“Where’s Waldo?”
Father Peter Fitzgibbons
July 25 – 26, 2020
Scripture: Matthew 13: 44-52
I always have fun while driving up to Salisbury, because I play “Where’s Waldo.” I look for all of the cops. It’s kind of fun for me to think about where the Highway Patrol might be hiding. Sometimes, they park on the crest of a hill, right over the top where you can’t see them until it’s too late and you’re flying over the hill and they’re sitting there with a radar gun pointed at you. “Hello!” There goes the blue light…cool. I appreciate that as a soldier…I really do. You know how I know where they are? Sometimes they are really good at watching or sleeping…I’m not sure which…I assume they are watching. But, I keep an eye on the brake lights of cars in front of me. If I see people on a clear highway suddenly put on their brakes, I know there’s a police officer up ahead.
It’s how we view situations that reveals the state of our souls. “Oh, that’s terrible!” What’s so terrible about it? The police are guardian angels, because when someone has trouble, they are there to help. When you get hurt, go take care of yourself…let me know how that works out for you. The police don’t want to mess with you. I am sure they have days in which they are totally bored. But, not everybody they meet is as nice as you folks.
Spiritual direction gives me an opportunity to glimpse into people’s souls. When they say cops are terrible, doctors are crazy, priests are perverts, or the church is too rich, it reveals the state of their souls. What’s wrong with you? How many times have you broken the sixth commandment? Bishop Sheen taught that our actions are a window into our souls. We all get agitated. What’s wrong with that? In today’s gospel (Matthew 13:49), we are told that our Good Lord will come and He will judge His people. People do not like the term ‘judgement.’ “Oh, that’s a harsh word.” No, it’s not…unless you have a bad conscience. It’s just a revelation of what’s in your soul. Judgement is a reward. It’s a ratification of your love and sacrifices. God says, “If you love Me, keep My Commandments.” Our love will be ratified because of all the things God has asked us to do including our application of Matthew 25: 35-36, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” It’s the least we can do. But, the gifts of love are never enough. When a man gives a lady a gift, what are the classic lines? “I wish it were bigger; I wish it were better; it doesn’t portray the depth of my feelings; I wanted the very best, but this is all I could do; I wish I could have done more.” The gifts of love never seem like they are enough.
Judgement reveals what is in our hearts and is demonstrated by our actions. God does not want anyone to be sent away from Him. Even saying “I’m sorry” at the very moment of death is sufficient to spend eternity with Him. God, who creates us out of love, who sustains us out of love, does not get perverse pleasure in sending us to hell. That denies His nature, and it denies the gospel. It also denies Christ the Almighty Savior and His promise of salvation.
What is the nature of God? God is love Himself. He doesn’t want us to be cut off from Him forever. That’s why He sent His Son into the world for our salvation, so that we could share eternity with Him. He doesn’t want any of us to be lost to Him. If we are lost to Him, that’s on us. So, if the word “judgement” is hard for you to hear, please come talk to me.
On Thursday, I went to the VA Hospital. I was due to take another COVID test because of where I see patients. But, the VA stopped that program, so I can go on in? “No, we’re going to give you one anyway.” Gee, thank you! At least they give you a Kleenex to hide your tears. Get ready in 10 seconds: 1…2…3…Dude, do it! So, why should we let something like that upset our soul? In some ways it reminds me of that young man standing on the corner and screaming, “Jesus is coming, and you are getting nailed.” That’s not why He’s coming. It’s not for judgement, but to reveal what is in our hearts. If you don’t like what’s in yours, please come see me.
How will you apply this message to your life? Talk to Father Fitzgibons if you are concerned about Judgement and revealing what is in your heart.