As I write this pondering, I have just finished
preparation for the 6th week of the course that I am
co-leading – “Would you want Jesus as your Financial
Advisor?” It is part of the wonderful work of the
Ottawa School of Theology and Spirituality. It has
been a great experience and it has been challenging to
wrestle with the teachings of Jesus out of a very
different economic context and cultural assumptions to
see what applies to our context and assumptions.
As I have worked on this course, I realize that I love
this act of wrestling that is biblical interpretation. I do
it each week with worship and sermon preparation. If I
took scripture literally, I would be deprived of the depth
of reflecting that needs to happen with biblical stories
to make their truth come alive in refreshing ways.
As the season of Lent continues, we are approaching
the Holy Week Story of the various events and
influences that led to Jesus’ death and the wonder
experienced in resurrection by the disciples and
followers. These stories are so rich with meaning and
imagery that they are eternal – they surpass any specific
time context to offer wisdom and hope that speaks to
our lives and situations.
The wrestling work I do is enhanced by comments and
questions that I receive in a variety of ways. So, please
ask. Come to a discussion circle. Come to worship.
