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Where does evil come from? Jesus’ Answer

Filed Under: Sunday Scripture Reflection August 27, 2021 Leave a Comment

The Pharisees accuse Jesus’ disciples of eating without washing their hands. Jesus does not defend his disciples; rather, he offends the opposition – the Pharisees. Jesus raises the discussion to a different level to reveal where evil comes from.

What are the Pharisees ignoring before accusing Jesus’ disciples?

Jesus is doing great works, so where does the question of evil arise? We are talking about Mark 7:1-23, which is sandwiched between Jesus’ miracles like feeding the five thousand (6:30-44), Jesus walking on water (6:45-52), and healing the sick in Gennesaret (6:53-56). And after confronting the Pharisees, Jesus moves on to the Gentiles territories of Tyre, Sidon, and Decapolis. Jesus heals the Syrophoenician woman’s daughter (7:24-30), heals a deaf man in the Decapolis (7:31-37), and performs the miracle of feeding the four thousand. The Pharisees ignore the great works done by Jesus and focus on the disciples’ failure to observe traditions.

What were Jesus’ disciples accused of?

The Pharisees accused Jesus that his disciples do not maintain the tradition of the elders but ate their bread with unwashed hands. Leviticus Chapters 11-15 talks about ritual cleanliness. It is the Torah – the law handed by God. The Pharisees take these laws seriously.

But when the Pharisees criticize Jesus’ disciples, they go beyond the law requirements and enforce human interpretations.

The problem with ritual cleansing

Ritual cleansing of hands was required only for priests when they go in the tent of meeting or come near the altar (Exodus 30:18-21 & 40:31). In simple words, washing the hands was required from the priest when attending sacred duties in a holy place. The Pharisees extended this tradition to ordinary Jews – to proclaim their identity distinct from their pagan neighbors.

In doing so, the Pharisees lost sight of God’s law and emphasized human opinion. The stress on human tradition causes them to neglect the underlying God’s law. The Pharisees extended the observance to ordinary people on ordinary occasions. What was intended to honor God had the opposite effect – keeping human tradition instead of God’s law.

Ritual cleanliness has nothing to do with hygiene. Germs were not discovered till the 17th century. It was difficult to persuade doctors to wash their hands before surgery. Ritual cleansing was for worship.

Jesus’ problem with the Pharisees was with the observance of the Torah – the law of God. But They valued the tradition around the law. The problem was that people began to equate this interpretation with the law itself.

Jesus’ opponents chose an indirect approach.

The Pharisees had opportunities to accuse Jesus when he healed on a sabbath (1:21-34; 3:1-6); touched a leper (1:41), claimed to forgive sins (2:5), called a tax collector to be his disciple and blessed unclean women who touched him (5:24-24). They did oppose Jesus. But here, the Pharisees are choosing an indirect approach – drawing attention to the failure of his disciples. Their argument is if Jesus is a teacher of the law, why doesn’t he require the disciples to observe the traditions?

Why did Jesus call the Pharisees Hypocrites?

Jesus fires back at his opposition rather than defending the disciples. Jesus says: “These people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me … for you set aside the commandment of God and hold tightly to the tradition of men.” (Mark 7:6-7). Jesus accused them of being hypocrites.

The word hypocrite can have different meanings. In classical Greek literature, a hypocrite is a pretender who acts on the stage. That itself would not be evil; you need the context. Whereas in the New Testament, hypocrisy represents evil.

A hypocrite in a New Testament is one who says yes and doesn’t do it. They bind heavy burdens on others but will not lift a finger to help. They do work to be seen by others. They love public attention. They cheat the vulnerable and make long prayers (Matthew 23:1-13).

By calling the Pharisees hypocrites, Jesus is saying that their devotion to God is false and their religiosity fake. And you know where the hypocrites will end up – where there is weeping and grinding of teeth (Matthew 24:51) – that’s hell in Christian terms.

According to Jesus, what defiles us?

Jesus is inviting all to understand the main point of the argument. Jesus says, “there is nothing from outside of the man, that going into him can defile him; but the things which proceed out of the man are those that defile the man” (Mark 7:14-15). It’s not food that defiles humans – it is not what we eat that makes us unclean, but thoughts and feelings in our hearts (Matthew 5:28).

Jesus’ bold approach is in a culture that separates clean and unclean foods. But Jesus’ statement is in line with his action of touching a leper, eating with sinners, and being undisturbed when touched by an unclean woman.

And now the final question: where does evil come from?

Jesus’ answer is clear. Evil comes from within. Jesus says: from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts, covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile the man (Mark 7:21-23).

These sins are a direct violation of the Ten Commandments and are rooted in the teaching of the Old Testament. Jesus redirects the authority of the Pharisees back to the scripture, away from human traditions. It’s like honoring piety – religious practices and neglecting ethical behaviors – having the right relationship with God and people.

We have the responsibility to nurture holy things rather than evil things in our hearts. Our hearts could injure us spiritually. That’s the greatest caution Jesus offers us.

Why should we guard our hearts against evil?

We prepare for the kingdom of God. The requirement of the Kingdom of God is not to worry over what we eat. Jesus shifts the question of ritual purity to preparation for the kingdom. Jesus says that traditions you hold on to, alone will not get you ready for God’s kingdom. We are to focus on preparing our hearts for the kingdom of God.

Tell me in the comments below, what part of the above text inspires you.

About the Author
Feroz Fernandes, a Catholic Missionary, identifies himself as an Uncommon Priest. Father Feroz loves adventure in the apostolate. Check out his debut book The Uncommon Priest: Incredible Stories You Never Read on amazon. And also, the YouTube Channel: Feroz Fernandes promotes a better understanding of scripture.

Is It Worth Following Jesus? Answer in John 6:60-69

Filed Under: Sunday Scripture Reflection August 20, 2021 Leave a Comment

What to do when the disciples ask is it worth following Jesus? (John 6:60-69). Imagine you are listening to Jesus’ discourse on the bread that gives life. I am the bread of life who came down from heaven; whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood will live forever. The crowd misunderstands Jesus. They are confused and object to what he says. And eventually, go away as they misunderstood that Jesus is inviting them to eat his flesh. But the crowd did not ask the question: is it worth it to follow Jesus?

So, who asked: “is it worth it?”

Now listening to Jesus talking about eating flesh, the close disciples question their own decision of following Jesus. The disciples also saw the crowd going away from Jesus because of this teaching.

It was the core group of disciples who were murmuring, “This is a hard saying! Who can listen to it?”

The crowd followed Jesus to see the miracles and listen to the parables. But the disciples were always with Jesus – a close-knit group who received special instructions from Jesus. The close group of disciples witnessed miracles, especially Jesus walking on the sea and calming the storm. These disciples are not just the 12 apostles; they may include seventy-two or more.

What did Jesus feel when the close disciples abandon him?

It is like when those close to you question whether to trust you or not? It’s painful; it hurts when those you trust turn against you or go away without even explaining. It can happen to the regular churchgoers—who discontinue following Jesus—maybe they ask the same question: is it worth it to follow Jesus? Or be part of a church group? Jesus must have felt the same when his core group of disciples abandoned him.

What’s the difference between the crowd and the disciples?

Yes, we heard it; the disciples were close to Jesus. But the critical difference is that the disciples understood what Jesus said. The crowd misunderstood it. Then what is the difficulty for the disciples? The disciples found it difficult to believe and follow Jesus.

Even I find myself in this situation. I do understand clearly. The difficulty is to believe without reservation and follow trusting the promises of God. Did you find yourself in such a situation where you understood the message but had trouble believing in Jesus’ words? Tell me in the comments below.

Jesus’ method provokes the question: Is it worth it to follow Jesus?

Jesus had a pattern of conversation. He met objections by sharpening the point of the message, raising the level of offense rather than softening it, and bringing the conversation into a crisis mode.

Take a moment to recall! Jesus says, “I am the bread of life.” Hearing this the crowd objects that manna came down from heaven. Then Jesus adds, “I am the bread of the life that came down from heaven.” The crowd knew Jesus’ parents and where he came from. As if this was not enough, Jesus says: “I am the living bread whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood will have eternal life.” Then the theme of abiding: whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me and I in him. Do you notice the pattern of the conversation?

God sometimes challenges us—making his message sharper—contradictory to our worldly desires. What is that something God is challenging you today?

If the disciples are scandalized by what Jesus said about being the bread of life, then ascending on the cross will shatter them. Will the disciples be able to see the glory of God through the cross? That’s what Jesus is preparing his disciples.

How to understand Jesus’ statement: flesh is useless?

In John chapter 6, verse 63, Jesus says. It is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. Now, don’t interpret it as a rejection of flesh or bodily denial of the creation’s goodness. Remember, John chapter 1 verse 14, “the Word became flesh.” The flesh here indicates a usual way of seeing reality—through the sensible world. Your senses will not allow you to see the eternal life coming through the exaltation of the cross. That’s where the Spirit gives life.

What to do when you are faced with: Is it worth it to follow Jesus?

Stay open to the Spirit. Jesus is challenging the perception of his disciples to look beyond their understanding and be open to the Father’s gift of faith and life of the Spirit.

Among the disciples, there were two groups: Those who believe and those who do not. Unbelief is found among the crowd, among those disciples who abandon Jesus, and even with those who chose to stay with Jesus. The pain of unbelief is found among us—within us. For example, Judas betrays Jesus. Peter Denies Jesus. Even those who continue to follow Jesus do experience moments of betrayal, denial, and doubts.

What did Jesus do when the disciples left him?

The disciples left because of Jesus’ hard teachings. Only the twelve remained. The twelve disciples stayed with Jesus even when they saw the other disciples move away. Jesus asks the remaining twelve a bold question: do you want to go away? That question demanded an immediate response – a commitment at a time it was not making sense.

Jesus’ question is for you and me: do you want to go away? Do you want to stop following amid apparent failures and rejections? We are usually inclined to quit – avoid difficulties and the cross.

Does Peter rescue the situation?

In answer to Jesus’ question to the twelve, Peter says: To whom shall we go, Lord? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are Christ, the son of the living God. Notice Peter is using we – speaking on behalf of the undecided ones—the eleven disciples. Peter is open to the Spirit and the Father, drawing them to himself.

Peter’s statement is not out of desperation – as though there was no alternative. Along with eleven who stayed, Peter had been given the gift of knowing Jesus. Even if faith comes from the Father, we are asked to respond. We have a choice. The mystery of faith is not a paradox without a solution. Faith is a grateful confession that Father draws us to Jesus and eternal life. Yes, faith is a grateful confession.

Why are Peter’s words important?

Peter’s words are inspiring because he spoke on behalf of the eleven – who may be on the verge of going away along with other disciples. Peter holds the little group together. The influence of one person can make a difference. If Peter had not spoken, things might have gone differently. But the scriptures do not entertain this thought.

Is it worth it? What’s your answer?

You have dreams. Then the worst-case scenario happens – it becomes difficult to follow Jesus. Jesus dares you to oppose with an increasingly unpopular message. Then you may look at others and ask, is it worth it to follow Jesus?

Can you stand with Christ as people walk away? You have a choice. God is not forcing you. You are not doing God a favor by staying in as a churchgoer. Like Peter, we are called to answer and be part of the adventure of faith. Yes, I want to stand by Jesus, even when followers quit.

When did Jesus Say Shut Up?

Filed Under: Sunday Scripture Reflection August 13, 2021 Leave a Comment

You are probably wondering when did Jesus say the words shut up? And you want to know why Jesus said those words. What was happening at the time when Jesus said shut up? What made Jesus say it?

What’s happening in John 6:41-51?

We are talking about John 6:41-51. It is a conflict situation because Jesus says: I am the bread of life. The crowd engages with Jesus – almost showing off their knowledge about Jesus’ family, about Moses and manna in the desert. But for the Gospel writer John, the crowd is the Jewish authorities – who were Jesus’ primary opponents. Interestingly, John’s Gospel does not start talking about the childhood stories of Jesus. But it starts by stating: In the beginning was the Word – meaning Jesus was with God from the beginning of time.

When Jesus says: I am the bread of life who came down from heaven. The crowd reacts, because they knew Jesus’ parents – Mary and Joseph and they knew for a fact that Jesus did not come down from heaven. They are complaining – grumbling as some biblical writers will say.

In John Chapter 6 verse 43, Jesus told them to ‘shut up’ – stop grumbling among themselves. It is logical to say stop talking and listen to me. The crowd did not understand what Jesus said but assumed they understood it – refusing to remain open to the bigger picture. Jesus said shut up when people misunderstood who he really is. Jesus said stop grumbling because people misunderstood even after the miracle of feeding the 5000.

Jesus said shut up when people misunderstood who he really is.

Why is the Crowd Grumbling?

The crowd in the text is compared to people in the wilderness. Just like the Israelites who complained in the wilderness, people around Jesus grumbled.

The words ‘grumbled or murmured or complained’ – refer to the Israelites who complained about God. The crowd grumbled about Jesus’ apparent failure to prove that he came from God. The reference of manna is compared to the people complaining about Jesus who is the bread of life.

Jesus’ critics manifested the same lack of faith as the critics of Moses (God) many centuries ago. Even today, people fall into the same trap of complaining when God fails to meet their expectations.

They want to fit Jesus into their frame of expectations. The bread is equivalent to manna in the desert. The miracle of feeding the crowd is similar to the food that filled their ancestors. They cannot think beyond this context. Jesus has to shut them up to provide a different context. Jesus says I am the living bread; it’s not about food. It is not something that has already happened, but it is about something that will happen.

Jesus is the Center of Faith

That’s the epic center where people are drawn into. Jesus’ negative words: No one is able to come to me unless drawn by my Father. The crowd is resisting. The word ‘drawn to’ is translated as dragged. No one can come to Jesus without the Father’s pull.

When Jesus talks about coming to me, Jesus is quoting Isaiah 54:13, which says the same words positively: All who heard from the Father and learned from what they heard will come to me. It is clear whoever learns from the Father will result in coming to Jesus.

The best way to understand the words “drawn by my father” is like fishing nets hauled into a boat. There is resistance on the part of the fish – God gives people space to resist – but finally, it will be futile to resist the pull of the Father. It’s a matter of faith. Faith is not a simple choice made by humans. It is the activity of the Father drawing people to Jesus.

Faith is not a simple choice made by humans. It is the activity of the Father drawing people to Jesus.

Where does it all end?

In John 6:35, Jesus says, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will not be hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” People misunderstood it. Jesus shuns them for their lack of belief. People wanted a sign that validated Jesus’ claim. Jesus corrects their understanding that it is not Moses who gave you manna but God, my Father.

My Father gives the true bread from heaven, and you will not die like your ancestors who ate the manna in the desert. The promise to the one who believes in Jesus will have eternal sustenance – eternal life – the reward for belief is eternal life.

Jesus ends by saying in John chapter 6 verse 51 – I am the living bread which came down out of heaven – if anyone eats of this bread will live forever. It’s about the lack of faith that results in death. ‘To eat of this bread’ is a metaphor for once and for all acceptance of Christ.

About the Author

Feroz Fernandes, a Catholic Missionary, identifies himself as an Uncommon Priest. Father Feroz loves adventure in the apostolate. Check out his debut book The Uncommon Priest: Incredible Stories You Never Read on amazon. And also, the YouTube Channel: Feroz Fernandes promotes a better understanding of scripture.

Mary Visits Elizabeth: What Did You Miss Out?

Filed Under: Sunday Scripture Reflection August 13, 2021 1 Comment

You have heard the narrative about Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth. But what did you Miss Out? (Luke 1:39-56). There are many things that we tend to skip as we recall Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. Is Mary running away to take shelter? Rather than helping? Is Elizabeth Mary’s cousin?

How does Mary Come to Know Elizabeth’s pregnancy?

Mary visits after learning about the pregnancy of Elizabeth from the Angel. There is an intimate conversation between Mary and Elizabeth. The conversation reveals Jesus is greater than John. It shows God is at work overthrowing structures and expectations. The spotlight is on Mary and Elizabeth, two lowly and shamed women God has chosen to transform the world.

Is Mary running away to take shelter?

The Gospel speaks about Mary going to visit Elizabeth in haste. What was the hurry? Mary said yes to the announcement of the Angel to be the Mother of the Lord. But there are implications for her response in a patriarchal society. A young unmarried girl found pregnant would be a cause of social shame. Such a girl would better hide indoors rather than take a journey to another town. Or did she travel to her relative to take shelter from the society that would ostracize her?

But the scripture states that Mary visited the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth – perhaps because Elizabeth’s pregnancy proceeded Mary’s by six months – and again, perhaps Mary would help the newborn. But it can also be a sign of respect shown by a younger woman to her elder.

Is Elizabeth Mary’s cousin sister?

Luke identifies Elizabeth as Mary’s relative. We don’t know the exact relationship. We usually think John is Jesus’ cousin based on Luke 1:36. But the scripture is not giving us details of relationship status. Think about it, given the age difference between Mary and Elizabeth; it appears Elizabeth is a generation older, perhaps Mary’s aunt.

Why would Elizabeth express honor at Mary’s Visit?

In the cultural context, an older woman would receive the honor. Mary is young, so she is the one the more senior people would expect deference. In addition, Mary is an unmarried pregnant girl who visits Elizabeth perhaps to reduce her visibility of a shameful pregnancy – but the Gospel does not talk about this.

Why is Mary called blessed among women?

Is Mary blessed among women because of her status as the Mother of the Lord? Yes. Mary is blessed because of what is there in her womb – referring to Jesus. Therefore, the present and the future generation will call Mary blessed, speaking well of her and her child.

Mary is blessed because she believed.

Mary is blessed because she believed there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord. The word used here is the same as what Jesus used to bless people in the beatitudes. We can translate Elizabeth’s words as “Blessed is she who believed.” Mary is blessed despite all expectations; her social status is reversed. She will be honored rather than shamed. She believed that God could do what God promised to do. Blessing is based on a right relationship with God.

What’s the background of Elizabeth praising Mary?

Elizabeth contrasts Mary’s trust in God’s power and promises with her husband Zachariah’s skeptical questioning. Zechariah asked the Angel for proof, Mary asked for an explanation of what was going to happen. Zechariah, a religious professional, doubted, while Mary, a peasant girl, believed and trusted God. Elizabeth celebrates Mary’s willingness to say yes to God.

Why was Elizabeth a better person to understand Mary’s situation?

Older women would judge, shame, and even ostracize unmarried pregnant women like Mary. But Elizabeth knows the cost of being shamed and excluded for being barren. In the ancient world, a woman’s primary purpose in life was to bear children. So elderly infertile wife would endure social scorn for life. By treating Mary with honor, she overturns the social expectations. Even welcoming Mary into her home is a pattern of social reversal, as Elizabeth’s neighbors are expected to reject her for sheltering an unmarried pregnant woman. But Mary’s pregnancy brought great joy and honor for Elizabeth. It was a display of the same inclusive love as Jesus, welcoming prostitutes and sinners.

What’s the message?

It’s an invitation to remain open to God’s ways in the world, sometimes contrary to the social expectation, even overturning the unhealthy structures that shame others. We are called to support and wait in the hope for God to fulfill his promises.

The 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 15, 2021) coincides with the feast of the Assumption of Mary into heaven. Luke 1:39-56 talks about the beginning of Mary’s journey. The assumption is almost the culmination of Mary’s trust in God. You are invited to be part of the adventurous journey of faith, trusting God will fulfill His promises in your life and in the world.

What does the Crowd Want to Know from Jesus?

Filed Under: Sunday Scripture Reflection July 30, 2021 Leave a Comment

What does the crowd want to know? And you see, Jesus is not answering. Why should you be interested? What led Jesus to say the powerful “I am” statement: I am the bread of life. We are talking about John 6:24-35.

Is the crowd searching for another sign?

The crowd wants to see another sign. People are looking for Jesus, still struggling to make sense of the miracle of feeding the 5000. The crowd is feeling is Jesus a prophet like Moses. And the crowd wanted to make Jesus a king. But Jesus is inviting the crowd to move beyond the needs of their bellies – the need for physical food. Jesus’s response is focused on who he is – the son of God – the word made flesh. Well, the crowd will not get another sign but an invitation to believe in Jesus.

The three-fold conversation topics in John 6:24-35

The conversation in John 6:24-35 is about food, manna, and bread. It’s like a conversation of the woman at the well in John chapter 4. The conversation includes the reference to the ancestors – Moses and Jacob. There is a request to receive the gift – a sign or miracle. And there is a reference to the permanent supply of bread or water – never to be thirsty and hungry again. There is tension between who Jesus is and is not.

Each one must answer that question. The crowd is calling him a rabbi – a law teacher – but does not incorporate the miracle of feeding the 5000 to call him a prophet. The crowd failed to update their knowledge of Jesus after witnessing a miracle.

What does the crowd want to know versus what answers Jesus provides?

There is a pattern in the conversation. The crowd wants something, and Jesus answers with a different kind of information.

In verses 25-27, the crowd wants to know when Jesus came to the other side of the lake. The crowd had noticed that Jesus was not in the boat that ferried the disciples across the lake. So how did Jesus get on the other side? The disciples had seen Jesus walking on water, not the crowd. But Jesus says you are searching for me because of being fed with food. Jesus urges to work for food that endures for life. The crowd is searching for stomach-based food, not to satisfy spirit-based hunger. Jesus challenges the crowd to see beyond the physical realm.

Again, in verses John 6: 28-29, the crowd wants to know what they can do to do God’s work. Jesus calls to believe, not much work. You need to understand what work means. The Israelites receive the Law on Mount Sinai – to obey the law was to do the work of God. Since the laws were many and complex, the crowd asked Jesus to identify the most important laws to focus on and practice them. Don’t confuse Mark 12:29-31, where Jesus summarises the two important laws – loving God and loving others as yourself. But here in John, Jesus says: the work of God is to believe in him, the one who God has sent. Jesus is offering an alternative to the maze of laws the crowds were obligated to follow.

In verses John 6:30-33, the crowd is asking for a sign to believe in him. Jesus talks about his Father and the bread that gives life. The crowd is getting ready to give up their centuries-old laws and place their allegiance on Jesus. They want Jesus to authenticate his claims. The crowd once again fails to make the connection that Jesus is God’s chosen one – through the miracle of feeding the 5000.

And in verses John 6:34-35, the crowd demands bread, Jesus claims to be the bread of life. The crowd was expecting a Moses, like a sign of providing manna in the desert, to authenticate that he is the true prophet. It’s like spiritual myopia. Beautiful things happen around us, and we fail to notice them. The miracles of feeding the 5000 do not lead the crowd in the direction Jesus intends.

Jesus clarifies their understanding.

He says it is not Moses who gave you manna in the desert; it was God. The focus is not on Moses gave; my Father gives – a present tense. Moreover, manna gave physical strength for a short period, the bread Jesus offers gives eternal life. Then the crowd says, like the women at the well, give us that bread.

What can we say at this point?

Jesus is repairing the faulty understanding of the crowd as a result of the miracle of feeding the 5000. Beard is a metaphor. Like bread that fills our stomachs and physical hunger – Jesus is capable of genuinely sustaining life.