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Tuesday – Third Week of Lent

The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward who stated, “This man said, ‘I can destroy the Temple of God and within three days rebuild it.’” (Mt. 26:59:61)

Matthew emphasizes how unprincipled the Sanhedrin was – they were seeking false testimony. After several failed attempts, they finally hit on something they could use.

The religious leaders had probably heard rumors of what Jesus had said about the need to reform Temple worship. Five chapters earlier in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus had turned over the tables of some of the money changers – “cleansing” the Temple. All this made them nervous.

There is an old Latin saying about the Church – “semper reformanda” – which means “always in need of reform.” We never were a perfect Church, and never will be a perfect Church until this world ends. But it’s hard to let go of things that need to change. It was so from the beginning. In the Acts of the Apostles, we read of how hard it was for Peter to accept Gentiles into the community of disciples.

It’s easier to think about reform in “the Church” than reform in me. But all of us together are the Church. The reform most within reach is the reform of me. Which happens to be what Lent is about. Any thoughts about “the reform of me?”

Spend some quiet time with the Lord.

March 14, 2007

Jewish Authorities in the Passion Narrative

High Priest: There was only one high priest in office chosen from the descendants of Aaron, and he lived in Jerusalem. He was in office for life, but at the time of Jesus, the Roman Prefect deposed those not to his liking.

Chief Priests: This term refers to a Jerusalem priestly aristocracy in positions of power over the Temple and its treasury. They were active opponents of Jesus probably because of his criticism of Temple practices.

Scribes: These were scholars in the Law, sometimes referred to as “lawyers.” They treasured the traditions of Judaism, and dedicated themselves to copying and compiling them – thus the name “scribes.”

Elders: In Jesus’ time, these were wealthy nobles, respected for their wisdom. Two of them play a role in the Passion: Nicodemus (who in John’s Gospel, provided expensive spices for the burial of Jesus) and Joseph of Arimathea (whom Matthew describes as “a rich man.”)

Pharisees: These were people belonging to a movement, rather than in positions of power. They tried to reinterpret primitive prescriptions of the Law and adapt them to contemporary conditions. Strict Jews accused them of adding to the Law. (Before he became a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee.)