My Spot

A Reflection on the Second Reading for November 22nd, 2020:
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of The Universe

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1 CORINTHIANS
15:20-26, 28

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things under him, that God may be everything to every one.
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Pause. Pray.​

And then read more...

I am not the firstfruit.

Repeat to self: I am not the firstfruit!

The call to act or “do something” is pretty powerful these days. On a large scale, we see the passion of activism that aspires to a more just society.

On a smaller scale, the drive to act can come from within. I’m fired up deep in the belly about something — subject to all kinds of passions and feelings. In those moments, I might be ignited by injustices that need to be addressed. Or sometimes I am powering through on my own "hustle," or latching onto the next great idea. Less excitedly, I might be floating passively on someone else's inspiration. Worse, I can be motivated to action through my own sinfulness and wounds.

In any case, it’s unfortunately common that I’ve not subjected the fire in my underbelly to Jesus and the Holy Spirit for review before I’ve burst into action, trying to solve some problem or iniquity.

In rudimentary terms, I suppose we could compare the works of Jesus to modern day activism, but I can't imagine He would address Himself this way. Jesus is not limited by, or subject to, social, political, organizational, or administrative change, and He doesn’t jump on every call to move. Jesus is about the coming of the Kingdom, and thus, every action, every choice, every word He speaks is freely subjected to the Father and forever oriented to His will. 

“But each in his own order, Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power.”

Today's reading reminds me of my spot in the order of things! It is not me who makes meaningful change, it is Christ within me. It is He who destroys every ruler and power by death on the cross, in spite of the fire in my belly, not because of it! His life is the firstfruit offering to the Father, and any fruitfulness my own life may bear follows and lives in His fruit.

It is good to remember that while Jesus hung on the cross, even He was called to action: “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so we can see and believe.” (Mark 15: 30-31)

Yet if He had moved on that call to action in that moment, injustice would reign, and salvation would be lost forever.

There will undoubtedly be moments where I am called to action for the good of the Kingdom — Praise God! He can work powerfully with fervor and zeal! But before I move...

Jesus, You go first. Before I take action, act in me.
I subject all my passion to You. Make me passionate for that which You are passionate!
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done!

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Michelynne Gomez

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