Wednesday, XXII Week of Ordinary Time
(Luke 4)
When Jesus retreats to a deserted place, we may conclude that he is going there to pray. However, the evangelist Luke has a different scenario in mind. The devil tempted Jesus in a desert place earlier in the gospel. Here the people come to tempt him again.
Jesus has successfully met the people of Capernaum’s needs. He spoke with an authority that left them astonished. He also cast out their maddening demons and cured their various types of diseases. Who wouldn’t want such a prophet to stay among them? The gospel does not mention the allurements which the people used to prevent Jesus from leaving them, but we can imagine them making offers difficult to refuse. They may tempt him with a life tenure as rabbi of their synagogue. Or perhaps they propose the hand in marriage of the beautiful daughter of the town’s richest merchant! These kinds of deals would at least interest most of us.
But Jesus knows that he is no local teacher. No, he has come to tell the world about the Kingdom of God, indeed to inaugurate it with words and actions and ultimately with his life. He is not to be deterred by temptations of power, pleasure, or prestige. Jesus presents us here with an example and an assurance. We must know what we are about as Christians in the world and not let ourselves be led astray by temptations. There should be very little, if any at all, of following one’s fancy among us. Equally helpful, Jesus assures us that he has come to save us and will not allow anything to stop that from happening.
Showing posts with label Luke 4. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Luke 4. Show all posts
Homilette for Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Tuesday, XXII Week of Ordinary Time
(Luke 4)
In the gospel yesterday Jesus says that the Spirit has anointed him to let the oppressed go free. Today we see exactly what he means. Before we examine the story it is necessary to make a few notes about demons. We tend to see demons as tempters that nudge us to do what is wrong. The demons of the gospels, however, did not affect people morally, but physically and mentally. True, Satan makes appearances in the gospels, but he is not a demon but the devil, who tries to allure Jesus into sin. Today we don’t speak of demons possessing people with physical or mental disease. We use other terms like “cancer” and “bipolar condition” to describe these maladies. We should remember, however, that Jesus came to put an end to all conditions that oppress people.
The man possessed by a demon is already in the synagogue where Jesus is teaching. Evidently, the words of the other rabbis and the prayers of the people do not bother him. But Jesus teaches with authority; that is, he not only knows what he is talking about but also has the power to execute what he says. Jesus’ words disturb the demon who cries out in a loud voice trying to intimidate Jesus. He says, “’I know who you are – the Holy One of God.’” Jesus, however, is more than ready for the challenge. He speaks up more forcefully (exorcism is often a duel of words), “’Be quiet! Come out of him!’” The demon submits to Jesus’ power by dispossessing the oppressed man.
With the amazing success of science over disease we have difficulty thinking of Christ healing people. Of course, we should think of Jesus as working through medical professionals. But he also is at work beyond their powers to bring us from sickness to wholeness. God’s grace may not overcome the physical or mental symptoms of disease. But it can strengthen the person to accept them knowing that their harmful effects will dissolve in eternal life.
(Luke 4)
In the gospel yesterday Jesus says that the Spirit has anointed him to let the oppressed go free. Today we see exactly what he means. Before we examine the story it is necessary to make a few notes about demons. We tend to see demons as tempters that nudge us to do what is wrong. The demons of the gospels, however, did not affect people morally, but physically and mentally. True, Satan makes appearances in the gospels, but he is not a demon but the devil, who tries to allure Jesus into sin. Today we don’t speak of demons possessing people with physical or mental disease. We use other terms like “cancer” and “bipolar condition” to describe these maladies. We should remember, however, that Jesus came to put an end to all conditions that oppress people.
The man possessed by a demon is already in the synagogue where Jesus is teaching. Evidently, the words of the other rabbis and the prayers of the people do not bother him. But Jesus teaches with authority; that is, he not only knows what he is talking about but also has the power to execute what he says. Jesus’ words disturb the demon who cries out in a loud voice trying to intimidate Jesus. He says, “’I know who you are – the Holy One of God.’” Jesus, however, is more than ready for the challenge. He speaks up more forcefully (exorcism is often a duel of words), “’Be quiet! Come out of him!’” The demon submits to Jesus’ power by dispossessing the oppressed man.
With the amazing success of science over disease we have difficulty thinking of Christ healing people. Of course, we should think of Jesus as working through medical professionals. But he also is at work beyond their powers to bring us from sickness to wholeness. God’s grace may not overcome the physical or mental symptoms of disease. But it can strengthen the person to accept them knowing that their harmful effects will dissolve in eternal life.
Homilette for Monday, September 3, 2007
Monday, XXII week of Ordinary Time (Labor Day)
(Luke 4)
Americans tend to rest or recreate on Labor Day. Unlike the other two national summer holidays, Labor Day has always fallen on Monday to make a long weekend. Also, Labor Day marks the end of the vacation season – the last day of ease before the fall harvest of research papers or of production quotas. Although election campaigns traditionally begin on Labor Day giving some stage for reflection, the United States has deliberately avoided a May 1 holiday when most of the world meditates on the meaning of work.
How opportune then is it for us to have today this gospel passage where Jesus proclaims good news to the poor! We should think of the poor as workers whom technology only in recent times and in some societies has delivered from poverty. Jesus brings salvation for the poor even ahead of the rich since money cannot buy entrance into the Kingdom of God. Rather, it is a humble heart – which workers more than bosses tend to cultivate – that finds God’s favor.
Jesus’ good news includes the message that work itself is a gift from God. Whether we are the architects of a new cathedral that will render glory to God or the bricklayer’s apprentices who mostly mix cement, our work contributes to the improvement of society. It also provides the bread for our tables, the roof over our heads, and medical assistance for our bodily welfare. Finally, work disciplines us to be industrious, efficient, and considerate. We need work almost as much as we need to relax and to celebrate God's goodness.
(Luke 4)
Americans tend to rest or recreate on Labor Day. Unlike the other two national summer holidays, Labor Day has always fallen on Monday to make a long weekend. Also, Labor Day marks the end of the vacation season – the last day of ease before the fall harvest of research papers or of production quotas. Although election campaigns traditionally begin on Labor Day giving some stage for reflection, the United States has deliberately avoided a May 1 holiday when most of the world meditates on the meaning of work.
How opportune then is it for us to have today this gospel passage where Jesus proclaims good news to the poor! We should think of the poor as workers whom technology only in recent times and in some societies has delivered from poverty. Jesus brings salvation for the poor even ahead of the rich since money cannot buy entrance into the Kingdom of God. Rather, it is a humble heart – which workers more than bosses tend to cultivate – that finds God’s favor.
Jesus’ good news includes the message that work itself is a gift from God. Whether we are the architects of a new cathedral that will render glory to God or the bricklayer’s apprentices who mostly mix cement, our work contributes to the improvement of society. It also provides the bread for our tables, the roof over our heads, and medical assistance for our bodily welfare. Finally, work disciplines us to be industrious, efficient, and considerate. We need work almost as much as we need to relax and to celebrate God's goodness.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)