Look at how the synagogue atmosphere changed.One moment they were astonished by the gracious words that came fromJesus and the next time he spoke they were enraged? The people seemed to want some kind off proof as the murmmurings began. Questions of doubt and opposition were whispered.”Isn’t this Joseph’s son?. Jesus could always read the mood of a crowd and knew he was expected to perform, “to dance” as Richard Rohr puts it. In fact he suggests opposition was forming even as Jesus was reading, “Bring good news to the destitute…oh oh where is he going with this?” Liberty to those in prison” ‘Is he against capital punishment.?
Do you recall a time when you have done this even as someone is speaking. It does happen frequently for most of us. We can have a contrary opinion ready within within seconds and are ready to defend it, particularly if we can downgrade the other with some quick judgement. Mmm she looks shifty. He has mad eyes, etc. Richard Rohr calls this dualistic thinking and we are programmed to react this way by most of what we see on TV and the Internet. It takes a real effort to stop judging and look for some 10 per cent of truth in the other’s viewpoint.
Deacon Tom Copyright © 2024
I sincerly hope that no copyright has been infringed. Pardon is sought and apology made if the contrary is true, and a correction will be made in any future Hompods.