Word to the Wise
Sunday, October 22, 2006 - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
[Isaiah 53:10-11; Hebrews 4:14-16; Mark 10:35-45]For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.
We humans often believe that God, being God, or Jesus, being Jesus, couldn't possibly know how we struggle with the various temptations and other challenges to our faith! Because our resources seem so paltry compared to what Jesus had on hand if only he had asked for it (Matt 26:53), we think that Jesus could not appreciate the fact that we don't have the legions of angels to chase away our enemies. Wouldn't we call on them? Why didn't he? Do we hold the "golden parachute," even if unused, against him? It may be worthwhile for us to re-read those parts of the gospels which show Jesus in situations of temptation, especially the temptation in the desert. If he called on those legions of angels in the Garden of Gethsemani, he would have been violating the very principles he enunciated in the desert. Jesus freely chose to take our part. The temptation to power, especially in matters of religion, as shown in the desire of two apostles for a power position in the kingdom, is a very strong one. Jesus resisted this.and let himself be subject to selfish human power. We may have trouble understanding this, but we can't say that Jesus doesn't know how we are tempted. "This is why we can confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace for timely help." AMEN
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