Greetings on this the Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Readings: Ex 32:7-14; PS 106:19-20, 21-22, 23; Jn 5:31-47
Note: Exegesis is is drawing out text’s meaning in accordance with the author’s context and discoverable meaning. Eisegesis is the process of interpreting text in such a way as to introduce one’s own presuppositions, agendas or biases (Wikipedia).
In today’s gospel reading Jesus is trying to help the detractors to use exegesis and to alert them to their eisegesis tendencies.
Eisegesis
You search the Scriptures,
because you think you have eternal life through them;
even they testify on my behalf.
But what are you looking for?
Moses spoke of me but you do not believe him.
Not Seeking God
Wht you are looking for is other than God.
- You have no love of God in you.
- You discount my words.
- You ignore the signs.
- You read the word but the word does not remain in you.
- You seek the praise of others but not praise that comes from God.
Tough Love
This is a tough love segment of scripture. There is no getting around the idea that our own presuppositions, agendas or biases interfere with the transmitting and receiving the meaning of scripture and the purposes the Lord has given them to us.
Pandemic
There is a spiritual pandemic called Eisegesis.
There is a reading of sacred scripture to support moralistic or power positions but not to discover a divine purpose and holy strategy.
If we are to discover the empty tomb, we must set down our deepest reservations about what the Lord teaches and wants for and from us.
Let the word enter as divine peace not as a tool of aggression.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 