Choose Jesus' Path
by Joey Capuano
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We are approaching the final weeks of the Easter season prior to Jesus' Ascension and Pentecost. Jesus knew that his disciples and future followers would need a Guide, an Advocate, who would lead them in "The Way" - the original name of Christianity! We know that he gives us this guide through the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. In addition, Jesus is teaching us through this reading how we are to live.
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There are a few points that I want to bring out here. The first is that we are called to live with the wisdom, faith, and good ways of Jesus in our daily lives. That point is easy for us to understand; we have been taught the importance of living these types of lives since we were taught to speak!
The second point is also very interesting and important, though. Jesus is telling us not to live in ways that are wicked and contrary to him. While this is easy for us to understand, it is also hard for us to always follow. We are human. We sin and fall short of this call. But we know that, when we fall, God always forgives and continues to love us, and if we truly repent and try to live lives that are more "along the right path," we are living out his call for us!
Verses 13 - 17 make me think also. We all are given free will. There are always paths ahead of us that we can freely choose between. Do I stand up for the person in the cafeteria who is being made fun of, or do I ignore it or go along with it? Do I go to church and spend time with friends and family in prayer and God's peace, which surpasses all understanding, or do I sleep in? Here's a really important one for today: Do I speak out, condemn, and really stand up against dangerous and violent acts that are involved in political areas when they are clearly hurting our family in Christ and contrary to what he wants, or do I bite my tongue to avoid bring up "the elephant in the room?" Yikes! That one's a doozy! But we are not alone. When more people begin to stand up for what is right, and follow that right path, we gain strength and protection through our numbers. And, most importantly of all, we have God through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit on our side!
The last verse of this passage leaves us with hope: "But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until the day." As we further go into spring, with all of the beautiful dawns, sunlight, flowers, and new life, we can see God leading us towards the right path. Let's take that path together!
Your brother in Christ, Joey
