32 Sunday in OT C – Sermon Thoughts (LK 20, 27-38)

32 Sunday in OT C – Sermon Thoughts (LK 20, 27-38)
In the New Testament we often see that the Pharisees argue with Jesus.
Today we see another group, the Sadducees-
a privileged and aristocratic group at the then Palestine:
They defended the right and the strict orthodoxy.
Except the first 5 books of Moses, they did not believe other traditions, esp. the Oral traditions of the Pharisees.
They have adopted no new ideas.
Their teachings were particularly “strict” to the normal people.
Contrary to the faith of the Pharisees,
they were against the resurrection, angels and spirit.
Now here comes a Man
He had no training as a wealthy and aristocratic Sadducee.
But his words are accepted warmly.
A large number of people gathered together to listen to him.
He was not like their other leaders…He is so near to them…
they can touch him … they can talk to him …
They may eat and pray with him …
Yes, Jesus brought new teachings and new life in to their lives.
He perceived the rituals and rules with a different angle.
He raised his voice for men.
To this end, he motivated others too.
He interpreted everything in love- love of God and neighbor.
‘The Sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the Sabbath”
(MK 2, 27) or
”Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Mt 22, 21)
Such teachings were intolerable for them.
Therefore, they start a dispute with the son of a carpenter.
They assumed they were clever. If Jesus is supporting the Resurrection, it is against their belief. If he withdraws his teachings now, he is not a credible person at all. He is t the same time an enemy of the Pharisees.
Jesus understands and solves this problem as a wise rabbi.
His arguments, particularly the reference to the call of Moses at the burning bush was accurate.
But did that help them? Whether Jesus could convince them?
Sure, they no longer dared to ask him tricky questions.
And even some scribes confessed recognizing:
“Master, you have responded well.” (Lk 20, 39)
But that sounds more like recognition for a scholar whose arguments are appreciated. But it was not a conversion at all.
Jesus too expects something like that…
Jesus came not to win with arguments.
He wanted to win people – for the kingdom of God.
His message was not with the brain, but came from his heart.
His God is the God of the living, not the dead.
Whoever believes in him shall rise again …
that was certainly the view of Jesus.
There are many people ask the critical questions.
I do not know if all do really deserve a response.
Rather, they want to express their dissatisfaction;
some to destroy their opponents.
‘Anyone who has a dissenting opinion must die. But not forever.’
The message we get from the book of Maccabees is such..
Jesus had to sacrifice his life because he had some counter-opinions.
He died for justice and compassion for people, for the Kingdom of God.
But it was not forever. He lives on according to his truly credible words.
And the Sadducees who placed their laws above the men, vanished without trace from history (after AD 70).
Yes, Jesus is risen, he lives on. His teachings are life giving.
As his followers, let us live credibly;
Let us accept God and Men in divine love.
May the living God bless us all. Amen!
-
Fr Thomas Kalathil