A while back I read something that has stuck with me. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name of the book I read it in. However, the author broke down the question of “Who was Jesus?” into three separate possibilities. These three possibilities have remained in my awareness ever since.
The author suggested that Jesus was either:
- A cruel liar who pulled off the biggest scam of all time.
- A crazy man who duped billions across the centuries.
- Or, Jesus was a man who was telling the truth.
Was Jesus Truthful?
Gamaliel in today’s first reading was a man ahead of his times wasn’t he. Having become an expert in the study of sacred scripture he developed sense of “wait and see”. Surely Gamaliel’s deep understanding of sacred scripture must have made him wonder if Jesus Christ was indeed telling the truth when he said that he was the fulfillment of the Law.
After all, Gamaliel knew that God was real and that God’s way is eternal. After witnessing the Apostles resolve I suspect he intently observed the actions and behaviors of everyone involved. Could God be Jesus’ Father, is Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and do we only get to the Father through Jesus? These are all questions that Gamaliel must have asked himself.
Gamaliel’s words surely have resounded far and wide through the region – “But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” Perhaps the man who we crucified might just have been telling the truth! And his disciples may very well know the Way to the Father.
Suffering Dishonor
Suffering shame was a big deal in the time of Jesus. While today we think of shame as painful and something to be avoided, shame during Jesus’ day could lead to a death sentence for yourself or a loved one(s). Individuals were strongly identified with, and tied to, their family. Personal identity was found within the framework of one’s family.
“Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph? Do we not know his father and mother? Then how can he say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” – John 6:42 (NABRE)
Such strong family identification caused shameful behavior to strike at the depths of one’s heart and soul – and of one’s family members. So much so that individuals often preferred suicide over engaging in shameful behavior – even when they were the victim of “shameful” behavior as in the case of rape. Additionally, in Roman society of Jesus’ day Pietas at all cost was upheld. Pietas is translated as duty, loyalty, piety, and faithful attachment to the gods, country and family – especially parents. Across the board, from Roman to Jew – honor and family was a BIG deal.
So when we read that the Apostles found themselves “worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name” we are reading a very revealing and telling statement. The Apostles gave up everything for the Way. They gave up family, Pietas – everything! And they gladly suffered shame. So when Gamaliel witnessed this he must have known that very something big was going on. Jesus is bigger than family and he is bigger than shame – past, present, and future.
Loaves and Fish
Numbers in the Bible have significance and they offer us an opportunity for deeper reflection and insight when we read specific numbers in sacred scripture. I believe that the two fish, the five loaves, and the twelve baskets reveal more than meets the eye. I couldn’t help thinking about the two distinct natures of Christ, the five wounds on his body, the seven sacraments (2+5=7), the perfection of the number seven, and the fact that the number twelve represents maturity or totality when I read today’s Gospel. This thought alone offers a beautiful gateway into contemplative prayer.
Then it gets better! The two loaves and five fish were offered through a child – a boy. I couldn’t help but think of the baby Jesus and all that he was about to offer the world as he lay there in the manger. The boy in today’s Gospel was powerless, innocent, and hopefully still free from the weight of shame. Yet through the weakness of this child and the gifts of bread and fish he had to offer, all were fed to their fullest.
Reclining at the Foot of Jesus
As the people reclined and rested Jesus fed them. Following, listening, and resting was all the people needed to do to receive both physical and divine nourishment. They came to him because they saw signs and healings; however, what they received was nourishment for their bodies, hearts, and souls. Jesus always gives more and he always multiplies. Jesus is bigger than signs and healings and we can never know what blessings he has in store for us either.
And those twelve left over baskets. All I could see was how Jesus’ giving leads to mankind’s maturity and totality – the number twelve. Jesus feeds us because he is a truth teller – The Truth Teller. Mankind will only reach its full maturity through Him – the second person of the Trinity through whom all things come into being.
The Poor in Spirit
It wasn’t Jesus’ time yet, the people needed to see beyond the signs before he could leave them. He had much more to give. He has much more to give us as well. We are invited to become “poor” like the little boy or like the Apostles. Free from all earthly bondage and shame that holds us captive from true freedom. Moving through such poverty divine richness is found. And I think this is the jewel in today’s readings.
We are invited to carry our cross with Jesus, all the while remaining focused on the joy that awaits us. Clinging to Jesus during our pain, during our shame, and during our life struggles promises true joy and life in Jesus Christ. A life beyond our greatest dreams awaits us when we meet him in our pain – when we carry our cross.
While keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2 (NABRE)
Jesus Christ carried the cross for the joy promised, not the pain it caused. We must move through our pain like Jesus did on the dreadful Friday, not around it in an attempt to escape. Pain is a message, and our pain is a pathway to the joy promised us by Christ. Moving through our pain yields to a richness in spirit. This movement can only be done when we cling to the One who traveled before us. Jesus will lead when we surrender and follow.
Once we reach a state of divine prosperity, like the Apostles and many other great saints before us, nothing in this world will disturb us. Pain is a part of our cross and, most importantly, it is the signpost on our journey into the spiritual richness Christ promises us.
Carry the cross cheerfully and remember that Jesus loves you very much. – Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini
Global Light For Christ
Every time I sit with our community’s prayer requests my heart aches. There is so much pain and heartache in our little community – and in this world. Even a cursory review of history reveals the pain mankind has been suffering ever since the Fall. However, there is also much joy! We are here for one another in prayer and in love. I am going to pray this week that our collective pain, our crosses, only serves to bring us into the spiritual richness our Triune God offers all his children.
I believe one day we will all see the glory of The Cross – and the glory of our own individual crosses. Now won’t that be a glorious day!
God bless all of you. See you next week Friday – Carolyn
God the Father – hold us in your Fatherly love.
God the Son – continue to guide us through our crosses.
God the Holy Spirit – immerse us in your divine love.
Today’s Readings: Acts 5:34-42; Psalm 27:1,4, 13-14; Alleluia Matthew 4:4B; John 6:1-15
