Sunday reflections

Keeping Up Appearances’ is a popular British sitcom that ran from 1990-1995. The plot centres on Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced “Bouquet”), a snobbish middle-aged Englishwoman on a lifelong quest to escape her working-class background, climb the social ladder and claim her rightful place in society.

The rabbis in Jesus’ time identified 613 commands (248 positive [you shall] and 365 negative [you shall not]) that were prescribed in the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament. Given the impossible burden this posed, this prompted much argument as to which were the most important.

The gospels are full of great stories; and this Sunday’s extract is no exception. It all hinges on a “trick question”. The Pharisees and Herodians attempt to tempt Jesus into committing a political faux pas.

The image of the abundant, fulfilling feast is used throughout the scriptures to explain God’s promise of eternal life. On the mountain of the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah says in today’s first reading, God will “provide for all peoples a feast of juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.”

In today’s gospel, Jesus chastises the Chosen People’s religious leaders of his day, putting a very sobering message before them.

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.