Good News : Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 7, 2010
Sometimes the disciples of Jesus look like zombies. Lots of movies have been made about Jesus. Some are better than others.
The story of Christ is, of course, a different sort to tell. Some films try to convey a feeling of profundity or holiness on screen. Can this be done? What does holiness look like? Maybe if we get this guy to walk slowly, speak to somber tones-”for the heaven’s sake, keep your voices hushed and serious! You’re presenting biblical teaching here!” In some films, Christ followers walk through scenes like the Sermon on the Mount looking as if they’re in a special place, but not very earthly one.
How real were these guys? What sort of people did Jesus actually attract? What would documentary footage look like? Jesus got the attention of actual people: first century blue collar workers, office managers, waitress, and lawyers.
Can you imagine the disciples around in a pub at night? Did you laugh, tell stories, tease each other the way tried friends do at the end of the day? Certainly they talked about serious issues too. They risked their homes, families, and career to be with Jesus. “The kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15, Luke 10:9). What does that mean? They were trying to find out.
Why did they take the risk? They were drawn by a real person. Jesus didn’t have them wondering around spouting trite sayings or looking vague and otherworldly
The disciples followed Jesus because they were wide awake for the first time in their lives. They were intent with the desire to follow this person who drew their deepest hopes together. They were alive in a way that made their earlier view of the world seem like a trance. Following Christ, they were more focused and freer than they had ever been in their lives.
THAUGHT FOR TODAY : The disciple were 12 ordinary men who lived close to Christ. We are ordinary men and women who follow in the footsteps of the disciple. Living close to Christ has been made easy by the good example of the disciples. Simplicity in our acceptance of both disciples and Christ himself, is the keynote of success in our lives.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM: I will sing your salvation.