Readings: Numbers 13:1-2, 25-14:1,26-29,34-35; Psalm 106; Matthew 15:21-28
Twelve men were sent from the twelve tribes of Israel to spy on the land of Canaan. They returned with the report that the land was good, fertile, flowing with milk and honey, it was exceedingly wonderful. However, ten of them added that nevertheless, the land is fortified, occupied by powerful people and they are like grasshoppers before the inhabitants, in conclusion, they cannot possess the land.
Take note, God promised them that He would give them the land; they returned with a report they cannot possess the land. Caleb and Joshua however came with the same observations but with a different conclusion, if God has promised us the land, then, we can, we will, it is ours.
Dear friends, today let us reflect on the spirit of positivity. Positivity is learning to see things, people, situations, and ourselves from a positive, optimistic mindset. It is a mindset that sees the best in us, in others and situations.
It is that disposition to speak or declare hope, life, newness, and blessing into situations.
Positivity is the spirit of “despite all”, that is, despite all the challenges, despite all the obstacles, despite how things may look, there is hope, there is goodness, there is still a possibility. Positivity sees discouragement but refuses to bow to it.
It is the spirit of “We can, it is well, there is hope, and it is the spirit of refusing to be defeated, discouraged or disappointed.
I am not talking about positivity based on delusion or self-deception but positivity fuelled by faith in the goodness, power and promises of God.
This is the spirit in Caleb and Joshua and because of this, God says they will enter the Promised Land but those who have seen His power at work and yet are negative in spirit and unbelieving will perish in the wilderness.
This is one of the best statements I have ever read in the scriptures, this is a statement each of us should remember every day. It was not just directed to the people of Israel but to every one of us. God says “I will deal with you according to the very words you have used in my hearing.”
Dear friends, let us not hide under the pretext of being “factual” or “honest” and speak negativity into our lives and situations. If we must confess or declare anything, we must make confession and declaration of faith inspired by God’s love, word, greatness and power more than what we have heard, or think or have seen.
People with a negative spirit are more inclined to see what is wrong in people, themselves, situations and the world. Their reports are often discouraging, they are quick to conclude that there is no possibility, their observations are pessimistic and declarations are usually lacking in faith and hope.
The Gospel of today gives us the story of a woman with a positive spirit. She came to ask Jesus for help, the reply she got was discouraging but she won’t be discouraged, she saw hope, she knew the love and power of God, she knew that “despite all” her disadvantages, there is still hope for her.
Do you also believe that despite how things are or may seem, there is still hope, there is still beauty in the ashes?
Today is the memorial of St John Mary Vianney. He was born on 8th May 1786 at Dardily, in the kingdom of France. He had serious intellectual challenges preparing for the priesthood but his piety compensated for his ignorance. He was ordained in 1815. In 1818, he became the parish priest (curé) of Ars.
His pastoral and priestly work brought radical spiritual transformation to the community and its surroundings. He became the patron saint of parochial clergy.
Listen to this, while in the seminary, a professor told John that there was no way he could become a priest, he was just a dumb ass who knew nothing of theology and he replied, “Samson killed one hundred Philistines with the jawbone of an ass. What do you think God could do with a whole one?”
This same John Vianney called an ass but who refused to be beaten down became an inspiration for all pastors, he wrote many spiritual books used for retreat and formation of clergy and lay faithful.
There is a treasure in darkness, only those with a positive mindset will see and obtain it.
Sermon Preached by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Baraka-Gukena Okami on August 4, 2021.