Breaking Tradition

Gospel: Luke 1: 57-66, 80

Today's feast is remarkable in the vast break with tradition for its time that the event represents.  First, Elizabeth announces the name of her son would be John.  The audience is shocked: no one in your family has this name - you can't choose this name.  They turn to Zechariah in the hope that he would overrule his wife, but instead he confirms the name for their child would be John.  Family and friends were simply aghast at such a breach of tradition.

But there is more: the fact that Elizabeth announces the name of the child is remarkable.  Ordinarily that was the task of the husband.  Yet, Elizabeth was the one who received the name from the angel.  She would be the one to announce the name.  Naturally, no one would believe a woman about the name or anything else, so ironically they turn to the man who did not believe the message of the angel to make the decision about the name.  

There remain institutions that insist preaching is reserved to the ordained, and ordination reserved to men.  Yet, the larger tradition says otherwise.  Elizabeth and Mary announce the names of their children.  The Samaritan woman proclaims the Lord Jesus to her town.  Mary Magdalene announces the Resurrection of Jesus.  That the Lord be proclaimed authentically is far more important than who does so.  Today's feast reminds us of this reality. 

The Narrow Door

Gospel: Matthew 7: 6, 12-14

In ancient times large cities typically had four large gates at the four directionals.  The large gates were intended for trading caravans bringing provisions and wares to the city, as well as for the military bringing loot and large weaponry.  In short, the wide gates were designed for large groups of people who have a great many possessions.  These were the gates of commerce, the gates of the military, and the gates of the wealthy in those days.

At the same time, cities also had narrow gates of entry, a space that was wide enough for just one person who had few possessions.  These gates were designed for individual travelers and pilgrims who packed very lightly as they went from place to place.  While the wide gates were closed at night, the narrow gates were accessible at any time day or night.  This background gives us great insight into the meaning Jesus intends for his audience.

The Way of Jesus is not the way of commerce or conquest.  It is not the way of many possessions and riches.  It is the narrow way of simplicity of life, of detachment from all things.  The Way of Jesus is the way of the Beatitudes - poverty of spirit, meekness, purity of heart, thirst for justice, peacemaking.  This is the narrow way of Jesus, not narrow minded thinking.  Today is a day for us to reflect on how we might follow this narrow way in our lives. 

A Severe Judgment

Gospel: Matthew 7: 1-5

Those zealous for obeying God's commands find it easy to obey God when it comes to committing genocide or the prospect of killing one's own child, yet will create endless loopholes in the commands Jesus gives in the Sermon on the Mount.  As we have seen throughout the sermon, the values of Jesus are at odds with those of the modern Christian who then retreats to the Old Law and the comfort they find in the endless violence therein.

The command here not to judge is rooted in the Beatitudes of meekness, mercy, and the empathy of mourning with and for others.   The meek is so because they are conscious of their sins, ever seeking to place oneself in a more humble position as a result.  They are empathetic with others, mourning with them, understanding the weakness and frailty of others.  This enables them to show mercy toward others, avoiding judgment and offering deeds of mercy instead.  

The Way of Jesus is indeed a challenge, but instead of retreating to the old ways of the endless cycles of vengeance and violence, let us instead support one another on this way of the Lord through deeds of mercy and loving kindness.  Instead of judging one another for falling short, let us invite each other to the Lord's table for nourishment of body and soul.  This is what the Lord Jesus himself did while on earth, eating with everyone and encouraging them along the way to the kingdom of God.