SETTING OUR FACES LIKE FLINT
“I have set my face like flint.” – Isaiah 50:7
Horse blinders are an interesting creation. With eye placement on the sides of their heads, many race horses need this tool in order to stay focused and keep forward momentum, toward their goal. Without them, they might become startled or distracted and go off course. With today’s first reading prophesying about our Lord, we can deduce that Jesus, with no need of manmade blinders, has a firm resolve toward His goal. Approaching our liturgical remembrance of His passion, now is a time where we focus on His steadfast commitment to our salvation. His face is “set like flint,” unwavering in His loving mission.
By stark contrast, we look at Judas. His duplicity is perhaps unknown even to him at this point as he says, “Surely, it is not I?” who will betray the Lord. As if his head is on a swivel, he wavers back and forth between his love of money and of the Lord. But as we know from scripture, a servant cannot have two masters. Let’s take a moment to reflect today on the direction in which our focus, our commitment, and our dedication swivels. Many worldly concerns and desires vie for our attention. Whether we are aware or like to admit it, we can be much like Judas. Ultimately, the question is which master will we serve?
Is there a concrete way that we can be more like the Lord today and “set our faces like flint”? Cancelling frivolous activities, increased prayer time, or reduced screen time could be simple starting points. Let us resolve to be present to Christ, with our utmost focus, in these last few days of Holy Week.
Holy Spirit, rid of us of our duplicitous nature. Help us to be more like Jesus. Amen.
Patty Hussey