Finding Relevance

Gospel: Luke 20: 27-40

Today's Gospel passage has as its topic an issue that has little relevance or meaning for us today.  Jesus and his adversaries are arguing about the resurrection of the body, something we take for granted today in Christian theology.  The argumentation seems obscure and we can't quite understand what all the fuss is about.  But while we might not derive any meaning from the topic, we can learn something from Jesus in his approach to others.

In beginning the conversation the Sadducees reference a scripture passage that has no connection at all to the issue of resurrection.  We are perplexed by this line of argumentation and the hypothetical they pose.  It makes little sense to us.  In response, Jesus cites a scripture passage that does in fact address the issue of the resurrection.  It is a familiar passage, and the line of reasoning Jesus employs makes sense to his audience.  Jesus was able to meet them in their need and where they were at with relevant content.

In our dealings with other people, it is important for us to meet people where they are at and to meet their need with relevance.  The controversies of the past are not those of the present.  We must listen with humility to what is being said and to respond with love and content that will prove meaningful and helpful to others.