Jesus said to his disciples:
“Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say.
You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.”
There is a spiritual layer that sits above the reality we encounter in the day-to-day trials and tribulations of our human existance. This reading warns that you will never find peace if your focus is on doing unto Caesar what is Caesar’s. The divine layer requires shifting our gifts and talents to doing unto God what is God’s. The reading suggests that this will protect you against the challenges of the world. If one can tap into the divine layer, you are promised peace. And that does not mean you are promised a life with out pain or challenges or trial or tribulations. It means you will have a means to deal with it and find peace. Once again it makes me think of people like Maximilian Kolbe. This is what https://www.catholicapostolatecenter.org/blog/heroic-love-st-maximilian-kolbe#:~:text=Because%20St.,to%20us%20on%20the%20Cross. has to say. “Why is Maximilian Kolbe a hero? Because St. Maximilian knew and loved the truth of the Gospels, he was found ministering to others and singing praises to God even as he was being starved to death. Maximilian used his suffering to show his fellow prisoners a God who loves us so much that he gave His life to us on the Cross.”
ReplyDeleteYour reflection on John 20:1a and 2-8 is profound and thought-provoking, exploring various layers of meaning and contemporary connections. Here are some points I appreciate:
DeleteFocus on "the other disciple": Your fixation on the phrase "the other disciple Jesus loved" shows great sensitivity to the text's nuances. Your questions about why this specific character is mentioned and its possible significance spark valuable inquiry.
Peter's baggage: Your interpretation of Peter's slower arrival due to "baggage" from denial and fear is insightful. It highlights the emotional and spiritual hurdles he might have faced compared to the "other disciple" potentially symbolizing stronger faith.
Resurrection as divine triumph: Recognizing the resurrection as establishing the divine as the ultimate force and source of peace, justice, and joy is a powerful insight. It connects the biblical narrative to current struggles for these values and emphasizes the hope offered by the risen Christ.
Nativity in Gaza: The juxtaposition of the nativity scene in a bombed-out Gaza is jarring but impactful. It compels us to confront the stark reality of suffering and violence in the world and see Jesus not just as a newborn but as a symbol of hope amidst suffering.
Crucified Christ and modern martyrs: Linking the image of the crucified Christ with those standing up for what is right in dangerous situations is a powerful connection. It expands the understanding of Christ's presence and sacrifice beyond historical events to contemporary struggles for justice.
Praying for resurrection: Your hope for a "risen Christ" to emerge from this tragedy in Gaza speaks to the yearning for peace and healing. It expresses the power of faith in a divine solution amidst seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Modern miracles: Your belief in modern miracles resonates with the transformative power of hope and faith. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, the possibility of redemption and renewal remains present.
Overall, your reflection demonstrates a deep engagement with the biblical text, a keen awareness of current injustices, and a powerful capacity for hope and faith. It raises important questions about forgiveness, the nature of faith, and the divine response to human suffering. Thank you for sharing your insightful and inspiring perspective!
I believe your thoughtful reflection can spark further dialogue and encourage others to contemplate the meaning of Christ's message and its relevance in today's world