RBWords

     Jesus' relationship with the "scribes" in the gospels, especially in the gospels according to Mark and Matthew, is contentious.  The scribes were men who could read and write and were well versed in all the intricacies of the Mosaic Law which governed so much of the daily life of observant Jews.  This gave them considerable power and influence.  But some of them used the law to benefit themselves and Jesus was not shy about denouncing them as hypocrites.  However, today we meet a scribe with good potential!  His dialogue with Jesus reveals that he (scribe) has his priorities right when it comes to understanding what is really important in the Mosaic Law and in Jesus' preaching.  Jesus replies with a somewhat ironic answer, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God."  (After all, they're facing one another!)  If the scribe makes the decision to follow Jesus, then he will, indeed, have found the Kingdom of God.

     Lent is a good time to examine priorities.  What is the "light" by which we determine what is most important?  Is it the amount of time we spend doing certain things?  Is it the monetary cost?  Is it whether or not the particular priority helps us to love God and neighbor better?  The latter "light" is the one that Jesus offers us.  His light is the light of the Kingdom of God.  How close are we to it? AMEN