By the Finger of God

By the Finger of God

March 7, 2013

Thursday of the Third Week of Lent

This is what I commanded my people: Listen to my voice; then I will be your God and you shall be my people.  Walk in all the ways that I command you, so that you may prosper.  Jeremiah 7:23

"But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.  When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe.  But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils.  Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”  Luke 11:20-23

Piety

Father, help us to recognize the role that the strong man of temptation plays in our lives.  Jesus, send to us your strength of will and character to go into battle to overcome the obstacles that we encounter on the path to friendship with you.  Holy Spirit, give us the fortitude to prevail in this confrontation.  Amen.

Study

Is the God we meet in the Hebrew Bible the vengeful and violent God whose image is harsher than that of the person of Jesus whom we encounter in the New Testament?  Today's readings make that case hard to make.

Jeremiah presents us with an image of the Lord who just wants us to listen to him and walk in his ways.  Then Luke presents us with Jesus battling and prevailing over the strong man -- Satan/Beelzebub. 

Buried in an interview in this month's issue of Esquire magazine is this exchange between Mark Burnett (producer of Survivor and the new series on The History Channel retelling "The Bible") and journalist Scott Raab:

SR: That Old Testament God is a brutal God.

MB: It's the same God [as in the New Testament], right?

SR: If you take Genesis to Revelation, God takes quite a journey.

MB: I don't think God journeys. God knew the story all along.

(You can read more: Mark Burnett Interview - Mark Burnett the Bible interview - Esquire http://www.esquire.com/features/man-at-his-best/q-and-a/mark-burnett-interview-0313-2#ixzz2MolPJexw)

To me, what Burnett is acknowledging is that we are the ones who take the journey.  It is our perception that changes, not the nature of God.  God is the constant in this incredible narrative. 

That same impression is what is emphasized for me in today's readings as Jesus takes on the strong man and the Lord in the Hebrew Bible just wants us to take a walk with him.  

Action

What you give up for Lent can change lives…and not just your own life and your own journey.

Now is Operation Rice Bowl time of year for CRS (Catholic Relief Services).  This long-standing and popular program has been reimagined to make it an even more meaningful experience for Catholics of all ages.   Sign up today and start changing lives this Lent!