Jude: 17-25; Psalm 63; Mark 11: 27-33
Jude is a piece of apocalyptic literature, with only one chapter, the best part of which is offered for our reflection. First, he warns again those causing divisions. Then he urges us to build up our faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and keep ourselves in the love of God. Next comes a brief but startling reflection on mercy. We look forward to mercy, and so we are exhorted to show mercy to those who are wavering, and mercy toward those filled with fear. Jude concludes with a joyous doxology: “to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power and authority, before all time, now and forever. Amen.”
How can we possibly build up our faith? Isn’t that God’s gift? However, to pray, to reflect, to read critically, to dialogue with others as we share faith does build up faith. How can we keep ourselves in the love of God who has “grasped hold of us (Philippians 3)? We are still free, but we can choose to keep ourselves relaxed, calm, trusting as we rest in the grasp and love of God. This is mercy: to be held so securely and tenderly. How can we extend that same mercy to the wavering and fearful? Ask the Spirit to show you who is wavering and/or fearful in your circle and reach out to them.
Come, Holy Spirit, we pray: build up our faith, deepen our trust in the one who holds us, give us plenty of mercy to extend to the fearful. Save our world from divisions.