The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

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This weekend is Saturday the 14 September, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, and Sunday the 15 September, beginning the 24th week of Ordinary Time.

Salt of the Sound sing “Turn your eyes upon Jesus… and the things of the earth will fall strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

This weekend’s teaching from Luke chapter 15 is very well known.  As a way of hearing it differently, why not imagine the reaction of the crowd as they listen, and also the way in which Jesus is revealing to them his image of God.  

It has been said that if we only had this chapter of Luke’s gospel as a record of Jesus’ teaching, it would be enough.  The audience are probably outraged by the behaviour of the younger son and expecting just punishment, perhaps banishment from the family home.  “You’ve made your bed; now lie in it.” Even other parts of Jesus’ teaching could support that position.  On Thursday this week we heard him say, “The measure you give is the measure you will get back.”  

Well, we know what happens: a ridiculous, extravagant, one might say, ‘prodigal’ love.  Imagine the reaction of his hearers when Jesus reveals his plot twist: “He ran and put his arms round him and kissed him.”……… What is Jesus doing to the image of God that people around him have built up?

As you listen, just to the end of the story this time, imagine that crowd, and also Jesus telling the story, for the first time...

Second Reading only vv20-24

What was it like for Jesus to tell this story to people?  And what is it like for you that this was his image of God?  Share that with him.