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Celebrating Everyday Spirituality

Sunflower Seeds

Celebrating Everyday Spirituality

Jesus Comes as a Thief in the Night

Jesus came into the world over 2,000 years ago. Even historians who are not Christian support that claim. But as Christians, we believe Jesus came not only into the world of the historical past; we believe Jesus continues to come into the world of today. And he comes not only into the world in general, but into our lives in particular.

A question to ask then is this: How does Jesus come into our lives? One way he comes is described by Jesus himself through this short similitude:

Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come. (Lk. 12:39-40).

What’s interesting about that first sentence is that it is not a warning against a future break-in. No, the break-in has already occurred. crime scene tapeThe crime has been committed. The thief was successful. But these words are part of a similitude. What is the real break-in Jesus is speaking about here? The second sentence tells us: it is the coming of the “Son of Man.” It is Jesus. It is the coming of the Reign of God or the Kingdom of God. The  break-in is Divine—and it has already happened.thiefjpg

I find it fascinating that Jesus compares his coming and the coming of the Reign of God to a thief in the night. It’s almost comical. But the two things are similar. How? For one thing, a characteristic of most successful break-ins is the element of surprise. The break-in was not expected. Jesus’ coming was a surprise. And he came in ways that were not expected. He came not as a mighty king parading around in a chariot in the streets of Rome, for example. No, he came as a simple, lowly Jew trudging along the dusty roads of Galilee.

Jesus came not employing force or violence to spread his teachings. In Gethsemane, remember, he told Peter to put away his sword. Instead Jesus came using tenderness and love to convey his message. In the end he didn’t appear to defeat power and violence. On the contrary, he submitted himself to the power and violence of others. And although Jesus worked many miracles, he did not remove pain and suffering from the world. Instead he embraced his own pain and suffering, surrendered his entire being to Abba, and transformed suffering into redeeming grace. What a surprise he was!

Jesus, like that successful thief, comes in surprising and unexpected ways into our lives too. He comes in joy perhaps, but also in sorrow. He comes in good health, but also in sickness and pain. He comes in success maybe, but also in failure. He comes in goodness, surprisebut also in the midst of evil. Jesus comes secretly—often with no big splash. He has a habit of breaking into our routine, our complacency, our compulsions, our stubbornness. We may try barricading our doors. But it’s no use. No security system can keep him out. Why? I say this with great reverence: Jesus is just too sneaky. He’s just too good at what he does best: stealing people’s hearts.

Jesus comes into our world and into our lives as a thief in the night. He told us so. This means no one is safe from him. And in that truth lies the salvation of the world.

 

Let us pray:

Jesus, you come as a thief in the night

into our world and into my life.

You come in surprising and unexpected ways.

You come in things I’ve taken for granted,

in people I’ve written off,

in situations I’ve labeled hopeless.

You break through the barricades I’ve put up to keep you out:

busyness, stubbornness, anger, hatred, cynicism, apathy.

Jesus, you come as a thief in the night.

Thank you. Thank you.

 

Have you ever experienced Jesus breaking into your life in surprising and unexpected ways?

What barricades (besides the ones mentioned here) do we put up to keep Jesus out?

PS: Thank you to all the women of the Steubenville Diocese whom I met last Saturday at our retreat day in St. Clairsville, Ohio. I enjoyed my day with you. Thank you for warmly welcoming me and for inspiring me with your faith and goodness.

 

8 Responses

  1. Sr. Melannie,

    What a great reflection for Lent! Jesus often comes to me in the everyday when I most need it – a note from a friend, a post on Facebook, a greeting from a stranger. The barricade is my lack of attention to what is good in that moment.

    Kathleen

  2. Jesus broke in this morning as I saw someone post on Facebook who I have not forgiven. Of course, the barricade is the unforgiveness. This spiritual work can be so arduous at times. Yes, Lent. God help me. Thanks, Melannie.

  3. My reflection: As one who respects our free will, Jesus may well sneak into our space, but will go away empty-handed if we have locked up what we consider to be our treasures. Meanwhile, having considered that we have outfoxed him, we are left with all of our “stuff” which may be of little value in comparison with the Treasures of the Kingdom. Thanks for jogging this reflection.

    1. Dear Tom, I really like what you said! How unfortunate to be left only with “our stuff” when we could have had the real Treasures of the Kingdom.” (Your comment made me miss your homilies!) Melannie

  4. I have lately realized that 2,000 years is really not that long ago. If we consider a generation being 20 years, it is only 100 generations. That makes Jesus feel much closer to me. He doesn’t have to come very far to sneak into my heart and I welcome him there.

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Hi and welcome to my blog! I’m Sister Melannie, a Sister of Notre Dame residing in Chardon, Ohio, USA. I’ve been very lucky! I was raised in a loving family on a small farm in northeast Ohio. I also entered the SNDs right after high school. Over the years, my ministries have included high school and college teaching, novice director, congregational leadership, spiritual direction, retreat facilitating, and writing. I hope you enjoy “Sunflower Seeds” and will consider subscribing below. I’d love to have you in our “sunflower community.” Thank you!

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