Learning is about asking questioning information that is presented to us, both to get clarity of our thinking, or for confirmation of our suspicions, or our skepticism. When one questions us about our actions, then those questions may be held as suspect or even insubordination. We might begin to feel that the intention is to trap us, or disparage our motive, or our authority. We might then tend to go into the "because I said so" mode. These types of responses often discourage future questions which might otherwise come. Hurt feelings are slow to distinguish between "the way you treated me then, and how you might treat me now." When the questions cease, often so does the learning, especially when ego is involved.
For several weeks, the Gospel readings from St. Matthew have presented Jesus in the Temple teaching. The Sadducees and the Pharisees had been asking Jesus questions designed to trap him. In each instance, he had risen to the challenge with a series of memorable parables and sayings. The Sadducees, "who say that there is no resurrection," were finally silenced when Jesus explained marital unions in the resurrection. The Pharisees, always thinking they were more knowledgeable in the Law than the Sadducees, decided to pose one more question to Jesus.
The Law was filled with the commandments of G_d, and which commandment was the greatest had always been pondered. In response, His answer joins two texts of the Torah: the first from Deuteronomy 6:5, was recited daily by pious Jews, and the second from Leviticus 19:18. Today, these words are known as the Summary of the Law. In the end both learned groups in the Temple fell silent before the authority of the Messiah. Their silence in not asking more questions should have signified understanding and clarity of their learning. While they probably did learn, they were not happy because his teaching did not align with what they wanted to believe. And they were not happy when Jesus turns the questions towards them further challenging their beliefs.
Often we seem to approach G_d, as the chiefs and elders approached Jesus, with our own agendas, standards, expectations, and ideas of right and wrong. We attempt to judge G_d according to the standards of our prevailing culture asking, "How do the traditional teachings of the Church measure up?" Conversion is a lifelong process where we continually learn as we question G_d, that G_d is questioning us. The criteria and standards that we use to call traditions into question are also called into question by the traditions.
Every moment, every day until death, we are called to love G_d, to serve and love our neighbors. When we realize this, we can do one of two things. We can walk away in grumbled silence, like the chief priests and elders, not daring to ask any more questions. Or we can abandon our superior attitude and surrender ourselves into the hands of the living G_d. We can invite Him to take charge of our lives, confident that in the fullness of time, He will form, in our hearts and minds, the right questions.
Pax,
jbt
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