Some of my musings have centered on language and the importance of language. With this musing, I’d like to look at the theme of exceptions. Many of us grew up with rules, “I” before “E” except after “C,” eat your vegetables, brush your teeth, etc. English has so many exceptions, so I’m very happy that I didn’t have to learn it except as a native speaker. In all compassion, try to explain to someone who’s learning English how to pronounce the letters OUGH. Think of the word thought, then though, then thorough, then tough. Exceptions seem to be a rule in life.
Luke is the gospel of inclusion - women play a central role from the Christmas story told from Mary’s perspective to the visitation of Mary to Elizabeth with the only recorded conversation between two women in the gospels, Martha and Mary, etc. It is the gospel of outsiders: the Samaritans (dreaded enemies), a good one who teaches us to be a neighbor, and a grateful leper who shows us the importance of that key virtue. Early this month, was an exception to Jesus in Luke. We heard from Luke 12:49-53 in which Jesus spoke of the divisions that can exist within families: father against son, etc. Jesus explains those divisions as part of the human condition and not part of God’s intended plan.
Rules and commandments are essential in life to help us guide our way through our day-to-day living. However, exceptions come up each and every day, and the challenge for us is how we are to embrace and live with those exceptions. Divisions, conflicts, and arguments are all present in life. Do we dig in our heels and stand on the principle that “I am right” is the goal, or do we look in love at the person whom we love with whom we have this disagreement? If we do the latter, the outcome might be much brighter.
Live Jesus!
Father Matthew Hillyard, OSFS
Pastor
Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Vienna, VA
