We face numerous crises today: war, environmental degradation, natural disasters, inflation, healthcare challenges, housing shortages, and mass migration. The divisions and disputes over how best to address these issues add to the overall crisis.
Jesus, the Son of God, was born into a world of crises. God had established a covenant with Israel, leading them from Egyptian slavery to the promised land. Despite this, the Babylonians and later the Romans conquered Jerusalem. Under Roman rule, the people endured high taxes, poverty, illness, and oppression. The Temple itself had become corrupted by the idols of Imperial power.
Responses to these crises varied among different groups. The Pharisees urged a return to strict adherence to the Law of Moses, believing that faithfulness would lead to divine deliverance. However, their approach was often marred by self-interest, a lack of mercy, and overly harsh demands.
The Essenes withdrew from corrupt cities to form communities in the wilderness, maintaining ritual purity. Yet, they left many of their brothers and sisters behind, including those in Bethany, known as the House of Affliction.
The Herodians, Sadducees, and High Priests chose to cooperate with the Romans. The Temple became a commercial center, dealing in livestock for sacrifices and currency exchange. The Herodians, in particular, sought wealth and power, hoarding resources while many suffered from famine and illness.
The Zealots aimed to overthrow Roman rule through violent means. Their approach focused on armed resistance rather than peaceful resolution.
With which group can you identify?
We must reflect on how the Gospel informs our response to crises. The people of Jesus' time expected a political savior like King David to free them from Roman oppression. Jesus’ Kingdom is not of this world. The Kingdom of God is God's reign on Earth, as it is in Heaven.
Jesus taught that the essence of the Law is love—love for God and love for one's neighbor. He challenged the Pharisees to embody mercy rather than legalistic rigor. To the Essenes and Zealots, Jesus advocated for love even towards enemies and for living among the afflicted, rather than isolating themselves. Jesus empowered them to heal and forgive.
The Kingdom of God breaks into our reality in the feeding of the 5,000, as in John 6. The
people wanted to make Jesus their worldly King to defeat the Romans, but He rejected this temptation for worldly power. Instead, He performed a miracle with five loaves and two fish, multiplying them to feed thousands. This act, done with gratitude to God (the Eucharist), symbolizes the abundance and peace of God's provision. It illustrates a kingdom where sharing and cooperation prevail over division and conflict.
Jesus' declaration, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty, underscores this message of God the Father’s sustenance and unity. In times of crisis, this call to share, to provide for one another, and to embody the peace of God's Kingdom is how we should respond, reflecting the true essence of following Jesus.
by Rev. Jon Lavelle
コメント