Sunday reflections

For centuries, the Jewish people had treasured the words of prophets like Isaiah. They would have had the promises we see in today’s gospel and first reading inscribed on their minds and hearts.

I recall a scripture scholar describing John the Baptist as an extremely eccentric character with an odd wardrobe and an unusual diet. However, you imagine him, certainly John must have had a captivating personality, attracting large followings in less than comfortable surroundings, and this surely suggests that his message carried real conviction.

When travelling, especially overseas, many people spend a good amount of time in preparation. There may be a trip to the doctor, dentist, pharmacy, the supermarket and even the hairdresser. Calls to insurance companies regarding travel and medical cover, requests to neighbours and family members to keep an eye on the house, the dog, the cat … the list goes on.

What sort of king is revealed to us in today’s readings? It seems he’s not like other kings. In the first reading God is spoken of as ‘a true shepherd’, one who doesn’t abandon his flock, but cares for them.

Different people have different abilities. A person gifted with imagination or creativity may not be good at administration or finance. Someone with a flair for ‘do it yourself ‘around the house may not be musical. A cook who is ‘at home’ in the kitchen may be completely lost when it comes to anything mechanical. Someone with sporting prowess may find computers and electronics out of their league.

In biblical times, people wed at a young age with marriages arranged by the fathers of the couple. The betrothal took place in early youth and was a legal marriage, although the woman remained in her father’s house.

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.”