Friday - Fourth Week of Lent
March 16, 2018
In the Feast of Tabernacles passages, we are reminded of the turmoil Jesus faces during his ministry on earth. Officials are seeking his death, he is accused of leading people astray and even of being possessed by a demon. Questions about how he would know so much about scripture without having been trained as a rabbi, also raised suspicion. A related scripture that was brought to my mind is Matthew 13:57, "And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own home." How could they dismiss Jesus in this way? I wonder also how we can miss Jesus or other signs of God in our own day and in our own time in history?
Am I truly making an effort to find Jesus in my own life? I like the idea of seeing Jesus in the eyes of others, particularly of the less fortunate, poor or disabled. I marvel at nature, God's handiwork. I can see Jesus in an act of kindness to a complete stranger, or in an unexpected smile. Jesus is here with us now too......all we have to do is be open to him.
Why were the people at the Temple so unable to recognize who Jesus really was? He had performed works and signs in Judea. His authority and knowledge of the scriptures was without question. He said he was sent and his teaching was from God. Maybe the people were not open to his love; maybe they were not concerned about seeking the truth; maybe they were blinded by the things of the world. We face some of the same obstacles today that blind us from finding Jesus and becoming one of his disciples. He is present with us now, waiting for us to believe and draw close to him. We just have to recognize him.
Larry Duke
St. Anthony Parishioner (and Adult Faith Formation Committee, Parish Council Member, parish artist)
