Mid Winter Journeys
"The longest life may fade and perish, but one moment can live and become immortal."
These words were written by Theodore Powys, a British novelist and short-story writer. I found it an interesting comment as I came to write this Blog, because I am sure we all have had significant moments which still stand out for us. They may have changed us and challenged us, and even changed the orientation and path of our life.
I raise this comment for several reasons. Partly because it occurs in the Gospel reading set for this month. It occurs in the Gospel story of a Jewish theological expert who wanted to test Jesus' knowledge of their scriptures. He opened his dialogue with the question, “What must we do to inherit eternal life?”(1)
I am not sure what sort of answer you would have given to such a question. I think Jesus perceived the man's intent was to test him because he was a well-trained expert of their sacred scriptures. Rather than answer the question, Jesus gently deflects it by asking him what answer was found in their sacred Scripture? The man promptly replies by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,
and with all your strength and with all your mind.”
Luke's Gospel has him add another quotation from Leviticus 19:18
“You shall love your neighbour as yourself”
Jesus applauds the man's answer and suggests he should go and practice these two commandments!
However, that wasn't the sort of answer the Official wanted to hear. I suggest he hoped to show that Jesus was an ignorant heretic and should be condemned, if not stoned to death! (We might say, “Round one to Jesus!”).
The Official, however, wasn't finished. As a Jewish leader, he was well-versed in arguing points of law and theology. He asks Jesus a second (trick) question: “Who is my neighbour?”(2).
Jesus responds by telling a story about a Jew who had been set upon, robbed, and left to die on the side of a road. The first opportunity for help to arrive was when two Jewish religious leaders came by. Both men saw the injured man but chose to ignore him lest they also are set-upon by whoever had attacked the man and left him there to die.
However, when a Samaritan happened to come by, he stopped, gave the wounded Jew as much medical help as he could offer, and then placed him on his own animal and walked him to an Inn where he would be safely looked after. But before the Samaritan left the Inn, he also paid the innkeeper to care for the injured man. When he returned, he promised to meet any additional costs incurred.
Jesus ends his story by asking which of the three men was a neighbour to the injured man? and suggests we also should be willing to help whenever we see someone in need.
This familiar Gospel story was generated by a simple but profound question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” It was asked by an intellectually astute Jewish leader. Jesus would have known the man would give the orthodox reply and suggests that if he put into practice what he said, he would find life more meaningful.
I am not alone in noting that Luke's version of this parable has also added Jesus' command “You shall love your neighbour as yourself”– as found in Mark 12:31. This was a unique addition, even though it overrides the historical enmity that existed between the Jew's and the Samaritans.(3)
However, as I reflected again on this familiar story in the context of my opening quote by Theodore Powy, I find I am also challenged on my winter journey, to be aware of those who would benefit from my support; and also to appreciate that I am blessed as I journey through these cold and darker days of winter.
Kia mau te pai ki a koe I to haerenga
May you find peace and goodwill on your journey.
Phil
Luke 10:25
Luke 10:29
3. See The Five Gospels Translation and Commentary R.W. Funk R.W. Hoover p 324
