WATCHWORD:
18 One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 20 And they left their nets at once and followed him.
21 A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. 22 They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind. Matthew 4:18-22
Meditation:
Blessed Research Part 1
This fall, my novel, A Life for Barabbas, will be released by TouchPoint Press (Date to be announced.). It has been an odyssey of blessed research into sacred and ancient writings and a recognition of God’s graces through inspiration.
The research has taken me into the writings of scholarly theologians, and multiple commentaries. I was introduced to the Apocrypha, which, at the start, I couldn’t spell, let alone know what it was. In turn, it led me to Josephus, Jewish historian that wrote a century or so after the Resurrection. I met St. Jerome who translated the Greek Septuagint (another word I had to look up) that resulted in the Latin Vulgate (?). St. Jerome’s contribution was his in-depth translation and explanation of original Hebrew writings.
You probably knew all that, but it was that kind of digging that uncovered some very interesting perspectives on Jesus ministry, and his relationship with the disciples, which laid the groundwork for bringing my story of Barabbas, into the mix. I also got a flavor and a taste of day-to-day life in First Century Judea and early Christianity.
My friend and mentor, Pastor Paul Borg, emphasized in his teachings the need to understand more than the lessons, you had to understand the geography and the culture. In my research, I was face-to-face with geography, language and culture, but also humanity, the human spirit. Maybe my psychology background helped, in putting the story onto paper, for I was able to see and understand, in part, the human face and heart of those that I was writing about.
Too often we read scripture and the story comes across a little one-dimensional. That scene in Matthew 4 of Jesus Calling Andrew, Peter, James and John, may leave us with questions, how could they leave their businesses just like that? I can only imagine that father thinking, what the…?
But there is a background story there. First of all, there is evidence that when Jesus came to Capernaum from Nazareth He built His house. You read that Jesus was a carpenter, but in all likelihood, he was also a stone mason. His house became a center place for his conversations, or his lessons to those who gravitated to his house. It was this house, crowded with followers, where a group of men had to cut a hole in the roof to lower their friend.
It was Andrew, and his friend John, that John the Baptist sent to hear Jesus speak for the first time, there in Capernaum. It was Andrew that convinced the reluctant Peter and John to join him to hear Jesus. It was sometime later that they finally convinced James to join them, to come hear this man. The relationship of these four with Jesus probably persisted for nearly a year before Jesus, preparing to preach in communities around the sea of Galilee, extended the invitation to “come follow me”. In all likelihood, the father, Zebedee, had heard much about the man, Jesus, and probably understood his sons following.
In my mind, the digging into early sacred writings added texture and humanity to the historic Biblical facts, and seemed to provide inspiration that advanced the story. We spend a lot of time comparing the different versions of the Holy Bible, reading commentaries, etc., but I like idea of letting the Word of God speak to us through inspiration that comes in quiet times that guide our thoughts and actions. I can attest to that.
There is a prayer, familiar to many, that belongs here, in this Meditation:
O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit instructs the heart of the faithful, grant, that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolations. I believe, Lord, that You are here present. Although my eyes do not see You, my faith senses you. Take any stray thoughts from my mind. Make me understand the truths which You wish to teach me in this meditation. Let me make up my mind to put them into practice. Your servant is listening; speak Lord to my soul. Amen.
Bulletin Board:
Update from Larry Jamerson — Nancy got rid of her eye patch and is not seeing double any more. Her walking is getting better and so is hand eye coordination. She is improving daily. Thank you all for your prayers, I know it helped.
Update from Odie Oden — Nancy came thru with a lot pain, 9 screws and 1 plate. We are keeping pain controlled with meds and she will be non-weight bearing for 2 1/2 months. I get to play nurse. 🙁 Odie
Humor? — What’s the difference between a poorly dressed man on a unicycle and a well-dressed man on a bicycle? Attire.
Why aren’t koalas actual bears? They don’t meet the koalafications. (Sorry)
Prayers:
Night has passed to another day
As we pray to the Lord of Lords.
That we may know peace of mind and body
Through His love and mercy.
Hear us God our Father, through Christ our Brother
In the Holy Spirit, whose praise we sing. Amen.
To the beginning of this day you have brought us, O Lord God Almighty. Preserve us now by Your Power so that through this whole day we may not fall into any sin; rather that all our words, thoughts, and acts become part of Your Holy, providential plan.
This we ask of You through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit God, forever. Amen.
Pilgrim’s Guide, Cursillos in Christianity
