed relationship. The suitor’s advance may be seen as intrusive and unwanted. Eventually, she gives in. “I say to myself, I will not mention him. I will speak in his name no more. But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart…” Then the relationship becomes so intense, one cannot keep it secret. “I grow weary holding it in. I cannot endure it.”

Personally, I view my calling (vocation) to the priesthood in a similar fashion. My younger life was directed toward raising a family and service in the community. Accepting a call from God to his celibate Priesthood was difficult. It seemed to be contrary to what is natural. But God won. The priesthood was well beyond what I would ever have done. I would not do it now. Who wants to work for one who permits his servants to be so badly treated? Read the stories of the lives of the saints. Life is hard and unrewarded on earth. St. Theresa of Avila told God, “If this is the way you treat your friends no wonder why you have so many enemies.” God’s way is overwhelming, however. Read the words of today’s gospel passage, Mathhew 16.

The Gospel says, “you are thinking not as God does, but as humans do.” Further, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Naturally, I want life, eternal life for sure! Put in these terms, I am duped. I am seduced!

Finally, Paul in the Letter to the Romans, “brings it home”. “…Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.” Is there any other command so seductive?

It calls one outside of what is expected in an earthly and secular way. God’s call is beyond this world. “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, then you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.”

With this explanation, it is clear that God may seduce us. He is perfect. His way is perfect for anyone.

Right now, question your way in life. Is your path leading to what is good and pleasing and perfect? Look around yourself and within yourself.

How fulfilled are you?

Do you perceive yourself more whole and complete than earlier in life?

Resist the seductions of the world and be seduced by the Lord.

Fr. Robert Tywoniak
Pastor