Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them in reply, “What are you thinking in your hearts?"
So did the scribes and Pharisees in today's gospel resent the Lord's speaking in the name of God to forgive sins, or did they resent his forgiving anyone for any kind of sin? Were they defending a prerogative that belongs only to the LORD? Or perhaps they supposed that no sinner, regardless of their standing in society, can ever be worthy, innocent, or good in God's sight.
In the Manicheean worldview that dominates American thought, there are only good people and bad people. The good are always good; and the bad are doomed to be bad. That can no more be changed than the calendar be altered, the metric system be adopted, or guns be outlawed. Nor should it be. It's God's will. People should stay in their place. It works for us; it works for everyone.
Jesus, knowing their thoughts and that they do not conform to the compassionate teachings of their Jewish tradition, can ask with shattering authority, "What are you thinking in your hearts?"
With that he has already rammed a massive crowbar beneath the foundation of their fortress; with more force he will undermine and destroy it.
Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God,and, struck with awe, they said,“We have seen incredible things today.”
All three synoptic Evangelists -- Matthew, Mark, and Luke -- finish this story of Jesus's mercy and the challenge of the the Pharisees with their expressions of astonisment. The expression incredible things awakens memories of the plagues of Egypt, the opening of the Red Sea, and the entrance into the Promised Land. They include the miracles of Elijah and Elisha, and the military victories of David. As we hear this story we can wonder at both the Lord's power to heal our physical bodies and his authority to forgive sins. These too are incredible things.
As I administer the mysteries of Anointing the Sick, Reconciliation, and Eucharist in the VA hospital, I often remind the Veterans that "the entire Church of the past, present, and future, with all the saints and angels and our Mother Mary are here with us as we pray. We pray for healing and forgiveness with complete confidence that the Lord shows infinite kindness through these sacraments.
Advent also reminds us of the wondrous things God has done, especially in preparing us to receive his most beloved Son. If the Lord should challenge us with his astounding question -- “What are you thinking in your hearts?" -- we must be ready to describe his mercy and compassion.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.