THE BIBLE - TODAY’S TREASURE HUNT
COMMENT FOR LENT 5 – 02-04-06
Jeremiah 31:31– 34
Jeremiah was the prophet as the sixth century BCE began with the desperate fear of the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem, and the period in exile began. But he has this positive vision of the law written in people’s hearts, not on stone tablets, and a true community builds as they discover for themselves the astonishing forgiveness of God.
Psalm 51: 1- 2
The power of this psalm goes back to an incident in the life of King David - his liaison with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband. Nathan the prophet accused him, and this is his confession and prayer of repentance and plea for forgiveness. These words have touched the hearts of countless numbers of people who seek reassurance of spiritual renewal in God.
Hebrews 5: 5-10
This beautiful passage refers to Jesus the Christ as priest in a universal sense. We should note Genesis 14: 13-24 and Psalm 110: 4 for the Melchizidek model of priesthood, This role is different from the Aaron priestly style with its regular sacrificial observances. This Christ comes to us in weakness, humility and shares our suffering.
John 12: 20-33
Phillip and Andrew see nothing remarkable in the presence of Greek visitors. But for Jesus their presence and request brings into focus the whole purpose of his life on earth. He sees it all in an explosion of spiritual energy: the final conflict, the cross of sacrifice, the new life beyond, and a universal appeal to every member of the human race. “An angel spoke to him” was a discerning comment.
Question for Lent 5
In our competitive and violent world is it still possible to appreciate the quiet spiritual power of the Easter message?
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