Troubled? (Immaculate Conception, 2011-12-08)

[__01] You have only one phone call.

This promise of a single phone call – and restriction to one conversation – is the reality for someone in police custody, in jail, or, in TROUBLE.

Frequently is the main character, the hero of the movie in trouble, in the 2008 Oscar-winning Best Picture, Slumdog Millionaire. The main character is Jamal, a young man in Mumbai, in India. The dream of becoming a “millionaire” is part of his life, given that he is a contestant on the Who Wants to be a Millionaire quiz show/game show on television. Jamal is now also a star.

But, before he can be a star, Jamal must get himself out of jail where he is accused of cheating, of having stolen the answers ahead of time and thus earned his winnings dishonestly. Perhaps, a phone call would have helped him, to a good defense attorney.

Later in the movie, and in the sequence of the game show, he is permitted, finally, to make one phone call. That is, the rules of Who Wants to be a Millionaire permit him this one call, to ask for help on a difficult trivia question.

[__02] In trouble, or in difficulty, we would also want to make such a call. Sometimes, in trouble, we may feel our call is dropped, ignored ... call back later.

In the movie, Jamal is really not sure he has a valid telephone number or even one friend left in the city. The phone just keeps ringing...

[__03] Will a phone call really get us out of trouble? What is the case for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden?

They are, in the 3rd chapter of the Book of Genesis, in trouble.

And, the childish Adam is unwilling to take any responsibility for his actions. Eve behaves similarly, claiming she did not know what the serpent was talking about. This was a trick, a game?

Before God, Adam and Eve are unable – or unwilling at this time – to admit their sin, to confess. They would prefer to talk to someone else. That phone call? That life line?

Satan, the serpent, meanwhile, is respectfully silent. He knows what he has done.
Adam and Even are in trouble, but currently not fully aware of it. They have only just come out of hiding.

[__04] In the Gospel reading, the Blessed Virgin Mary also speaks of being in trouble, of being troubled, of asking, “how can this be?” how can I be expecting?

Maybe she would like to phone (text) a friend. For all of her trouble, Mary is not going to be millionaire. Her troubles, meanwhile, may continue. Are these the only important instant messages?

[__05] At times, an electronic device or call may get us out of trouble. . For example, we may obtain

• Good news about a medical test
• Progress regarding our children
• Forgiveness from someone we have hurt
• Or ... we may simply obtain a copy of last semester’s final exam

In these cases, we come to know better what to expect. We also feel affirmed that our efforts, our work, our love has been respected, affirmed, received by another.

On the other hand, what about the contrary case. Sometimes, you and I are rejected or somehow restricted.

We cannot make the one phone call or obtain the one message that will get us out of jail … free.

At such a time, we recall the example of our Lord at prayer in Gethsemane (Father if it is your will, take this cup from me…)

And, we recall the example of our Blessed Mother who also begins her vocation, her calling, somewhat troubled.

The Annunciation Gospel (which we have just read) and other moments invited Mary to trust …

What is this trust for you and for me?

Sometimes, our trust exists because of the phone call, the message which will relieve our mind… or the attorney or the infantry who are going to carry us to victory …in the future.

That is, our trust is contingent on some future outcome or result.

But, Mary gives us a different more immediate example of trust.
Mary asks not … how will this be? how will this work out …or who is GOING TO pick up the tab?

Rather Mary asks about the current present moment, how can this be RIGHT NOW?

In our current, ongoing moments of distress, anxiety, trouble, we can do the same.
Certainly in a crisis one of the things we need most is to focus on the here and the now, on what you and I can do TODAY, not next week or next year.

And, in both of the confession of our troubles and profession of our faith, we can call on God right now …

Such a prayer also invites to be patient about the answers which may come later, so that we can focus on how this can be, and what I can do in my life, right now.

And, how is the Lord present in the very next phone call, conversation, or message that I make or receive.

How can this be? [__fin__]