St John Chrysostom

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Today is Friday the 13 September, the feast of St John Chrysostom, in the 23rd week of Ordinary Time.

The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing Aveugle de Coeur: “Blind in heart since my birth, I come to you, Light of the world…. Let me live as a child of light”  As I listen, I ask the Lord to open my eyes to what he wants me to see.  I ask God to shine his light into my life.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Can you imagine Jesus speaking these words?  Do you suppose that he is very solemn and serious?  There’s no doubt that it is a serious point that he’s making.  Might there be a twinkle in his eye?  Could this be an example of Jesus doing a bit of ‘stand up’?  Might his audience have been laughing?  

Jesus was a very attractive teacher and people came from miles to hear him, often forgetting to bring a packed lunch.  What was it about him that drew the crowds?  

Of their nature, we do not see our own blind spots.  Are you able to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal yours to you? 

As you listen again, why not experiment and imagine this to be serious teaching but with a large dose of intended humour.   

Are there places in scripture where you think Jesus adds light-hearted humour to the message he’s trying to convey?  Does that Jesus want to show himself to you?