Comments on: Monday, March 4, 2019 Small Choice, Big Change

By: A

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 00:59:08 +0000

Thank you very much, Mary! Well researched and presented, as usual! I appreciate all your efforts in helping us on our journey with/to the Lord.

By: Mary Ortwein

Mary Ortwein — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 03:03:51 +0000

To A and others interested in the word “God” as in “there is only one who is good, God”: It seems to be complicated. The Greek word is “theos” usually translated as God. BUT there is an article before it which can also make it be translated “the One,” meaning “the Divine.” In this case, in Greek, it can mean something more akin to St. Thomas Aquinas’ definition of God as “that which cannot be thought” than to the personal Hebrew God. I must admit with chagrin that apparently, as I wrote Sunday morning, I did not look up the specific translation, and remembered the verse as “there is only one who is good, the Father.” Probably that slip was from thinking that Jesus would respond with deference to the Father. He would not in that context proclaim his divinity. Still, I uncovered that there is historical difference of opinion about the very question A asked: Why would Jesus decline to be considered “good” as God is good, since he is, indeed, as much God as God the Father?

Generally, commentaries make the point what Jesus was trying to get at in his rebuff of the rich young man for his use of the word “good” is that he is interpreting that young man is misusing God’s name by implying that goodness can come from any person. When he refers to “only God is good,” he means to correct that.

Thanks for the invitation to dig deeper, A.

Mary Ortwein

By: Jerry

Jerry — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 18:57:35 +0000

Very thought provoking. Thank you.

By: A

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 17:11:08 +0000

Hi Mark,

Very insightful! An oblique way to the statement of fact.

Thank you!

By: A

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 17:09:19 +0000

Hi Mary,

Thank you! Looking forward to it!

And I understand that all the writers have different styles, some of which I enjoy immensely, but your grounding in the theology and history of the Bible has answered questions for me before as to why Scriptures are worded in a particular way. I find it a very useful tool, so thank you! I know that your style is the most academic of all the writers, so it’s best suited to answering questions about the particular language used.

In fact, the translation you used, with “Father,” makes sense, whereas the translation with “God” is shocking to me, someone who grew up with the tradition of Jesus as God (something it has never even occurred to me to question). But in the time period written, or for Mark’s audience, it may make sense (which is where your knowledge comes in).

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 14:49:26 +0000

Hey A,

The answer to your question is in the question itself.

Many times Jesus implies that He is God without using the exact words. One might wonder why He doesn’t just come out and say it, but you have to remember the time and place that we are talking about. Even though I am not Jewish, one can see the rabbinic way of teaching is by giving the answer in the form of a question back to the student. It makes the student work for the answer, it’s not just given to him. Since we are reading Mark, just go back to Mark 2, the Healing of a Paralytic, and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

So, one could simplify the question Jesus asks the rich man to: “Why do you call me God?”

Just my take on it,

Mark

By: Ogene Abu

Ogene Abu — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 14:29:11 +0000

Hi Mary,
A lovely way to get me to think very closely about what to ‘not just give up’ but what to ‘give’ this Lent – what to give of myself to God and my neighbour!

By: Mary Ortwein

Mary Ortwein — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 12:40:03 +0000

Hi, A,
Your question is a good one. I will do my best to find the answer to it, but it will most likely be tonight before I will have time to do the necessary research, so check back for an answer this evening. It is more likely to be a matter of translation or perspective of the Gospel writer than of Jesus’ perspective, though Jesus did not proclaim himself as “God” to his listeners–or even his accusers at his trial. He kept saying “the Son of Man” and even to John the Baptist’s disciples he said, “Go back and tell John what you see.” It was the voice of the Father saying, “This is my Beloved Son” which made Jesus’ identity clearer. The whole doctrine of Jesus, 100% God AND 100% human, did not get ironed out until after the year 300.
Also, at A Catholic Moment we write reflections. They may come from a variety of perspectives. I tend to take a study perspective because that’s how I pray. I’m often amazed at the wisdom of other writers and the variety of perspectives.
Blessings…more when I can look things up,
Mary Ortwein