FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
My Dear Parishioners
It is said that adults are just tall children! At times, there are similarities, such as some adults are always looking for attention, just like kids do. But one of the biggest similarities is that they are always asking “why?” Just like a child is always asking their parents “why” they must do certain things or can’t do other things, some adults are always asking me “why” the Church teaches certain things or why I’ve made certain rules or decisions.
While parents (and me) can understandably get annoyed at this constant questioning, there’s something good and important about it. The Church and the Lord don’t always demand that I “obey blindly.” It is good to desire additional information or the reasoning behind certain situations. Many superstitions and instances of abuse of power have been avoided by inquiry and questioning. Many harmful people and groups have amassed power by suggesting that questions should not be asked.
This interplay between obedience and questioning is prevalent throughout the Christian experience, and it is of particular interest to the Gospel we hear before the Procession at the Palm Sunday Mass. Jesus gives two of his disciples’ directions to go to a neighboring village and acquire an ass and a colt from one of the villagers. Their obedient response is reasonable and expected.
The direction they must give to the villager is much vaguer. While the disciples have directions directly from the Lord that won’t cost them anything, the villager is asked to give up his ass and colt because “the master has need of them.” While seemingly vague, the owner evidently quickly grants the disciples’ request.
While we are not privy to the villager’s response, we can easily imagine our own reaction. “Why?” Why are you trying to take my animals? The response, “The master has need of them” is seemingly unsatisfying. “Why?” Why does the master need them? Why mine? Why now? It would have been easy for them to put up excessive roadblocks to the Lord’s will with questions and concerns.
What is obvious is that the owner of the ass and colt knew the master. When the disciples state that has need of his property, it is not a random request. They know the Lord Jesus Christ; they have seen His goodness and might. Thus, if He has need of something, He must have a reason. If He has sent disciples to retrieve them, it must be something important. The owner isn’t blind or naïve; they know the Lord, so they are sure that a request from Him is good.
How would I respond? Do I know the Master well enough that I would respond quickly when I heard He had need of something? What about the things He asks me for every day? The sins He is asking me to cast away, the habits He’s asking me to kick. What about the brave thing He’s asking me to undertake… the vocation, the mission field, the virtue? Do I constantly need a why, a complete explanation of His plans before I say yes? Or do I know the master well enough that I’m sure that anything He’s asking me is for my good and the good of the Church?
There’s nothing wrong why asking “why,” but sometimes our need for all the answers keep us from saying yes to something great. This Holy Week, where does the master have need of something in my life, and where will I be brave enough to trust Him.
Peace,
Fr. Monteleone
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