Today’s Lectionary Readings: Psalm 128; Genesis 49:1-2,8-12; John 6:52-71; Colossians 3:18-46
I can certainly empathize with those who first heard Jesus’ teaching as recorded in today’s Gospel reading from John. For as observant Jews, Jesus’ words about eating flesh and drinking blood would have violated their religious and cultural norms. It’s no wonder they cried out, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” (John 6:60 – NRSV). That comment got me to thinking about all of the ways Jesus’ teachings go against our own norms today. How does Jesus’ charge for us to turn the other cheek, for instance, fare in light of our cultural proclivities to endorse things like war and the death penalty? How does Jesus’ favorable use of someone from another ethnic and religious location to make a crucial point (the Samaritan in the parable of the Good Samaritan) compare with our current tendency to vilify those whose racial/ethnic location and religious tradition is different from ours all in the name of national security? Time after time Jesus’ words go against our comfortable norms. Today you might spend some time considering those aspects of Jesus’ ministry that most challenge you; then spend some time with God in prayer/meditation asking for help letting go of your fears in this area. My hope is that you and I will grow in our ability to recognize the words Jesus communicates to us for what they really are: spirit and life (John 6:63). May that sense of spirit and life sustain us - even when embracing the words of Jesus is hard. Til next time…
I can certainly empathize with those who first heard Jesus’ teaching as recorded in today’s Gospel reading from John. For as observant Jews, Jesus’ words about eating flesh and drinking blood would have violated their religious and cultural norms. It’s no wonder they cried out, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” (John 6:60 – NRSV). That comment got me to thinking about all of the ways Jesus’ teachings go against our own norms today. How does Jesus’ charge for us to turn the other cheek, for instance, fare in light of our cultural proclivities to endorse things like war and the death penalty? How does Jesus’ favorable use of someone from another ethnic and religious location to make a crucial point (the Samaritan in the parable of the Good Samaritan) compare with our current tendency to vilify those whose racial/ethnic location and religious tradition is different from ours all in the name of national security? Time after time Jesus’ words go against our comfortable norms. Today you might spend some time considering those aspects of Jesus’ ministry that most challenge you; then spend some time with God in prayer/meditation asking for help letting go of your fears in this area. My hope is that you and I will grow in our ability to recognize the words Jesus communicates to us for what they really are: spirit and life (John 6:63). May that sense of spirit and life sustain us - even when embracing the words of Jesus is hard. Til next time…
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