Preparation for Total Consecration

WEEK 4:
KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD

The New Testament is largely the result of the impact made on the early Church by the risen Jesus; he is Lord. In that light they were 'christened' - baptised into his Church, and there contemplated and tried to live his teaching. We, like them, should want to enjoy a present relationship with our risen Lord as reflected in the Gospel.

Sixth Day: Mk. 2: 18, 19

WONDERFUL COMPANY

Parable.Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people came to him and said, 'Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?' And Jesus said to them, 'Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is still with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast'.

Reflection.No one ever spoke like Jesus, it was said. As here, he so often speaks with instinctive authority. Who fasts at a wedding? As his disciples are in the bridegroom's company, 'they cannot fast'.

Jesus himself was considered shockingly unconventional by the professional and conventionally religious of his day. His disciples were a disreputable group - if not because of their pasts, at least because they allowed themselves to be guided and influenced by him. Many believe that, ultimately, his table-fellowship cost him his life.

The image of the 'Bridegroom' was used traditionally of God as regards Israel, never of a messenger. To the conventionally pious, such imagery in such company was hard to take.

Perhaps we can see just how far a bridge they had to cross to meet God in Jesus. Because they would not take him at his word, or found various explanations for what he did, and certainly would not willingly sit in his company to talk, they made it so very hard for themselves.

Do I, perhaps, domesticate the Gospel? Do I ever feel its cutting edge? How much of my picture of Jesus is a reflection of myself?

Do I live now in the company of the Bridegroom? Do I reflect habitually the joy and assurance of the company of my risen Lord? Has my Lord's resurrection from a grave left a permanent mark on me of wonder, joy and power? Is it the basis of all reality? Do I view life from here?

Prayer.Lord Jesus, so many people could not understand the way you lived on earth. It was so new, so unexpected, so unlike their understanding of God. As someone blessed to enjoy your company and the Good News you came to bring, give me a genuine insight.

May your Mother, ecstatic now in the company of God her Saviour, help me to glimpse what she sees so clearly.

Montfort.'My words fail to give even the faintest idea of his (Jesus, eternal Wisdom) beauty and supreme gentleness, and fall infinitely short of his excellence: for who can ever form an adequate idea of him, portray him faithfully? You alone, great God, know who he is and can reveal him to all you wish' (LEW 19).