Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Daily Office, Year One, Proper 4, Monday
Today's Readings:
I am reminded that Jesus was another in a long line of prophets. Jerusalem was under the control of an invading force, traditionally a sign that God was displeased with the Jews or the Pharisees. The Jews must have failed to keep God's commandments because they had lost their land, even though they still lived there. They were being punished by God, and Jesus saw that. He pointed it out. It makes me ask "what was up with the Pharisees and Sadducees?" Did they realize that Israel was no match for the Romans? Were they trying to form a silent resistance? What were they doing to free themselves from oppression? I've heard one theory that Judas was looking for a leader, a military leader who would lead a rebellion against the Romans, and he thought he found that leader in Jesus.
In Luke, Jesus teaches us not to expect gratitude. Forgive at every repentance, but don't expect thanks from anyone, even God, for obeying a command. Dare I disagree with Jesus in some small way? Dare I say that giving thanks to other people is a good thing, and expecting other's to be grateful in some minor way is not a bad thing? All I want is to be recognized for some deeds. Maybe that is a problem. I'm looking for some recognition, I'm seeking a connection with the expectation that others will step out of themselves to acknowledge me. I still think it's a good and socially constructive thing to say 'please' and 'thank you' and to teach others to do the same, but if I take to heart the lesson of praying privately, then so much else should remain private.
Wow. I'm glad I worked that out. I didn't think it was a problem for me. ¶ 11:23 AM
- Deuteronomy 11:13-19
- 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2
- Luke 17:1-10
I am reminded that Jesus was another in a long line of prophets. Jerusalem was under the control of an invading force, traditionally a sign that God was displeased with the Jews or the Pharisees. The Jews must have failed to keep God's commandments because they had lost their land, even though they still lived there. They were being punished by God, and Jesus saw that. He pointed it out. It makes me ask "what was up with the Pharisees and Sadducees?" Did they realize that Israel was no match for the Romans? Were they trying to form a silent resistance? What were they doing to free themselves from oppression? I've heard one theory that Judas was looking for a leader, a military leader who would lead a rebellion against the Romans, and he thought he found that leader in Jesus.
In Luke, Jesus teaches us not to expect gratitude. Forgive at every repentance, but don't expect thanks from anyone, even God, for obeying a command. Dare I disagree with Jesus in some small way? Dare I say that giving thanks to other people is a good thing, and expecting other's to be grateful in some minor way is not a bad thing? All I want is to be recognized for some deeds. Maybe that is a problem. I'm looking for some recognition, I'm seeking a connection with the expectation that others will step out of themselves to acknowledge me. I still think it's a good and socially constructive thing to say 'please' and 'thank you' and to teach others to do the same, but if I take to heart the lesson of praying privately, then so much else should remain private.
Wow. I'm glad I worked that out. I didn't think it was a problem for me. ¶ 11:23 AM
