The challenge of living in this time of history is somewhat overwhelming for the vast majority of us. On a daily basis we are confronted with a myriad of choices, from selecting a couple of apples from a huge glorious display in a fruit store with hundred of varieties, to deciding which medical procedure we should have for a serious illness. There are experts galore with all kinds of advice and opinions to help us, but who should we believe? Even in the fruit store, if we begin seeking advice, we are just as likely to find shoppers and store clerks either as confused as we are, or with differing personal opinions. Most of us manage to get by, but sometimes we just give up. On such occasions we trust neither ourselves, nor the advice of others, and just close down and refuse to choose or trust.
This Sunday we listen to the rationale given by Luke to write his Gospel: “I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you…, so that you may know the truth……” Then he reports that Jesus stood up in the synagogue in Nazareth and taking a scroll read these words. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”
And Jesus rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then Jesus began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
There was a time not too long ago that we would hear these words and know in faith, and believe in our hearts that Jesus, both human and divine, had spoken these words at the beginning of his ministry. And we would study these verse to grow in our understanding of our faith. Today, however, many begin to unconsciously question. Now who was Luke? When did he write? Why did he write? What did the people understand when he spoke? As we explore the passage this way, we may find ourselves lost in a series of multiplying questions, and divergent expert opinions.
Sort of like trying to pick out a couple of apples in the store, and not knowing what to choose or who to believe, isn’t it?
As Christians we must recognise this phenomena of choice and experts for what it is, and know that it is merely one of the challenges of the times in which we live. We must not allow all the clutter to distract, confuse, and close us down. We must hold on to and cherish our faith, seeking answers yes, but always in a humble manner when we are dealing with the mystery of God. This time and challenge will pass, and new challenges will arise, but one thing is for sure, God will be there ready to help and lead the way.
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