As we have grown older, perhaps some of the myths that were taught to us during our youths may come back to mind. One in particular seems to reappear frequently -- the myth of the hero. Today's gospel reading stirred up such memories for me. Jesus on the mountainside and Jesus in the field -- in both instances Jesus the hero for the folks there listening to him, seeing him heal various illnesses and lastly feeding a very large crowd with just a little bread and a few fish.
Myths do not take hold within a culture unless the "message" of the myth is understood and translated into real life action. Now, please don't think the proposal here is to see Jesus as myth. Far from it. But the growth of a myth among people comes about when the people create rituals or songs or plays that propagate the message of the myth. When we are moved by mythical figures, like Robin Hood, for example, and try to be brave and bold people, the myth of the hero has taken place in our hearts and we than share the story and its impact upon us with other people.
The same can me seen in what Jesus teaches. In the gospel Jesus is giving two specific images of heroic living ... taking care of the needs of others. Unless we understand his purpose, unless we incorporate his intention into our lives, the event is nothing more than an historical happening. Yet, what Jesus did for us in his dying, his sufferings, was to give us the example to change our lives to be like his. Our Eucharistic Liturgy? Is it not an example of a hero's activities ritualized: his giving of himself, his dying ... for no other purpose than to gain for us our eternal salvation.
Hopefully a serious thought for this gloomy day. A thought for the Advent season as we seek to partake in the gift Jesus gave to us in his birth and death ... entrance to the kingdom of God.
