Sunday reflections

Many parents today could empathise with the father asking each of his two sons to work in their vineyard. It is not an unreasonable request. Presumably their livelihood relies on the income from the vineyard, and the father speaks not harshly but with affection, “My boy, you go and work in the vineyard today.”

Many of the grim-faced youths waiting to have their feet washed that Holy Thursday were heavily tattooed. They were familiar with the harsh realities of crime and violence. Nevertheless, the elderly figure knelt before them, gently washed then dried their feet, and kissed their feet lovingly.

A wandering preacher’s violent execution by a long-gone empire a couple thousand years ago is the salvation of the world? That eccentric rabbi is the king of heaven and earth? Are you joking? He said what? It is more blessed to give than to receive? He taught who will inherit the earth? Everybody knows what happens to the meek: they lose. Every time. If I strike you, and you turn the other cheek, I won. Right?

One of the most memorable animated movies in recent times is “Frozen.” This hit Disney film, which had the song, “Let it Go,” tells the story of two sisters, Anna and Elsa.

Is self-sacrifice ever mentioned in your workplace, along with service, commitment, excellence or respect?  Probably not because, as one website suggests, it’s not normal and very unhealthy, while another warns us that you’ll sacrifice your own well-being.

Jesus takes his closest followers to Caesarea Philippi to have an important conversation. Two key things happen. Firstly, the disciples experience a moment of real insight in their understanding of Jesus.

Matthew’s community consisted of Jews and non-Jews (Gentiles), which contributed to tension and disharmony. The Jewish Christians still saw themselves as Jews. For them, they hadn’t changed their religion. Christianity was simply another reform-movement within Judaism. However, being Jewish was not solely about religion, it was also cultural; giving identity, meaning, understanding and depth to life.

In many ancient religions, mountaintops were thought to be the dwelling places of the gods, where sacred encounters might happen. One example of this is the encounter of Moses with God on a mountaintop when he received the ten commandments.

In many ancient religions, mountaintops were thought to be the dwelling places of the gods, where sacred encounters might happen. One example of this is the encounter of Moses with God on a mountaintop when he received the ten commandments.

Much like today, different gods and life philosophies were plentiful in the ancient Roman world. They were like different pearls, available for people to pick and choose which they liked and wanted to keep.