When Jesus utters the word woe, it’s time to take notice!
The Parish RCIA classes were moving along smoothly, until Diane, a young mother of three asked this question. “Have you noticed when Jesus begins a sentence with the word ‘woe’ that the rest of the sentence isn’t going to be good news?” She continued, “It’s like He is giving a warning for everyone to listen up.” Paul, the RCIA facilitator, responded, “You mean like Woe to you Scribes and Pharisees etc.? “Yes, exactly,” affirmed Diane. “If I were a Pharisee, and heard Jesus utter a ‘woe’ I would either hide under the table or find the nearest exit, because Jesus is about to ruffle someone’s feathers.”
Then Paul spoke up saying, “What if Jesus suddenly appears tonight and delivers a ‘woe’ to us what do you think it would be about?” The class came alive with ideas. “Woe to those who only care only for themselves for they prolong selfishness,” shouted one. “Woe to those who fight against gun safety laws for they keep our children in harm’s way,” shouted another. From the back of the room came the soft voice of Sr. Anita, “Woe to those who hurl racial threats at strangers for they prolong hatred.” Lastly came Brother Peter, the parish gardener, yelling, “Woe to all who oppose climate control for they are dooming our world!”
Finally, holding up his hand Paul responds, “I think Jesus would be more positive and personal. He continues, “Remember His Father’s love gives all of us the life we enjoy, plus extra gifts to live our lives to the fullest.”
Diane said, “Perfect! That makes the most sense! Woe to those who waste their gift of life on trivia and never nurture their gifts to share with others.”
Through this discussion, the RCIA group realizes that Jesus recognizes how deeply His Father loves all creation. After all, Jesus’ mission as the good shepherd is to return creation home. This gives Jesus the freedom to readily use woe when referring creation’s lack of mature response to the God who made them.
Jesus, the good shepherd, wants a humble flock who easily show His Father their warm appreciation for His generosity and show their gratitude to Him through their caring relationship with those around them.
It is no wonder the parish RCIA expects a woe if Jesus sees our lives lived in any other way. God has truly established a graced life for all creation. We have a loving Father in heaven who yearns to have us home with Him for all eternity. We have His Son, Jesus, as our messiah and brother, whose death and resurrection freely gives the gift of salvation. We have the Holy Spirit who prompts us to remember this persuasive story in every present moment we live.
And woe to us if we don’t remember. God genuinely wants to know why. What got in our way? And, what are we going to do about it since we have time and grace to do something?
Blessed is everyone who sees God’s gifts as the means to help God build up His family, to better grow each member, and in return become more grateful to God. And woe to us if what we say or do keeps another from growing closer to God.
Diane sparked a wonderful discussion in her RCIA group and Paul moved it in a prosperous direction. Jesus is baffled sometimes at the way we respond to His Father’s love and affection for each of us. Jesus knows how God the Father spares nothing when it comes to inviting us to be His friend. Jesus would willingly woe any of us when we act indifferent to His Father’s offers of love and friendship.
It’s easier to say yes in this way while we avoid a woe and gain His blessing!
