Lessons from the Saints - Nicodemus

Nicodemus in his Cardinal's garb
(cappa magna not included)

Today is the feast day of St. Nicodemus.  Nicodemus features somewhat prominently in the gospel of John, appearing thrice throughout the gospel story.  What we know for certain is that Nicodemus was a pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin.

Recall that the pharisees were the comparatively 'populist' and more progressive of the two major socio-religious groups in that day (in comparison to the saducees, who were formed from the aristocracy and believed in a more conservative and literal interpretation of things).  The Sanhedrin was the supreme religious body who decided on policy.

Thus, we see that Nicodemus is a moderate to liberal, highly placed member of the establishment who comes to this renegade preacher under cover of darkness to discuss things.  And what does this man with great power and authority say to Jesus?

"Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." (Jn 3:2b)

This simple statement, the opening salvo in a relatively long and fruitcake-dense discussion, demonstrates that even among his greatest detractors where some who saw and recognized the power and truth in Jesus' message.  Further, it underlines the delicate situation that Nicodemus (and others) were in.

There they were, the 'progressives' in a cut-throat battle with the 'conservatives' for the direction of the judaic faith under the thumb of Roman 'oppression' (oppression meaning acceptance of other gods) with the monastic ascetics (Essenes) and those who would purify Zion of infidels (the Zealots, who want to reenact the Maccabean rebellion) as minor players.  Then comes this rebel preacher from the sticks who seems to speak with an authority which none have seen in hundreds of years.  He has a syncretic approach to Judaism which is both familiar and yet very different from the current beliefs.  To openly accept him would invite political (and personal) disaster, yet the signs are obvious to any who see that the messenger is from YHWH.

So, it comes to some hard questions.
Do the prelates respect centuries of tradition and preserve the church?
Do they heed their conscience and abandon the church they know?
Do they attempt to straddle the two and affect change within the church?

Nicodemus attempts the last, using his position to deflect the pharisees from arresting Jesus (Jn. 7) and then, after the crucifixion, he personally purchases the materials for burial and performs the Taharah of Christ's body (Jn. 19).  History shows, however, that the Zealots 'win' the political struggle and incite a revolt which causes the destruction of the nation of Israel.

Examining the present situation in the RC community and the wholesale abandonment of Tradition, Ecclesiasties comes to mind, "We don't remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now." (Eccl. 1:11)

So, what is to be learned from Nicodemus?  Perhaps to be more generous in understanding the prelates and their position?  Perhaps to be sensitive to personal conscience and it's function within our experience?  Perhaps to refocus our attention to Tradition so we do not repeat the mistakes of the past?  I will leave the answer as an exercise for the reader.

Walking in faith

Today's reading is from Matthew, wherein Christ sends the disciples ahead and then returns to them by walking across the Sea of Galilee.  Not surprisingly, the disciples are scared witless.

At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
 
Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
 
He said, “Come.”
 
Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.  But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
 
Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him,
and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

There are a few things here.  The first is Simon wanting proof that Christ is who he says he is by performing yet another miracle, but specifically one for him.  The second is that the miracle DID happen, Peter DID walk on the water, until his faith wavered.  Thirdly, as soon as Peter cried out for salvation, Christ was there.

I could wax prosaic about parallels between this parable and the present (insert denomination here) church.  Instead, I think it is more instructive to examine ourselves personally and think about the presence (or absence) of miracles.

Throughout the gospels, there is a pattern to Christ's miracles when they interact with man (i.e.- when Christ isn't showing power over nature).  The mortal is shown to be in need, the mortal (whether by external exhortations or internal prodding) has faith in Christ, demonstrates that faith in some way (normally Christ tells them to do something) and the miracle occurs.  This is particularly of interest in this reading as we see that the miracle waxes and wanes with Peter's faith.

I mention all of this because I was raised in a tradition which believes that the Age of Miracles is over and that the Age of Reason, with it's emphasis on the rationality of the Divine Watchmaker and the logical and munificent bargain that is salvation.  At the risk of having chicken and eggs here, it makes me wonder.

If a person does not have faith in miracles, then it follows that one would not see them when they happen.
If a person does not have faith in salvation, then it follows that they would not receive it.
If a person does not have faith in the Divine, then they would (at least in this world) not know Her benefice.

As I have mentioned previously,  Faith is trust without limits.

Trust in God, know His benefice.
Trust in salvation and receive it.
Trust in the existence of miracles, and you will see and experience them.

So, follow Christ and walk in faith on the water.

An update

For those of you (and you know who you are) who have been wondering about my reticence as of late, it is explained by the word to the left.  Yes, I have been on holiday...and a proper holiday, that is.  No visiting my parental units or 'his family', but I had a friend from back east come out and visit.

The time off was brilliant and I worked hard to fully clear my calendar so we could go and do whatever without interruptions.  This brought into crystal focus how much I have taken on in the last year.  There's choir and SCA and the RPG stuff and church committee this and church committee that. 

It also gave me the opportunity to chat at length with an intelligent and spiritual but strongly areligious person.  Folks like this are my intellectual whetstone, for reasonable discourse with a logical and open-minded individual who is all-too-willing to play devil's advocate is precisely the sort of grist I need to further hone my beliefs.  I have some thoughts, but I'm gonna let those bubble around in my head for a bit.  It's been a long week and a half.

Peace to all