Jesus opened their mind to understand the scriptures
The disciples had seen the hebrew scripture, read it, heard it preached in the synagogues, and the temple. They thought they understood it, and had used their understanding to define what the Messiah would be and do.
Well, It didn’t happen that way, did it!
Jesus opened their mind to understand the scriptures
Jesus gave them a different perspective.
A way of connecting the dots to see the whole picture.
It was something that he could only give them after the resurrection .… because they didn’t see the resurrection coming, and struggled to believe it even when Jesus appeared to them.
It didn’t fit in to their perspectives about Jesus, and the Messiah, and God.
Opening their mind to understand Scripture.
It’s one of our biggest challenges as Catholics.
For most here today, the only scripture you will read, or hear, is for 5 minutes on Sunday.
5 minutes.
And thats for 4 different readings ! Old Testament, Psalm, New Testament reading and Gospel !!
5 minutes.
It’s kind of like me telling you that I exercise regularly.
5 minutes a week. doing 4 different exercises.
Like – thats gonna work ……
As Catholics, we are called to be nourished by scripture. And not just by listening to it 5 minutes a week,
So how can we let Scripture nourish us ?
Firstly, The Word of God is alive, and God works through that word to speak to us in our hearts. The time we spend reflecting on passages in scripture is in itself a powerful form of prayer – and we are called by the Church to read scriptures for personal encouragement and inspiration.
Let me give you an example ….. when I was in the first year of my Seminary studies, I came across a passage in one of Peter’s letters that has been the cornerstone of my understanding of our role, and my role, on the earth.
Have you ever wondered what the meaning of your life is?
the purpose of your life?
I found mine.
1Peter4:10.
I can’t tell you how this changed my life and my perspectives, my sense of self, and my sense of purpose.
Would you like to know what it said?? …..
Sorry – I’m not going to tell you ….. you will have to look it up.
Secondly, there are levels and levels of meaning within the scriptures; so when we move beyond the realm of reading Scripture for inspiration and as a form of prayer, we discover deeper and deeper insights into God’s message for us and for our world. We see a depth and a breadth that expand our perspectives about life and about God. John’s Gospel is especially good at this.
As we break open the scriptures, understand the historical context in which they were written, the radical nature of the teachings, the insights into not just human nature, but into our final spiritual evolution … well – it nourishes, empowers, enlightens, and inspires our faith.
We get glimpses of the ‘big picture’ – just as the disciples did when Jesus “opened their minds to understanding” in today’s Gospel story.
Is there risk here? Yes – some. An overly fundamentalistic interpretation of the english words can start to lead us astray.
I remember receiving a call one day at the office from Fr. Joe Fenech. After the call was over, the temporary receptionist made it a point to come and see me, and let me know that Scripture says that you should call no-one father but your father in heaven.
I suggested to her that in the original greek (in which the Gospel was written) that there were two different words used for Father, that the passage was within a series of statements that if taken literally, would have us never use the term teacher, or doctor, or minister. Unfortunately, she was not open to hearing me … Father was Father, and that was that.
So yes, as you start to break open the word to get deeper understanding, choose your sources well. There are some excellent Catholic scripture studies and references that provide us with solid and reasoned insights.
So how can we let Scripture nourish us? How to start?
Let me suggest that each week, you take some time to look at the readings for the following Sunday.
They are not hard to find – they are in your missalette, and on the St John’s website. Our Parish website also has links to reflections on the readings.
Find a quiet place and read…. and ponder.
No agenda ….. just let the Spirit draw you to the words. It’s kind of hard to describe in words, but when you try it, you will know what I mean.
Not only will taking the time to reflect on the readings help make the Sunday liturgy richer and more relevant to you and your needs, it is a powerful form of prayer and meditation.
So, what’s the message for today?
Let Jesus open your mind to understand the scriptures.
Just like he did for the Disciples.
After all, you are one of his disciples.