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Monday 2nd Week Lent
Mepkin Abbey
March 2, 2015
GOD OVER TIME +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Hearing
various parts of the Bible over a long period of time, we unavoidably come to
the conclusion that there have been some pretty serious changes
Ø
If
you look at the books of the Bible written five or six hundred years before the
coming of Jesus, we come across a pretty stern, even revengeful picture of God
Deuteronomy
& Luke +++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Although
today’s readings share a statement that God is compassionate, there’s what we’d
call an improvement or broadening of G’s compassion in Gospel over the God
portrayed in the 1st reading
Ø
The
opening verse of the reading from Deuteronomy says that, “God is merciful toward those who love God.” Good enough!
Ø
But
note, there seems to be a limit to God’s mercy; it’s extended toward those who
love him
Ø
In
Gospel J asks us 2B compassionate like the F, & has earlier told us that F shows
same forgiving & loving face 2 both good and bad & not 2 just those who
love God
A CHANGING PICTURE
OF GOD? ++++++++++++++++
Ø
The
changing picture of God in Bible is probably more in minds & hearts of
believers over centuries than in God
Ø
It
takes us human being a long time to realize or understand some things
Ø
Thus
it is important to note what Jesus as the final Word OF God and ON God has to
say
Ø
For
that picture is fullest understanding of reality, & not R human
understandings describing God
JESUS’ PICTURE OF
GOD & MODEL FOR US ++++++++
Ø
And
what is that understanding?
Ø
Being
compassionate like God is the greatest and final definition of God
Ø
Today
we hear it means not judging/ condemning
CONCLUSION ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
If
it took the human race such a long time to comprehend the breadth & depth
of G’s love,
Ø
How
long must it take us individually to imitate that all-embracing love
Ø
We
must stop the judge & condemning of others & R critical eye on
ourselves
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
