Change is hard - May 22, 2024

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:1-24; PM Psalm 12, 13, 14
Prov. 6:1-19; 1 John 5:1-12; Matt. 11:16-24

When I began studies at the School of Public Health at UAB nearly 25 years ago, I remember walking down the hallway and seeing the offices for the Department of Health and Human Behavior. Before then, I had no idea there were groups of professors who taught about ways people consider and respond to change, much less how studies could be conducted to better understand populations and test interventions to address needs identified. As a young twenty-something, I recall sitting in lectures and absorbing what was being said about the transtheoretical model of behavioral change, and yet, I did not have life experience or exposure at that time to comprehend the wisdom and methodologies imparted. I had not come face to face with populations continuing to engage in unhealthy behaviors, even though other avenues had been offered. Now with more experience behind me, I see these challenges in my own life and in the lives of others. Change is hard. We do not adapt quickly. New patterns take a while to build.

As I read the Gospel according to Matthew appointed for today, I think about the challenges of behavior change. Jesus performs “deeds of power” in Bethsaida and Chorazin, but the people do not change their ways of living. It is baffling! Jesus begins to admonish them: “‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.” (v. 11:21) He is irked by their resistance to change. He warns them that repentance is deeply important in reconnecting with God.

We humans are challenging, aren’t we? And yet, Jesus prayed for us. He persevered in doing ministry with and for us. The best we can do is commit to paying attention to the deeds of power and love set before us. We can study God’s word. We can pray. And, we can extend to others the grace we hope God offers to us, though we are stiff necked and stubborn.

With God’s help,

Katherine+

Reflection and Challenge

Have you ever read about the stages of change that we go through when starting a new routine or breaking a negative habit? Take a look and see what you think. Where does faith enter into this scientific model?