Reflection - Skepticism

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120617.cfm
Isaiah 25:6-10
Matthew 15:29-37

In the age of Renaissance art, angels were generally represented as having an adult form. Some were masculine and some were feminine, but in either case the image was most often that of a strong figure. Apparently wimps were not qualified to be angels. As Renaissance art gave way to Baroque art the wimps took over, and the artistic representation of angels shifted dramatically. The occasional representation of angels as cherubs, which was a minor aspect of Renaissance art, became the dominant image in the Baroque period. The messenger, the guardian, and the warrior gave way to sweetness, simplicity, clouds and harps.

Artistic trends shifted after the Baroque period; and art that depicted angels of any type fled the imagination of most painters. The result was that, by default, our artistic heritage gifted us with infantile images of angels. It’s sheer speculation, of course, but I have to wonder if this was not the source of our vision of heaven: pearly gates created in a convoluted over extravagant style, angelic children with curly hair flitting from here to there, pillowy clouds for resting places, ethereal elevator music in the background, and harps as the primary musical instrument.

In any case, Isaiah had a different vision, one that rested on solid ground, not on vaporous, intangible air. It was a scene with the unyielding foundation of a mountain, upon whose crest was spread a kingly feast. Those who came had clarity in their grasp of truth. They came to a table of rich foods and choice wines. For them, there were no pie-in-the-sky dreams, for their hopes and dreams were fulfilled. For them, there were no sorrows, for all wounds had been healed. For them, there was no death, for death had been destroyed forever and God himself wiped away their tears.

As we can see from the Gospel reading, it was this divine vision given to the prophet Isaiah which provided the scenario for the feast in Galilee where Jesus went up onto the mountainside.

The deformed were made whole,
The lame walked,
And the blind became able to see.

And then there was the food. Not exactly a feast by our standards, but certainly one in those days where one’s daily bread was not guaranteed.

I tell you, many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 8:11)

They came.

They all ate and were satisfied.
They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.
'The kingdom of God has come near to you.' (Luke 10:9)

You might think this fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy would have assured an enduring, favorable response to Jesus’ presence and his ministry. It seems, however, that skepticism ruled the day in Jesus time just as it does today. What happened on that hillside provided confirmation that the Kingdom would indeed be as had been promised through the prophet Isaiah. But human memory must be short, for just a few months later many were demanding his crucifixion.

Skepticism is a perennial hazard of mankind’s reasoning. A moderate degree is useful; but only as it pertains to our relationship to others. In our relationship with God it becomes a blemish, a deformity, a disfigurement — a flaw which the evil one can and will manipulate with remarkable ease to undermine the bond which God himself desires should exist between Him and ourselves. So his promises exist for us in the deepest desires of our lives; but it become vaporous when bound up with our decisions to act.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts. (Psalm 28:7)

. . . . When I am at the end of my rope.

Seek his kingdom, and these [basic] things [that you need] shall be yours as well. (Luke 12:31)

. . . . So I will ask Him when I am in desperate straights.

O LORD, my Lord, my strong deliverer, you have covered my head in the day of battle. (Psalm 140:7)

. . . . And I will ensure that You don’t need to bother by raising an army and building bombs.

I keep the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. (Psalm 16:8)

. . . . And I’ll talk with Him as soon as I consult with my lawyer.

The ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease, and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off. (Isaiah 29:20)

. . . . And I, myself, shall wage my personal war against them to make sure that happens.

You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety; in peace I will both lie down and sleep. (Psalm 4:8)

. . . . As soon as my mind quits wallowing in the worries of the day.

I will be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters,says the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:18)

. . . . And I will let let you be that Lord as soon as I’m finished with my life down here.

On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples.

. . . . Am I interested in making the journey?