Christmas, a Family Affair on earth and in Heaven

Matthew 22:15-22

The Cross authenticates and Defines our Discipleship

Originally sent to parish via email 11-26-16. We begin Advent with the familiar Gospel of Matthew on the second coming of the Lord instead of his first coming which seems more logical for Advent. The point would be to highlight the importance of understanding both comings as mutual meaningful and fulfilling; this is a very strong, unbreakable relationship similar to the one we see between the Old and The New Testament.

On previous Sundays, the lectionary readings taken from Luke’s narrative centered on amazing stories of conversion and faith, stories about people not ordinarily considered to be worthy of such a close relationship with God. Through these stories Luke has confronted his readers with the legalistic and materialistic nature of their day, pointing out that their ways, from the leaders to the general population, provide severe hindrances to a loving relationship to God.

Our life here on earth is a constant journey and a life time experience from the old to the new, whether we look at things from incarnational or eschatological perspectives. It is very important to be aware of the constant tension, the paradox and most importantly the conflict between the old and the new in our lives. While we admit the vast complexity of this reality, our focal point should be on what it takes to belong to the new life and embrace its rhythm of newness so not to be carried away by the old or, even worse, to think we are in the new when in reality we remain in the old.

This 24th Sunday after Pentecost brings to us readings that exalt values attributed to the biblical understanding of a widow. I got quite fascinated by a comparative reading of the selected texts that allude to the word "widow". I asked myself, "What if we all could be widows in the eyes of our God, who is the author and owner of all possessions!"