I've heard a description of Judas that his primary sin was expecting the Messiah to come as a worldly King, with all the pomp and circumstance that implies. He was, essentially, a materialist: What value is there in spending quality time with Jesus when we could be out doing some *actual work*?
The Gospel calls to mind a similar scene between Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus. Martha is busy and at work, and Mary is reclining with Christ, and Christ says something to the effect that Mary has chosen the better part.
I like the both/and connection you make to Isaiah. I would take it perhaps one more step: We serve the poor not (only) because they are poor in a worldly sense but because they are an image of Christ. Serve the poor *as Mary serves Christ* rather than as merely materially poor.
Good thoughts, and excellent reflection. Thank you!
Thanks for the comment Scoot. Your thoughts of course echo Christ and the response to Him in Mt. 25 “judgment of all nations.” “Lord, when did we see you hungry...” We do see Christ in the marginalized of the world.
Gary A. Anderson’s book “Charity” expresses well the biblical sacramental nature of our charitable acts of the faithful.
Naturally short reflections cannot cover the depth, beauty, and revelation of Sacred Scripture. But, that’s what the comment section is for! I hope you continue to give your insight here.
I've heard a description of Judas that his primary sin was expecting the Messiah to come as a worldly King, with all the pomp and circumstance that implies. He was, essentially, a materialist: What value is there in spending quality time with Jesus when we could be out doing some *actual work*?
The Gospel calls to mind a similar scene between Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus. Martha is busy and at work, and Mary is reclining with Christ, and Christ says something to the effect that Mary has chosen the better part.
I like the both/and connection you make to Isaiah. I would take it perhaps one more step: We serve the poor not (only) because they are poor in a worldly sense but because they are an image of Christ. Serve the poor *as Mary serves Christ* rather than as merely materially poor.
Good thoughts, and excellent reflection. Thank you!
Thanks for the comment Scoot. Your thoughts of course echo Christ and the response to Him in Mt. 25 “judgment of all nations.” “Lord, when did we see you hungry...” We do see Christ in the marginalized of the world.
Gary A. Anderson’s book “Charity” expresses well the biblical sacramental nature of our charitable acts of the faithful.
Naturally short reflections cannot cover the depth, beauty, and revelation of Sacred Scripture. But, that’s what the comment section is for! I hope you continue to give your insight here.