Lectionary: 279
Although Jesus used this figure of speech,
the Pharisees did not realize what he was trying to tell them.
The Pharisees in today’s gospel, befuddled by their hostility to Jesus, could not understand what he was trying to tell them. We should understand that very well, caught up as we are in the Internet of Polarized Confusion. Their ignorance of the gospel will only increase with time as the parables and metaphors of the Gospels evolve into the cryptic codes of Revelation. As Isaiah prophesied, they will look and not see; hear and not understand.
Religious language is intended for the faithful who have been initiated and indoctrinated into its coded words and hidden allusions. It is not open to just anyone; it is not aimed at the broadest possible market.
Chaplains in the VA hospital receive many requests for the Bible. As the Catholic priest I wonder to which book of this mystic library will the Veteran turn. Do they expect to open at any page and find answers to their problems, guidance, and encouragement? Many, of course, attend both church and Bible study and are familiar with certain books. Like me, they delight in reading familiar passages.
But the sacred scriptures are often promoted as an answer to all life’s problems for unbelievers as if anyone can pick them up and "God" will speak to them. Occasionally, the same Veterans will ask if we can provide a Koran or the Book of Mormon, or the Bhagavad Vita. They’re all the same to them.
In today’s gospel, Jesus describes his relationship with his disciples:
"When he has driven out all his own,
he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him,
because they recognize his voice.
But they will not follow a stranger.
They will run away from him,
because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.”
We should notice he drives out all his own from the sheepfold as he leads them into the fields. To know the Lord, to savor the sweetness of his presence, we must come away to a deserted place. We learn the language of love from him as his voice becomes daily more familiar.
While many people doubt the existence of a “personal god,” we hear the affectionate, reassuring voice of our shepherd. Where some people doubt their god would have time for them, our Shepherd calls each of us by name. The invitation is there for the willing.
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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.