When the people in the synagogue heard this,
they were all filled with fury.
They rose up, drove him out of the town,
and led him to the brow of the hill
on which their town had been built,
to hurl him down headlong.
But he passed through the midst of them and went away.
T ony Bennett told of a chance encounter with Woody Allen's manager and their conversation about another entertainer. The dead man had "sinned against his talent." the manager said.
Mr. Bennett was struck by the remark and realized he would soon die of the same affliction if he didn't immediately change his ways.
The people in the synagogue in Nazareth, hearing Jesus announce the Day of the Lord, also sinned against their talent. Given their unique relationship with the Creator of All Things, and knowing God as no one else could, the heirs of Abraham risked everything when they refused to listen to the Son of God.
But their sin is hardly unique to Jews of first century Nazareth. We sin against the blessings and opportunities God has given us when we accept and conform to the customs and mores of our culture without critically examining them in the light of God's word. Just as colors change under ultraviolet light, so does the world when we look at it through faith.
I have met many Catholics who are more Republican or Democrat than Catholic. Other are more secular than religious, and more committed to the religion of science or sports than conversant with the Word of God. How will they know the Day of the Lord when their Sundays were wasted on this world's preoccupations and entertainment? How will they hear the Last Trumpet if they cannot recognize a hymn? Or the Resurrection of Jesus if they have never forgiven another's faults, humbly apologized, or turned to the Lord in their distress?
The Galileans liked things as they were. "Better the devil you know...." they said. And did not recognize the visitation of the Lord. And that is always fatal.
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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.