Thursday, December 22, 2011 – Matthew 11 – An Evil Generation
El Greco: Jesus Healing the Blind
The New American Bible designates this portion of Matthew’s Gospel: Opposition from Israel. Today and tomorrow we will examine Chapters 11 and 12 to discover more fully Jesus’ role in Israel. We will prepare more deeply for the arrival of the Spirit that brings joy and hope into our own lives and hearts. And we will understand more intensely what it means to totally and unconditionally depend on God for all.
As Chapter 11 opens, messengers arrive with word from Jesus’ cousin John to ask if what they have heard is true. Are you the one who has come or shall we look for another? We also want to know the answer to this question. Is it true that someone will take away our pain? Will we really begin to see an end to all the struggling between us? Can we at last relax and not worry so much about all we have to do? Is it true that someone will finally begin to right wrongs and deliver justice for those who suffer at the hands of the wicked? Jesus answers John’s messengers and he answers us as well.
Jean-Marie Melchior Doze: Jesus Healing the Leper
Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And we wonder . . . Is it true that the baby born in a few short days does all of this for us? We watch and take in the news. We work with others and we see how conditions might be improved. We interact with family and friends and hope for the best; yet we see too well the dark side of our reality.
Poor leaders and insincere co-workers use fear and guilt and manipulation to achieve their own goals. If we read Matthew 11 and 12 carefully we understand that a kind word and a committed heart call more people to a cause than force and coercion. Jesus confronts this evil generation and calls us as he called to the unrepentant towns: If the mighty deeds had been done in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.
Corrupt family and friends use subterfuge, dishonesty and tricks to force others into committing to their point of view. If we to read Matthew 11 and12 mindfully we see that honesty and courtesy invite more people to commitment than passive aggression and duplicity. Jesus challenges this evil generation and urges them as he urges us: Whoever has ears ought to hear.
Rembrandt: The Raising of Lazarus
Deceitful loved ones use betrayal, secrecy and projection of their own problems onto others because they cannot or do not want to grow. If we read Matthew 11 and 12 intentionally we comprehend that openness and love bring more people to union than threats and lines drawn in the sand. Jesus speaks to this
evil generation and assures them as he assures us:
My yoke is easy, and my burden light.
As Jesus moves about Israel healing, preaching and converting, the power structure feels its own influence dwindling . . . and those invested in the status quo begin to panic. They oppose Jesus at every turning and we watch to see how Jesus will meet this opposition.
Jesus the Healer knows that words mean little while actions mean all. Jesus the Interceder knows that corruption runs deep and is not easily unseated. Jesus the Cornerstone knows that we are like children playing games who sit in the marketplace calling out to one another. Jesus the Redeemer knows that we are in need of his help and that God is the only one who can fully confront this evil generation. Jesus, the Son of Man, knows that his authority and strength are in God alone.
Tomorrow we take a look at how Jesus confronts those who challenge him. Today let us depend on God as Jesus does, and let us we pray as Jesus prays.
I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. Amen.
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