A Fresh Look

Today’s Readings - AM Psalm 1, 2, 3; Isa. 1:10-20; 1 Thess. 1:1-10; Luke 20:1-8

During my seminary experience at Sewanee, I encountered a method of teaching known as the Socratic method. None of my professors during my undergraduate education in Fine Arts had used this technique. At first it was confusing. I had grown accustomed to lectures, taking notes and pretty much being spoon fed what I needed to learn. This was the way I thought teachers always taught. Something that became clear very quickly was that the Socratic method was a lot more fun. The Socratic method is based on the teaching style of the Greek philosopher Socrates, who believed that questioning could help students “logically examine and validate ideas.” It involves the teacher asking open ended questions, and rather than providing all the information the teacher serves as a guide, through which the students are encouraged to ask their own questions, debate and analyze the information, before coming to their own conclusions. My mother wouldn’t have been surprised that this was something I enjoyed. She had told me growing up that I’d argue with a brick wall, and of course I immediately told her I wouldn’t!

I like to ask questions and I like being allowed to explore something before I draw my own conclusions. Along the way, there’ve been many times when I drew an inaccurate conclusion or I came up empty handed, but the act of wrestling with the information and becoming engaged in the process is an act of learning in itself.

In today’s gospel from Luke, Jesus’s authority is challenged by the chief priests and scribes of the temple. When they question him, rather than provide a straightforward answer he answers with another question. This pattern of answering a question with another question was known in the Hellenistic world but it was also used by the Rabbis. It was very similar to what I know as the Socratic method. It would have been familiar to the priests and insulting at the same time. Jesus outdoes them time and time again, which had to be infuriating. What they fail to realize is that there is much for them to learn from this young rabbi. Instead, their resentment grows and they turn a deaf ear to the wisdom he tries to share. Eventually, they force Jesus into an admission that his authority comes from God, which in the end is the bullet that takes him down.

We could take a lesson from the priests and the scribes. Too often we think we already understand and know what it is Jesus is telling us, but by taking a fresh look at the readings each week we may just realize there's a lot there still to be discovered.

Faithfully,

Sally+

 Reflection and Challenge - Advent brings a new year. Take time to look at life with fresh eyes, for the gifts from God, for the new beginnings, for signs the Messiah is on his way.