Heads I Win, Tails You Lose - 29th Sun of Ord Time - Episode 48

10/13/20 • 45 min

Overall Takeaway

Many of us feel trapped in some aspect of our lives, just as the Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus in their questioning in this week’s gospel. Just as Jesus had an unexpected answer for them, He has one for us if we’re willing to listen.

Key Verses from Sunday Mass Readings

“For the sake of Jacob, my servant,
of Israel, my chosen one,
I have called you by your name,
giving you a title, though you knew me not.”

“We give thanks to God always for all of you,
remembering you in our prayers,
unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love
and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ,
before our God and Father,
knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God,
how you were chosen.”

“The Pharisees went off
and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech.”

“Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar
and to God what belongs to God.”

Where Catholicism Meets Psychology

The Pharisees were trying to create a double bind with their questioning, giving Jesus only two impossible choices to select from. Often, we find ourselves in what seems like a double bind in some aspect of our own lives.

Just as Jesus showed them the true answer, destroying the idea that there was only a black and white option, He is ready and waiting to do that for us as well.

If we experience dissonance or a feeling of being trapped in an impossible situation or relationship, we are called to take that situation to God. Perhaps through prayer, speaking with a trusted loved one, or seeking professional help will give us that answer we’re seeking.

We need to learn to truly trust in God. Often, we want to trust God only if He gives us the answer we want Him to give us. We have to trust in His providence that whatever answer He gives us is best, even if it’s not what we think we want.

Action Item

Think about a situation that doesn’t appear to have a “right” answer. Seek and pray for truth in the situation. Then, seek a second set of eyes. Turn to a trusted friend or family member, priest, or counselor and bring the situation to them. Putting the situation into words can often help. Think about advice you’d give to someone else who is in the same situation to gain distance. Listen to your own advice. Bring that to prayer.

Overall Takeaway

Key Verses from Sunday Mass Readings

“For the sake of Jacob, my servant,
of Israel, my chosen one,
I have called you by your name,
giving you a title, though you knew me not.”

“The Pharisees went off
and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech.”

“Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar
and to God what belongs to God.”

Where Catholicism Meets Psychology

Just as Jesus showed them the true answer, destroying the idea that there was only a black and white option, He is ready and waiting to do that for us as well.

Action Item

Previous Episode

Blind Spots Can Be Deadly - 28th Sun of Ord Time - Episode 47

Overall Takeaway

Just as the invited individuals in this week’s Gospel refuse to attend the king’s wedding feast, we often do the same in our lives. Although this can be attributed to sin or distractions, it can also come from psychological blind spots that we refuse to address.

Key Verses from Sunday Readings

“On this mountain the LORD of hosts
will provide for all peoples
a feast of rich food and choice wines”

“My God will fully supply whatever you need,
in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

“The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king
who gave a wedding feast for his son.
He dispatched his servants
to summon the invited guests to the feast,
but they refused to come.”

Where Catholicism Meets Psychology

Parts of us may feel that we are not valued or good enough. Other parts of us may be very self-centered or narcissistic in nature, which can be a defense against shame or fear. When we are blinded by these psychological efforts to protect ourselves, we cannot know ourselves, know others, or know God accurately.

These psychological blind spots lead to misperceptions of who God really is, and can keep us from the wedding feast.

God is waiting to give us the very best--the choicest wines. However, He can only invite us. He gives us the freedom to accept or refuse His gift.

In our fallen world, few people exhibit the conviction and boundless love of Jesus. We, instead, often separate those things, which can result in polarization.

When Jesus encounters sinners in scripture who sincerely ask who He is, He is right there with them. When the Pharisees are dead set against Jesus, He still loves them by trying to pierce through their questions and accusations.

Action Item

Recognize that we all have blind spots. In order to find yours this week, ask yourself “What do I blame God for?” Don’t think about it too much, instead, just write down what comes to mind. It could include things like the premature death of a parent, an abusive situation, a difficult marriage, a lost job, an illness, or anything else where you feel “wronged by God.”

Take this list to God in prayer. These feelings can generate blind spots that keep us from being in relationship with Jesus. Give God the space to work in your life and listen to Him.

Next Episode

Understanding Superiority Complexes - 30th Sun of Ord Time - Episode 49

Overall Takeaway

People who have superiority complexes are usually trying to make themselves feel better by belittling others. When we can understand what’s behind the attitude, it can help us be more compassionate and loving toward them.

Key Verses from Sunday Mass Readings

“Thus says the LORD:
‘You shall not molest or oppress an alien,

for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt.’”

“Brothers and sisters:

You know what sort of people we were among you for your sake.

And you became imitators of us and of the Lord,

receiving the word in great affliction, with joy from the Holy Spirit,

so that you became a model for all the believers

in Macedonia and in Achaia.”

Where Catholicism Meets Psychology

When we interact with someone exhibiting a superiority complex, we tend to either take a helpless stance and become a victim or we create our own superiority complex to try to compensate.

In some cases, our psychological reaction is to just accept it because “that’s the way he/she is,” be angry about it, or even gravitate toward it.

Take a step back to think about what’s driving that behavior. Often, we brush it off as someone simply being mean or difficult.

The Pharisees exhibited a superiority complex because they felt threatened by Jesus’ work, healing and teaching. Sometimes Jesus punctures that attitude to teach them a lesson, but this week He gently shows them the correct path.

We need to learn who we are not by taking on a superiority persona, but through the eyes of someone who loves us. If we are well-grounded ourselves, we can see those who exhibit superiority more as God sees them, in their woundedness.

Action Item

Think of a situation when someone in your life exhibited superiority. Replay that scene and notice your reaction is or how you are triggered. You don’t need to excuse inappropriate behavior, but see if you can look past the exterior and see the person as a small child, see the insecurities. Can you soften your reaction?