an open mind - 23rd week monday death

Like the Pharisees in our gospel today there are many beliefs we have grown up with that we do not want to let go now; there are many points of view we hold on to ever since, we would rather not want to see altered; there are many attitudes and ways of doing things we would rather stick to no matter what, something we have been so used to doing.  It is the status quo, why disturb it?  We are so good at it already, why change it?  It has been there ever since, why question it?

Just like the Pharisees - there has never been work on a sabbath, why make an exemption now; it was never allowed before, never questioned before, never argued at all, so why do so now? 

The mind has become closed.  And when the mind becomes close, rigidity follows – they have become strict, inflexible indi na gid malubag, and even severe, unmindful in fact of the need of that man who had a withered hand, useless hand that needs healing.

Perhaps in the death of your father, at a time of a great transition in the life of your family, we need to bring with us the same attitude which Jesus is teaching to the Pharisees in today’s gospel. To bring with us an open mind and not a close one – something that can meet the challenges of losing a father and a husband, of losing an anchor, of losing a pillar of strength, of losing the rudder that once navigated the family from its beginnings.  For an open mind helps us discern what is good, an open mind helps us work together harmoniously with others (a close mind is a terrible companion), an open mind helps us accept what is, it helps us accept our realities with calmness and with grace.  It does not mean however that with an open mind we merely accept any kind of teaching.  Of course not.  But it will help us discern God’s guidance, it will guide us to make a choice out of the many possible choices at hand.  Remember bringing with us an open mind helps us adjust to the challenges of this transition, and it will help you become and remain a family despite his big absence.  

May God’s peace be with your father as he passes from this life to the next, and may it also remain with those whom he had left behind.