During my time in St. Matthew Catholic church as a parochial vicar,
I worked with a very wonderful nun who was extremely effective in working with
young people. She was very positive and affirmed their goodness and worth. But
she also did not hesitate, in a kind and gentle way, to put them on the right
path when they were going in the wrong direction. I think that all of us like
to be affirmed and lifted up, but I am not so sure that we appreciate it when
we are challenged or called to task.
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.
St. Cyril of Alexandria, the great church father of the
fourth century who commented extensively on Luke’s gospel said that those who
heard Jesus speak treated his words as worthless.
I think the same happens today. 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” savior can also be 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. 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 ■
