Daily Reflections

The degree to which the people were prepared to consider the possibility of resurrection as being the explanation for Jesus’ authority and power is interesting. In this short passage, we read that Jesus could be either the resurrected John the Baptist, the resurrected Elijah, or a resurrected ancient prophet. Even the hard-hearted Herod wonders and wants to check it out. Who knew that resurrection was all the rage back then?

Of course, it wasn’t. Jesus is none of these people. However, expectations of who he is, and what he is capable of, were starting to build. People were intrigued and, inevitably, beginning to worry. There is something about the truth authentically proclaimed that is both engaging and concerning.

The spiritual power and authority of others are fine – unless they begin to interfere with me and my little world. What starts with being intrigued can quickly turn to the desire to destroy. As an example, research the recent demonstration in Rome by those invoking the support of Pope Benedict and burning the picture of Pope Francis [September 5]. Sadly, we often only know we are on the right track when the whispering starts and the plans to undermine begin to be formulated. Sometimes the opposition isn’t explicit. As people formed in a particular way of living the faith, we can have passive aggression well and truly mastered. We say nothing, we do nothing, and in so doing suck the possibility out of anything that challenges our way of seeing and doing things. 

It is a feature of church life with which St Paul was very familiar. Within the early church, some were consoled by him, and some were disconcerted by him. This was the context for his teaching on how we are to deal with our negative response to one another. Disagreements and misunderstandings are inevitable. When they arise, we are to speak the truth as we see it…but always with love (Eph. 4:15). Anything else brings death. 

By Shane Dwyer