Paying the last penny
Luke 12:54-59. October 21, 2022 - Friday, 29th Week
“A cloud rising in the west” reminds us of the story of Elijah who prayed for rain. His servant was looking seven times towards the Mediterranean Sea before he spot a tiny cloud that was about to bring a great rain (see 1 Kings 18:41-45). On the other hand, the Negev desert is located in the south of Israel. Abraham lived for some time in the region of Negev (see Gen 20:1) in Beersheba where he dig a well (Gen 21:25-31). Thus, the weather in the land of Jesus was affected by these two regions. The clouds rising over the Mediterranean Sea brought rain, the winds blowing from the Negev brought heat.
On the other hand, the social and political life of the people in the time of Jesus was affected by the Roman occupation, the oppressive reign of Herod family, the corrupted leadership of the temple, and the violent movement of Zealots that fought the Romans. In the midsts of such situation, Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of God, the arrival of God’s kingdom through various healings, liberation from oppressive forces of evil, and forgiveness of sin. But, most of the people were not interested in it. The only thing they had on their mind was independence, liberation from the Romans, the restoration of the kingdom of Israel.
During Jesus’ passion, the people chose Barabbas over Jesus, the way of violence over loving one’s enemies. It is a prophecy of the future. In the year 66, the Jews rose against the Romans in hope of overthrowing their oppressive masters. Unfortunately, the uprising ended in a total disaster. The Romans came with overwhelming force, captured Jerusalem, massacred the population, and burned the temple. It was the year 70 when the Jewish people literally paid the last penny.
The ones who did not participate in that violent uprising were Christ’s disciples. Jesus told them that “all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matt 26:52). Jesus taught them that violence is not the way (see Matt 5:44), that as Saint Paul puts it “love is the more excellent way” (1 Cor 12:31). It was the proclamation of the Gospel and their alternative lifestyle that won over the Romans to their side and not hatred and violence.
Today, we also know how to predict the weather but do we know how to read the signs of the times? The Church has been called to play her prophetic role in history. We are to interpret the social and political movements, government agendas, and philosophical ideas that shape our trends from the perspective of the Gospel. And if needed, we are called to tell the world that it is heading for the disaster and if it does not change its direction it is also going to pay “the last penny”.