There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said,
luke 10:25
“Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Reflection
A scholar asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, and Jesus asks him what is written in the law. The scholar replies that he must love God with all his heart, and his neighbor as himself. Jesus answers that this is correct, but the scholar continues to ask who his neighbor is, so Jesus tells him the parable of the Good Samaritan.
We are told that the scholar wanted to test Jesus. He didn’t ask the question because he didn’t know the answer, but wanted to see how Jesus would respond. Sometimes we also want to test Jesus, but this never works in our favor. The scholar is made to answer his question himself, and doesn’t prove Jesus wrong in any way.
When we think we know better than Jesus, we are acting with a prideful attitude and listening to our own wills, not God’s. This can lead to a path of destruction where we fail to follow Jesus in our lives. Jesus wants us to trust him, not test him arrogantly. When we approach our Lord with humility, especially when we are confused about something, he gently shows us the way and brings us clarity. How can you practice being humble today?
Saint of the Day
St. Bruno: ca. 1030 – 1101
| “To Him it is not permissible to lie, nor would it do any good, besides; for He does not let Himself be mocked with impunity.” Letters of St. Bruno, to his friend Raoul |
The Healing Word 