Word to the Wise
Friday, July 20, 2012 - Friday in the 15th Week in Ordinary Time
[Isa 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8 and Matt 12:1-8]I tell you something greater than the temple is here.
The extensive network of religious observance in Jewish life in the time of Jesus gave rise to considerable debate then (and now) about the lawfulness of various forms of activity on the sabbath. It is clear from the gospels that Jesus took a far less strict position on this than the Pharisees, but scripture scholars tell us that he was not the only one who took his approach. Nevertheless, his approach had a purpose. That purpose is reflected in the brief quote: "I tell you, something greater than the temple is here." By "relativizing" the temple, Jesus struck at the heart of the religio-political system represented by the temple. He literally "replaces" it with himself! Although the status of the temple in modern Jewish religious thought and observance is debated, there remains an important symbolism represented in the "wailing wall" in Jerusalem.
Jewish converts to Christianity, especially after the destruction of the temple by the Romans in 70 AD, would find themselves in an awkward theological position. The principal symbol of their observance had disappeared. The modern synagogue is what eventually survived. I am simplifying a great deal of history and development here, but there is an important point. We Catholics place a great deal of importance on our church structures. The controversay triggered by parish mergers or closings is ample testimony to this. There is more than a building involved. Generations of Catholics contributed personally and financially to the parish communities represented by these churches. To see them shut down and demolilshed is heartrending. Nevertheless, Jesus invites us to remember what the real point of any parish community is: to be the body of Christ. No temple is greater than this. Building or no building, the Body of Christ remains. AMEN
config
view
logs
4096.0 KB
66 ms
4
