THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
This year, with Matthew’s Gospel as the focus, the Christmas season moves into surprising territory. Having just celebrated the birth of Christ, the Lectionary now tells the story of the massacre of the children in Bethlehem. This tragic event was brought on by the desire of the three magi to worship the new-born king, and by the jealousy and self-protectiveness of the evil king Herod. But, for us, we may be tempted to stay focussed on the joy and happiness of the birth and skip over this horrifying story. However, for Matthew’s Gospel, this story is important for us to understand who Jesus was and what he came to do.
When we are faced with suffering – especially unnecessary suffering brought on by the evil or ignorant actions of people – we are often tempted to question God’s purpose, presence, and power. But the Bible never falls into this temptation. Rather, the life of Jesus addresses the questions of pain and evil head on, by showing us how God responds to human suffering, and by challenging us to participate in God’s saving work. This week we witness Jesus entering human experience in human flesh, and we see him immediately being targeted by those who seek to destroy any threat to their power. But we also see God grieving with, and promising deliverance to, those who are oppressed and victimised.
This week we explore what it means to experience God’s presence and power in the midst of our pain.
To download this week’s reflections in PDF format, click here.
