Looking Out 20.3.22

The Challenges of Lent ( part taken from Geoff Stephenson reflection) There are constant challenges by the person of Jesus through the many stories from his life and teaching. Jesus acts purely out of love – not fear, hatred, violence or power over others. There is no threat to his physical being or his psychology/emotions or sense of being that will evoke a defensive, violent, reactionary stance. In the story this week (Luke 13:31-35), a group of religious leaders come to warn him that he is seriously off-side with the local king – a puppet of Caesar. Herod Antipas, who has already beheaded John the Baptist, has Jesus in his sights. What is it about this simple Rabbi, teaching, healing and casting out daemons, that gets under the skin of local powers and authorities? He preaches love and embraces all people into the heart of God, a place of life and hope, inclusion and belonging. It is a place where we discover ourselves in the deepest ways and learn to live alongside each other celebrating each other’s gifts and uniqueness. Jesus’ way, the way of God, challenges the use and abuse of power – power over and power against. Herod is frightening to most people, but Jesus sends a message back to him calling him a fox and indicating he will leave when he is finished and not before. There is no fear in Jesus’ response to the threat offered. He is not offended by slights or anything that challenges his ego because it doesn’t control and dictate who he is and how he lives in the world. Herod, on the other hand, is threatened by anything and anyone who opposes his opinion or challenges his power or won’t bow to his authority. He will lash out murderously as he did with John – still Jesus is unmoved. Herod Antipas is the archetypal model of those who wield power and use it to maintain their control, authority and status over others, expecting submission and using oppressive, forceful power to stroke their own egos. Jesus is moved to grief at the appalling state of the people in Jerusalem, the holy city that houses the grand Temple of God. Jesus longs to gather the people together as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings to protect and shield them from the dangers that threaten. This protection isn’t just from physical danger but the danger that asserts itself through cultural expectations and the seductions of life that lead people into complex paths that do not yield life. Jesus’ vision, the vision of God’s Reign of love and justice, hope and peace, embraces all people and lifts everyone into the liberating place of being Children of God, loved, unique and equal. Each person brings their unique sense of being into the inclusive community and offer who they are and what they have for the common good and well-being of all. In this vision, love and justice are the heart of our common life. We are all growing into deeper love, giving and receiving, and this is our peace, our hope and the way of life for the world! Lent invites us to ponder this way of Jesus and follow in love!

GS.