BECOME A FOOL,
SO AS TO BECOME WISE
INTRODUCTION
The title of my homily for this 7th Sunday in
Ordinary Time [A] is, “Become a Fool, So As to Become Wise.”
That’s a wisdom statement from Paul in today’s second
reading.
Think about it: “Become a Fool, So As to Become Wise.”
TODAY’S THREE READINGS
Today’s three readings tell us to do some foolish things.
Today’s first reading tells us no hatred, no revenge, and
cherish no grudge against any of your people.
Today’s second reading presents the message of this
homily, “Become a Fool, So As to Become Wise.”
Today’s gospel tells us if someone slaps you on your
right cheek, turn the other one to them as well. If someone takes you to court over your raincoat, give him your umbrella as
well. If somebody pushes you to walk a
mile with them, go two miles. If someone wants to borrow something from you,
don’t disappear, let them borrow it from you – even if you’re thinking: “Kiss
that baby good bye!” If someone hates you, love them back.
There’s some dumb counterintuitive behaviors to try right
there.
LENT BEGINS THIS COMING WEDNESDAY
Lent begins this week with Ash Wednesday.
It’s kind of weird – kind of different - kind
of dumb to have someone smear some ashes on your forehead and wear them that
day till they fade away during the day.
Why would anyone do that – or allow that to happen to them?
Lent is 40 days -
to try some spiritual growth stuff.
How about a good spiritual reading book?
How about an extra drop into this church or some church
or some sacred spot – like at the ocean. Walk.
We haven’t had snow yet this winter.
It might yet. In the meanwhile, walk around Takanassee Lake – 20 minutes – or use
the Long Branch or Asbury boardwalks – breathing in some fresh air and
stretching your legs once or twice a week for these 40 days of Lent.
How about skipping one lunch – put the 10 or 15 bucks in
an unmarked envelope and give it to someone anonymous – on the street – or in
the mall – and keep moving – not wondering if they are poor or rich or what
have you. Surprise folks with random acts of kindness.
Got a paper calendar. Check off three things you’ll try
each day of Lent. Make up your own three: compliment one person behind their
back; compliment one person to their face; make a comment to a total
stranger each day. Initial in your
calendar box for each day of Lent: BB
for a compliment about someone behind their back; FF for a compliment face to
face; and HS – a hello to a stranger.
PROVING FOOLISH THINGS WORK – AND BRING WISDOM
Years ago a heart doctor in California or somewhere
suggested the next time you’re on line in a bank or any place where there are
lines - pick the longest line – if
that’s the way it works in the bank or in the wherever. Then we’re you’re about
2nd on line, get off the line quietly – and walk to the back and get
on the longest line. Do it smoothly – so as not to be noticed.
I thought that was weird when I first read it - but I
tried it a bunch of times. The heart specialist – use the time on line – trying
to remember say all your classmates in your high school graduating class. This spiritual exercise can teach you
patience – laughter.
It can teach us how to watch. It can teach us how to be
calm when stuck in traffic or at long lines in banks, air ports, movie theaters, etc.
It gave me a high school graduation commencement address
which I entitled, “What Ever Happened to What’s His /Her Name?”
CONCLUSION
Lent starts this Wednesday. Do some stupid or foolish
things for this Lent and by the time Easter is here you will have risen at
least 25%.
And you too will say, “Become a Fool, So As to Become
Wise” – smart move.
