WwtW: Salvation visits us

This week's bible study notes, OT, Week 31, Yr C.  We had an interesting discussion about how the text leaves us with lots of questions about Zacchaeus, but crystal clear about who Jesus is: Salvation.

1^st Reading:    Wisdom 11:22-12:2

Context.          Wisdom is a book written in Greek from the Diaspora shortly before the birth of Christ.  It is directed to educated Jews living in heavily Hellenized areas (such as Alexandria, where it was probably written) to encourage them to remain faithful and keep on loving their revealed tradition.  There are pulls and pushes moving them away from this: the pull of compelling Pagan philosophy and science; the twin pushes of social anti-Semitism and existential questions of theodicy.  The book admits that Jews can admire pagan ‘wisdom,’ but should not be jealous as they have true Wisdom.  Wisdom is from God and touches all subject matters, including the apparently profane.  The second half is a meditation on the Exodus.  It provides hope for current Jews suffering in Egypt and a historical basis for claims that God helps the just and punishes the wicked.

Interpretation. Our reading is from the second half of the book, on the Exodus.  The author has been discussing the plagues of animals sent to the Egyptians, fitting punishment for people who worshipped animals.  The question then arises: can God be called merciful if He punishes?  The answer is yes: God does not delight in destruction (from chapter 1), but is concerned to lead people to fidelity and righteousness that will last.  He did not destroy all the Egyptians even though he was sufficiently powerful to do so, in order that some might repent.

Gospel:           Luke 18:9-14

Context.           We come to the final stretch of Jesus’ long journey to Jerusalem (9:51-19:48; Wks 13-31), with a section (17:11-19:27, Wks 28-31) summarizing what Jesus has taught previously on the journey and inviting response.  We have skipped a few important stories between last week’s reading and this one: the rich ruler (// “rich young man” from Matt/Mk) who keeps commandments, but won’t give up his wealth; and the healing of a blind man.  We are almost at the end of the journey.

Interpretation.  Jericho is only around 12 miles from Jerusalem, so we know Jesus is getting close: the tension should be building in a reader.  We will learn that divine necessity compels him to stay with Zacchaeus.  Zacchaeus is rich, but not socially affluent, due to his position.  Zacchaeus is seeking to see who Jesus is; Jesus is seeking the lost.  The two seekers meet.  Zacchaeus’ quest finds an obstacle in the crowd, so he embraces the humiliation of climbing a tree.  Like the blind man, he sees Jesus.  Unlike the rich ruler, without being told to, he gives of his possessions (though not all of them).  His restitution is in accord with the strictest legal standard (Exod 22:1, which is more demanding than Lev 6:5 or Num 5:6-7, or the compromise the rabbis came up with).  He responds obediently with the joy we associate with right response to divine action.  The crowd doesn’t have joy, though; they grumble.  Jesus coming to his house is equated with salvation.

Questions

1.      What’s your reaction to the idea of God punishing?  Any word taken from the sphere of human affairs can only ever apply imperfectly to God.  How might God be like a human punishing?  How would God be unlike one?  That is, what would God punishing be like, and how would that be different from any human (therefore, fallen) attempt?

2.      According to Wisdom, what are the reasons for God’s mercy?  How should this impact how we act towards others?

3.      Let your imaginations run wild for a minute: what might have happened when Jesus and Zacchaeus had dinner?

4.      What are you seeking?  What do you do to seek Jesus?  Do you find Jesus seeking you?

5.      How does your faith bring you joy?