...and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is.
You hypocrites!
You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
Without modern appreciation of germs, dirt, and cleanliness, Jesus's contemporaries saw demons plaguing their lives with diseases, both acute and chronic. These nasty little presences plagued human life from birth to death, and often cut short the most promising persons and possibilities.
The Lord never argued about the existence of germs or diseases like anemia and diabetes. He knew nothing of them, but he encountered demons because he and everyone else expected to deal with them.
But he also saw another, higher authority everywhere, a sovereign and benevolent presence ignored by nearly everyone. He knew the LORD of Israel, whom he called Abba, who was closer and more real than any demon. More than a god, and more than the philosophers' One God, his Abba governed the universe with particular affection for humankind, and a particular guidance of his Chosen, Beloved People.
Deeply familiar with Jewish worship, scriptures, and traditions, raised in the home of Mary and Joseph, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, and genetically disposed to an intimate knowledge of his Eternal Father, he saw the God of Israel's presence in everything from sunrise to sunset, and the serenity of night. Like the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins, he knew the one who fathers-forth whose beauty is past change. How could he not, Praise Him?
Trained and disciplined by a secularized society, Christians struggle to reclaim Jesus's vision of God in everything. They are plagued by a cynical skepticism which challenges the faintest stirrings of hope. They hear a roar of outraged opposition to every remark about God's goodness. A world which exploits tragedies to sell goods and services loves to wring its hands and moan, "Where is God in all this grief?" They cannot and will not imagine an infinitely gentle, infinitely suffering thing who lives among us.
Faith, hope, and love have always been very deliberate and courageous acts. They defy every society, be it modern secular or ancient pagan. These theological virtues are learned and practiced in the company of the Church; they wither in the unforgiving environment of the marketplace, industry, and sports arena. Without the presence of the Church, they do not appear in a hospital bed, nor do they suddenly rush in to accompany the dying patient. (Unlike the characters in some movies, this former chaplain rarely met a dying patient who spoke of life after death.)
We decide to believe in God, and we encourage others to do so. And having made that choice, we discover the audacity of faith, the eager willingness of hope, and the freedom of charity. We know the Lord.
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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.