Weekends can be a busy thing around the holidays. Ironically Advent invites us to slow down while the world around us is speeding up with decorating, parties, shopping, etc. That's why a challenge like reading a chapter of Luke every day is important - it refocusses you.
Chapter 8 starts out with a parable about a farmer sowing seeds. Most of the seed ends up useless, while the seed that fell on good soil yielded a massive harvest. When the disciples asked what the parable is about, Jesus described it in terms of the Word of God, often falling on hearts that are either unwilling or unready, and it doesn't take hold. But for some, it lands on a heart that's willing and ready, and bears much fruit.
This sets the stage for two miracles that come next - the calming of the sea and the healing of a demoniac. Jesus and the disciples went out on a boat, and a big storm came upon them. While everyone else was panicking, Jesus was fast asleep in the stern. After they woke him, he calmed the sea and then chided them for their lack of faith. Now being out on a boat is no small thing, and a storm could mean certain death. Just about anyone would be really anxious while this was happening. However, Jesus was able to generate peace in the middle of the chaos, which amazed his disciples even more.
When they landed, they encountered another chaotic situation - this time in the form of a person. This poor soul had so many demons he was called Legion. This possession created so many problems for him that he could not live among other people. He had no clothes. He was violent. People could not physically restrain him. Marks version tells us that he would break through any chains that they put on him. He was is such bad shape that the only place he could live was amongst the tombs. But with a single command, Jesus was able to heal this man, and restore him to his right mind. It's amazing how simple it was for Jesus, and yet for ordinary humans the problem seemed insurmountable.
Chapter 9 utilizes more literary devices. It starts with Jesus sending out his disciples to heal, and ends with more invitations to follow him - although this time people had excuses. In between were several stories of even the closest disciples not understanding what was happening. Despite all of the miracles so far, the disciples were amazed on the feeding of the 5,000. Then, when they are alone, Jesus asks them who they think he is? In a moment of clarity Peter responds that Jesus is the Christ. Next comes the transfiguration, when Peter, James, and John saw Jesus in all of his glory.
You might think this put the disciples on the right track, but they soon started to lose their insight. First they struggled to cast out a demon, and Jesus had to intervene. Then they began arguing about who was the greatest amongst them. Finally, when passing through a Samaritan village nobody received them. The disciples asked if they should call down fire from heaven to consume them. Jesus said no. Actually he said that he didn't come to destroy lives, but to save them.
I always appreciate seeing the struggle with those who were closest to Jesus. What it tells me is that his message and way of being is so profound that it often alludes us. That doesn't make us bad people, just that we are people who need to grow, and there are so many opportunities to grow. So much so that it takes a lifetime.
Here's to continuing in Luke,
Fr. Conor+
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