Ruminate

"How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David?" Mark 12:35.

For the crowds listening in on those deliberations it was great fun. The debates established Jesus' intimate knowledge of the Scriptures and his wisdom in applying the Word of God to current affairs. They also showed his complete mastery of teaching methods. The days-long disputations ended with no reputed authorities further willing to pursue reasoned discussion with him. That last question stumped them. How many people would claim, like David, they heard God talk to a descendant of theirs, a descendant who wouldn't show up for another thousand years? And then, to speak of that distant descendant as their own master! The foggy absurdity of the matter just stopped everybody from further speculation. The cross - and its revelation - would resolve absurd fog into the awesome clarity of God's mysteries. But that moment still loomed three days ahead. No fun at all.

When we speak with a brother or sister today, we ruminate on the questions Jesus asked that draw us into his mysteries. And, together, we give thanks that his sacrifice resolved our iniquities, and reconciled all debates.