On Friday, I finished Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration by Pope Benedict XVI. Like his Infancy Narratives, which I read during Advent and Christmas, I found it very insightful, even if I didn’t always agree with him (not being Catholic). His knowledge of Scripture and the connections he draws are amazing, and he quotes other scholars liberally, whether in agreement or respectful disagreement. Here is a favorite passage appropriate for this Easter Sunday (my pastor made some similar points in his sermon this morning!):
The word remember occurs once again, this time in the description of the events of Palm Sunday. John recounts that Jesus found a young ass and sat down on it: “As it is written, ‘Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on an ass’s colt!'” (Jn 12:14-15; cf. Zach 9:9). The Evangelist then observes; “His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him” (Jn. 12:16). Once again an event is reported that at first seems simply factual. And once again the Evangelist tells us that after the Resurrection the disciples’ eyes were opened and they were able to understand what had happened. Now they “remember.” A scriptural text that had previously meant nothing to them now becomes intelligible, in the sense foreseen by God, which gives the external action its meaning.
The Resurrection teaches us a new way of seeing; it uncovers the connection between the words of the Prophets and the destiny of Jesus. It evokes “remembrance,” that is, it makes it possible to enter into the interiority of the events, into the intrinsic coherence of God’s speaking and acting.
Also read/listened to recently:
- Hubby: The Diamond Throne by David Eddings
- Me: Deeper by Dane Ortlund
- Miss A: Summa Domestica Vol. 3: Housekeeping (which I gave to her at her bridal shower 😉 )
- Mr. D: The Return of the King
- Mr. E: The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy
- Mr. L: Anne of Avonlea (I read the series aloud to the kids a few years ago – I guess he must have liked it! 🙂 ).
- Mr. R: some of the Bones series.
