When Jesus began His public ministry, preaching in
the synagogues of Nazareth and Capernaum, the people spoke highly of Him and
were amazed at His gracious words. But things changed quickly when he began to
challenge their ideas or convictions. They knew they were the chosen people and
to be given the stories of the prophets Elijah and Elisha going outside to
pagan peoples to work the wonders of God was not pleasant to their hearing.
Jesus had gone beyond what they wanted to hear. Jesus was speaking a universal
message from God, salvation for all. By the time Luke was writing his gospel,
Christianity was beginning to spread beyond the narrow confines of the Jewish
world. St. Cyril of Alexandria said that those who heard Jesus speak treated
his words as worthless[1].
I think the same happens today. Sometimes we seek to hear words and messages sweet as honey and hot as a soup in winter. When we hear words pleasing to us, we accept
them, but when they disturb our consciences we might well dismiss them as
worthless. There are people who choose a church where they get good feelings
from warm and fuzzy words. Certainly it is true that the gospel is a great word
of consolation and refreshment, but it can also be harsh and demanding, as
Jesus himself could be harsh and demanding. Our precious lord can also be at
the same time an angry God. The people in the synagogue were so upset they
wanted to drive Jesus over the edge of a cliff, but His time had not yet come. When
we listen to the gospel, it is good to do so with an open heart and mind. The
Church will guide us and teach us. The Holy Spirit will instruct us in all
things and help us discern how to respond to the gospel in our lives[2].
The one thing we do not want to do is to push Jesus to the edge of the cliff or
regard his teaching as worthless. Jesus’ teaching consoles us for it is a
gospel of love and mercy, peace and reconciliation. But it is also a gospel
which says “come, follow me,” a gospel which calls for a conversion of heart
and change in the way we live • AE
[1]
Cyril of Alexandria (376 – 444) was the Patriarch of Alexandria from 412 to
444. He was enthroned when the city was at the height of its influence and
power within the Roman Empire. Cyril wrote extensively and was a leading
protagonist in the Christological controversies of the late-4th and 5th
centuries. He was a central figure in the Council of Ephesus in 431, which led
to the deposition of Nestorius as Patriarch of Constantinople.
[2]
Cfr. Matthew 10:19; Luke 12:12.
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