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Blessings to all and greetings in the wonderful name of the Risen Lord Jesus Christ: What are you doing? This is a list of all the “W” questions that serve to make relationships difficult. They do not even have to be used in marital relationships – as they can make difficulty in all relationships and in all communications. They rank right up there with asking a high school student, “How was school today?” Anyone who offers the question usually causes the person to feel like there is about to be an interrogation. The question itself, in most forms, can cause anyone to feel as though they are being attacked. Most questions offered this way are not looking for an answer; rather they are making a statement. This is one of the best (or worst) ways to get off on the wrong foot so to speak. After the resurrection of our dear Lord, Jesus asked Peter a question. You will remember Him asking poor Peter: “Simon, son of Jonah, Do you love me?” He well might have asked him “where were you on that terrible night Peter?” “Why did you run away Peter?” Or probably worst of all, “What were you doing in the court yard of the temple?” Anyone of these would have reduced him to a puddle of tears again! Wonderfully Jesus took His questioning in a much different direction. Instead of finger pointing and impugning the dear One moved on to absolution and focus. His three loving questions after being answered gave Peter opportunity to get on with the job. There was no hint of recrimination or punishment only forgiving love and direction. Sunday after Sunday the people of God come to Jesus full of plenty of reasons for Him to ask them the “W” questions. Put the loving Father through the grace that is His to give and because of the work of Jesus only offers forgiveness. The consciences of the people present ask all the big “W” questions with impunity! Again and again we are driven to our knees and again and again through His Word in the Holy Liturgy the Holy One asks us all, “Do you love me?” Yes Lord, you know that I love you” is the answer of all the faithful. We say this in different words but we do indeed say it. By the power of faith given to us by the Holy Spirit we are able to acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God who knows all things about us and yet still loves us. After his forgiveness was proclaimed Peter got his marching orders. There were no more questions for him – only answers. He got on with the job and we all know what a wonderful brave and energetic job he did. No more sitting around with a fishing pole in his hand wondering what to do next. He acted on the Gospel that he now knew full well and told everyone the Good News that he had heard and seen. We too have heard and we too have seen. We don’t need the accusatory questions directed at us. Our forgiveness is assured and our destiny is provided. And so my dear ones may the ever present resurrected Lord Jesus who offers you everything keep you going in the glow of Easter living day-by-day as you find new ways to serve Him in love. Rejoicing in His days, |