Are You a Distracted Driver?

Homily for May 1, 2016 (6th Sunday of Easter)

Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23; John 14:23-29

How many times have you had a person cut you off on the highway only to see them talking away on their cell phone?  How many times have you been sitting at a green light and wondering why the car in front of you isn’t moving only to notice that they’re texting?  How many times have you been “that guy” or “that gal?” (Raise your hands!)

In 2014 nearly 3200 people nationwide died in crashes involving a distracted driver.  According to a study done at Virginia Tech, receiving or sending a text message takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds.  That may not seem like a lot…until you realize that in that short time a car traveling 55 mph can go 100 yards—more than the length of a football field!   In this as in many other areas of our lives keeping our focus is essential, especially when our lives and those of others are at stake. 

Today’s scripture readings show how we can maintain our focus in our lives as Christians, even when it’s difficult.  In our first reading from Acts 15 we heard of what has come to be known as the Council of Jerusalem.  A young church faced “no little dissension and debate” over a question of membership and qualifications:  Was it necessary for new gentile believers to first embrace the Law of Moses and become Jews before being welcomed into the body of Christ?  Some answered “Absolutely!” while others said “No way!” 

Rather than argue or intimidate the other side into submission—the way the world gives peace (however tenuous it might be)—the apostles and elders decided on a different path of discussion, discernment and decision-making that led to compromise and consensus.  It didn’t resolve everything for all time but it did keep the community together at a tense and crucial time, and it provided a model—the conciliar model—that has served the Church well over the centuries, from Nicea to Vatican II.

Keeping our focus on what’s really important can be as difficult in the Church as elsewhere.  Sometimes our egos get in the way.   When that happens, it helps to remember that we’re not in charge.  As Psalm 67 reminds us, God is our ultimate ruler and guide. 

Sometimes we think that the problems we face are worse than those of earlier generations.  Not only does this demonstrate a lack of knowledge of church history, it also fails to recognize that the City of God is built over time.  In our second reading from Revelation 21, we gaze upon the vision of a New Jerusalem reinforced by the 12 tribes of Israel and built on the foundation of the 12 apostles.  Most importantly, it is God who not only gives the light, God is the light!

We may be distracted by fear.  At times it’s the fear of failure.  At other times, however, it’s the fear of success that may demand more of us than we think we can give.   Here Jesus gives us his gift of peace and assures us that we are not alone:  “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”

Distracted driving is dangerous.  But in matters of faith we face an even greater danger: distracted living.  God, help us to keep our eyes on the road and our hands on the wheel! +