If I were a Jew, akin to some kind of born again, Bible thumping Christian, I would be so troubled. The literal interpretation of Hebrew Scripture would be quite a challenge. Whether it is Leviticus that would have me stoning people right and left, or the "eye for eye" scenario, half the world including myself would be blind. I love the current call for a reality show where people would have to live a year by totally strict Hebrew scripture. Bedlam I am sure!
I've said on these pages since it's inception, the Bible is not a document written directly by the hand of God to be taken literally. Hebrew scripture is more of a library with stories, albeit holy and inspired stories, of God and his people. The people writing of their trials and tribulations and their fervent desire to be holy. That is a beloved people of God, the chosen people and they truly want to live up to that. Hence, the rules and rubrics of Leviticus not to mention the literalness of the Ten Commandments.
But here it is Lent. We are trying to challenge and grow. Isaiah today continues his call for repentance and not to some literal call to purity by the law. The call is to "give up" or fast from the way we live. Can we give up hatred for Lent? Can we give up being stubborn? Can we give up on our social injustices? Can we give up on us trying to be the judgemental hand of God and leave that to him? Her?
In Luke's reading today we have our ray of sunshine and again, a call to move beyond the rules and rubrics that the elite claim as their raison d'etre of holiness. Luke notes that Jesus is not calling the holy ones. (Does a healthy person need a doctor?) Jesus consorts with all the worst people and socializes with them and seemingly loves them as much as the elite seem to love their fellow elite.
What gives here? In the same breath that we are called to repent, to look at our lives with blanched honesty, in that 'tearing down moment of honesty', we need to know that Jesus is calling us. Jesus is calling us, the sinners. Jesus wants to have a real relationship with us! In fact, Jesus loves us, warts and all, saints and sinners, just as we are. No matter where we are on our journey, Jesus would have loved nothing more than to sit down with you and break bread, perhaps have that glass of wine and shoot the breeze over who you are, where you are in life, and says 'so how was your day today?'
In the midst of calling for brutal self honesty and perhaps looking at our worst attributes and deciding to move forward towards God and the totally beautiful person we are called to be, Jesus loves you and wants to be your friend. Cool. Way cool.
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