"The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him. " - Mark 1:12-13
Forty days is a long time to do anything. Many people take up the practice of giving something up during the forty days of lent. Others use the forty days to spend more time focusing on God. Noah spent this time huddled inside a large boat with animals waiting out a storm (which, thankfully, was followed by a promise that such disaster would never happen again!).
Jesus spent the forty days being subject to a storm of temptation from Satan. While Mark doesn't go into detail about this storm, Matthew describes the spiritual and physical tests endured by Jesus - through his own devotion to his Father (fasting), and through the challenges issued by Satan. And while our choices of fasting and self-denial during these forty days may not be as epic as Jesus's, they do have a very direct purpose - to provide a reminder during the day of what Jesus did for us... and at times we probably would be thinking of something else.
Something to think about...
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Without Recognition
"Jesus said to his disciples: 'Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.' " - Matthew 6:1*
When I asked my 4 year old daughter about preschool today, she told me they learned about the word "Generous". She asked me if I knew what it meant, and when I told her I did, she said she did too - that "generous" is the person that comes before the dentist to clean your teeth before the dentist comes to checks you over.
I think she meant "hygienist"...
While Jesus knows the meaning of the word, he's trying to convey to us that being generous is important, but that to truly do it from the heart means you don't expect anything in return - whether that be recognition from others, blessings from God, or otherwise a boost in your everyday life.
What a stark contrast to the season we finished a little over a month ago - where giving (and being recognized for that giving) is all part of the Christmas season. To see the joy on friends' faces when you give them something they want. But I don't think that's the kind of giving Jesus is referring to when talking about being generous. Instead of giving to please others and ourselves, he's giving us something else to think about - giving of ourselves in a way only known to ourselves and to God. It's a much different type of giving - one that Jesus will be all too familiar with at the end of his life. And it's a giving we too should aspire to perform... perhaps not of giving our physical lives up, but certainly to give up some of the comforts therein to help others.
And to do it without recognition, without reward, and in a way that only us and the Heavenly Father know about.
Hard right? But it's something to strive for. And Jesus knows we're only human - that, despite our best efforts, we're going to mess this one up. We're going to let it slip to a friend, a colleague, a sibling. And we're no less in God's eyes because of it, but as Jesus says, we'll have no recompense either. In other words, we're no better, because we've already taken our reward, down here.
Maybe it's time to start cleaning up a bit before the real "check over"...
* The reading from this week (Mark 1:12-15) was covered, in part, in a separate Lectio Divina published January 23rd. This comes from the Ash Wednesday reading, as the remainder of the uncovered reading from this week is too small for three days.
When I asked my 4 year old daughter about preschool today, she told me they learned about the word "Generous". She asked me if I knew what it meant, and when I told her I did, she said she did too - that "generous" is the person that comes before the dentist to clean your teeth before the dentist comes to checks you over.
I think she meant "hygienist"...
While Jesus knows the meaning of the word, he's trying to convey to us that being generous is important, but that to truly do it from the heart means you don't expect anything in return - whether that be recognition from others, blessings from God, or otherwise a boost in your everyday life.
What a stark contrast to the season we finished a little over a month ago - where giving (and being recognized for that giving) is all part of the Christmas season. To see the joy on friends' faces when you give them something they want. But I don't think that's the kind of giving Jesus is referring to when talking about being generous. Instead of giving to please others and ourselves, he's giving us something else to think about - giving of ourselves in a way only known to ourselves and to God. It's a much different type of giving - one that Jesus will be all too familiar with at the end of his life. And it's a giving we too should aspire to perform... perhaps not of giving our physical lives up, but certainly to give up some of the comforts therein to help others.
And to do it without recognition, without reward, and in a way that only us and the Heavenly Father know about.
Hard right? But it's something to strive for. And Jesus knows we're only human - that, despite our best efforts, we're going to mess this one up. We're going to let it slip to a friend, a colleague, a sibling. And we're no less in God's eyes because of it, but as Jesus says, we'll have no recompense either. In other words, we're no better, because we've already taken our reward, down here.
Maybe it's time to start cleaning up a bit before the real "check over"...
* The reading from this week (Mark 1:12-15) was covered, in part, in a separate Lectio Divina published January 23rd. This comes from the Ash Wednesday reading, as the remainder of the uncovered reading from this week is too small for three days.
Friday, February 24, 2012
For Real
"Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, "Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, pick up your mat and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth"
-he said to the paralytic, "I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home." He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this.' " - Mark 2:8-12
I'm sure that, for the people of Jesus's time, many people claimed to have divine power, using trickery and deceit to convince others of who they are. But since Jesus was the real deal, he was able to perform things that no one else could do. The paralytic was just that - someone who was paralyzed, and most likely well known throughout the town. So for Jesus to take this man and heal him spoke directly to the souls of these people on a very real level - that Jesus is different, He's special, and they should listen to his words. Combine that demonstration with Jesus taking the scribes to-task on simply the thoughts they were having, and it was clear that Jesus couldn't be bested.
It's also important that we take a look at this, as well as the many other miracles Jesus performed throughout his life, as metaphors to our lives today. While we may not suffer the physical ailments of paralysis, spiritual paralysis - that is, an inability to ever expand our faith - is very present in our lives. Many times our hearts are hardened for a number of reasons, but we need to remember that however it becomes hardened, through our faith in Jesus, our spirits can be moved!
I may have to sit and think about that...
-he said to the paralytic, "I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home." He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this.' " - Mark 2:8-12
I'm sure that, for the people of Jesus's time, many people claimed to have divine power, using trickery and deceit to convince others of who they are. But since Jesus was the real deal, he was able to perform things that no one else could do. The paralytic was just that - someone who was paralyzed, and most likely well known throughout the town. So for Jesus to take this man and heal him spoke directly to the souls of these people on a very real level - that Jesus is different, He's special, and they should listen to his words. Combine that demonstration with Jesus taking the scribes to-task on simply the thoughts they were having, and it was clear that Jesus couldn't be bested.
It's also important that we take a look at this, as well as the many other miracles Jesus performed throughout his life, as metaphors to our lives today. While we may not suffer the physical ailments of paralysis, spiritual paralysis - that is, an inability to ever expand our faith - is very present in our lives. Many times our hearts are hardened for a number of reasons, but we need to remember that however it becomes hardened, through our faith in Jesus, our spirits can be moved!
I may have to sit and think about that...
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Forgiven
"When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, 'Child, your sins are forgiven.' Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, 'Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?' " - Mark 2:6-7
For many Christians, today marks the first day of lent, commonly known as "Ash Wednesday". Traditionally, it marks the beginning of Jesus's time in the desert - the 40 days leading up to the start of his ministry. Many of us are signed with ashes on the forehead, in the shape of the Cross, reminding us to "turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel".
It's unfortunate that the scribes of the day had no idea that the most important man they could be writing about was in their midst. And instead of being instruments of the Holy Spirit by recording what Jesus was saying into a larger account of his life (i.e. A Gospel), they turned away from that opportunity and, instead, questioned his authority to teach.
Jesus is often questioned like this during his life - sometimes in awe and wonder, and other times with disdain. It's unfortunate that many in his day passed up this opportunity - and opportunity we can only dream, hope and pray for, and one that gives us only a written account to fully understand Jesus's life and teachings.
But there is a plus side to having lived so many years after all this happened. Because of the Gospels, we're able to build a faith that lets us see God's love, appreciate God's gifts, and recognize God's help in our everyday lives.
It makes turning away from sin a little easier, which allows us to be more faithful to the Gospels.
For many Christians, today marks the first day of lent, commonly known as "Ash Wednesday". Traditionally, it marks the beginning of Jesus's time in the desert - the 40 days leading up to the start of his ministry. Many of us are signed with ashes on the forehead, in the shape of the Cross, reminding us to "turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel".
It's unfortunate that the scribes of the day had no idea that the most important man they could be writing about was in their midst. And instead of being instruments of the Holy Spirit by recording what Jesus was saying into a larger account of his life (i.e. A Gospel), they turned away from that opportunity and, instead, questioned his authority to teach.
Jesus is often questioned like this during his life - sometimes in awe and wonder, and other times with disdain. It's unfortunate that many in his day passed up this opportunity - and opportunity we can only dream, hope and pray for, and one that gives us only a written account to fully understand Jesus's life and teachings.
But there is a plus side to having lived so many years after all this happened. Because of the Gospels, we're able to build a faith that lets us see God's love, appreciate God's gifts, and recognize God's help in our everyday lives.
It makes turning away from sin a little easier, which allows us to be more faithful to the Gospels.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Bustin' down the roof
"When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying." - Mark 2:1-4
We're not sure who these faithful are, other than Mark noting that "they came bringing him a paralytic". But whoever they are, they believed so much in who Jesus was, and his message, that they went to great lengths - actually breaking through a roof! - to bring them this sick man. All because they knew who he was and that he can help.
I too can bring my problems, my ailments, my sadness to Jesus in any way I can - it could be a short prayer at the beginning of each day, a quiet moment on the drive in, or just talking to Him as I fall asleep. It can be out loud, in my head, or not saying anything at all. It's up to me - I just have to get there.
But maybe I'll leave the breaking-down-the-roof part out.
We're not sure who these faithful are, other than Mark noting that "they came bringing him a paralytic". But whoever they are, they believed so much in who Jesus was, and his message, that they went to great lengths - actually breaking through a roof! - to bring them this sick man. All because they knew who he was and that he can help.
I too can bring my problems, my ailments, my sadness to Jesus in any way I can - it could be a short prayer at the beginning of each day, a quiet moment on the drive in, or just talking to Him as I fall asleep. It can be out loud, in my head, or not saying anything at all. It's up to me - I just have to get there.
But maybe I'll leave the breaking-down-the-roof part out.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
It was a good try
"The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere." - Mark 1:45
Well, it was a good try - but how could someone keep something like that secret! Sick, now healed - instantaneously, miraculously, unequivocally healed. And the townspeople were sure to notice that the outcast leper suddenly got better. So Jesus has one option - leave the town and go into seclusion. People still found him, but it was probably an easier way to minister and teach - if he had stayed in the town, it would have been chaos, and would give his detractors reasons to complain - that he was showboating, enjoying his own fame. He does the opposite - withdraws from the fame, but to a place he can keep working.
I would find it pretty hard to do what Jesus did. I'd want to spend some time enjoying the perks of my new-found fame. But this comes back to Jesus's primary mission. He's got a job to do, he knows the end, and he's running out of time. Fame is not an option - only tireless work teaching about our loving God until he has to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Thankfully, he succeeded.
Well, it was a good try - but how could someone keep something like that secret! Sick, now healed - instantaneously, miraculously, unequivocally healed. And the townspeople were sure to notice that the outcast leper suddenly got better. So Jesus has one option - leave the town and go into seclusion. People still found him, but it was probably an easier way to minister and teach - if he had stayed in the town, it would have been chaos, and would give his detractors reasons to complain - that he was showboating, enjoying his own fame. He does the opposite - withdraws from the fame, but to a place he can keep working.
I would find it pretty hard to do what Jesus did. I'd want to spend some time enjoying the perks of my new-found fame. But this comes back to Jesus's primary mission. He's got a job to do, he knows the end, and he's running out of time. Fame is not an option - only tireless work teaching about our loving God until he has to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Thankfully, he succeeded.
Shhh!
"Then, warning the him sternly, he dismissed him at once. He said to him, 'See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.' " - Mark 1:43-44
Jesus wants this to be kept quiet - so much that he only provides instructions for the man to re-enter society ('offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed'), and not for him to tell the priest *how* he was actually healed. Jesus has a reason for this, but it's not directly explained in the following verse (45). More on that later...
I can only imagine how confused this man must have been! Once an outcast, he's now completely cleaned and can go on with his life - and, like Simon's mother-in-law, I'm sure he's feeling overjoyed and wants to shout to the hilltops how special Jesus is and how incredibly thankful he is. But instead of sitting back, taking in the gratitude (which I admit, I've done on occasion), he warns him not to say anything other than he's clean!
It's a good reminder of how Jesus lived his life, and how, as tough as it is, we should strive to live ours. To do good without recognition, to live the life God wants us to without reward, without shouting to others how good we are. Jesus references this trait in future preachings, including when he introduces how we're supposed to pray (i.e. not making a scene) through what's come to be known as the "Our Father". It's hard, and we all fail at it. But Jesus didn't - and tried his best to not let others do it for him. It's a good example to live by.
Jesus wants this to be kept quiet - so much that he only provides instructions for the man to re-enter society ('offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed'), and not for him to tell the priest *how* he was actually healed. Jesus has a reason for this, but it's not directly explained in the following verse (45). More on that later...
I can only imagine how confused this man must have been! Once an outcast, he's now completely cleaned and can go on with his life - and, like Simon's mother-in-law, I'm sure he's feeling overjoyed and wants to shout to the hilltops how special Jesus is and how incredibly thankful he is. But instead of sitting back, taking in the gratitude (which I admit, I've done on occasion), he warns him not to say anything other than he's clean!
It's a good reminder of how Jesus lived his life, and how, as tough as it is, we should strive to live ours. To do good without recognition, to live the life God wants us to without reward, without shouting to others how good we are. Jesus references this trait in future preachings, including when he introduces how we're supposed to pray (i.e. not making a scene) through what's come to be known as the "Our Father". It's hard, and we all fail at it. But Jesus didn't - and tried his best to not let others do it for him. It's a good example to live by.
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