If you want to remain comfortable, do not let Jesus ask you questions. I learned this the hard way a few years ago when I decided that as a Lenten practice, I would spend time each day reflecting on and praying with the questions that Jesus asks in the Gospels. If you have ever looked for these, you’ll notice that he asks a lot of questions.
• What are you looking for?
• Why do you call me good?
• How does your concern affect me?
• Does this shock you?
• Do you want to be well?
• Have you anything here to eat?
And on and on.
What I found is that the more I dwelt with Jesus’ questions, the more I discovered that I was being moved by Jesus away from my own comfort zones. Those are the zones of my own thoughts, of my own vague desires, of my own expectations. Of course, I didn’t just read these questions––I read the pericopes in the Gospels where they are set. I found myself connecting these episodes and these questions to other parts of Scripture. And then I started writing. And writing. And writing.
In turns out that I had stumbled into scriptural pilgrimage. I don’t know how us to put this but to say that Jesus led me by his questions through a prolonged examination of conscience, towards his suffering, and even to glimpse anew the glory of his resurrection.
Reflecting on and praying with the questions of Jesus turned out to be a very appropriate, very challenging, and very renewing Lenten practice. So I want to share a bit that with you today.
Our episode today is pretty straightforward. I am going to select a few of these questions of Jesus. I tell you what the question is, I will read the Gospel passage in which it is set, and then I will share with my reflection on that question. Maybe this will spark an interest in you to take the chance of letting Jesus ask you his questions.
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