Commentary on the Gospel of
Experiencing Christ
In today's Gospel, Jesus' questioners are completely amazed. However, they are unwilling to accept his invitation. Many people are amazed by Christ and admire him from afar but refuse the invitation to become his disciples. "Give to God what is God's": our lives, our gifts, our needs and our doubts.
God's authority is not divided between church and state. Although we pay taxes as responsible citizens, our spiritual loyalty should never be in competition with the state. It's important to understand that there is only one kingdom of God, and both the government and individuals are accountable to it. This helps us understand how our spiritual and civic lives are connected, guiding us in fulfilling our duties as citizens and believers.
In today's first reading, Peter urges us to grow in the "knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." This knowledge is not just intellectual, but experiential, as often seen in the Bible. Each of us may ask the following questions: How well do I know Jesus Christ? Do I understand grace as a personal extension of Christ in my life? When I hear the scriptures, does my heart grow warm within me, as in the case of the disciples on the road to Emmaus? Is the Eucharist a personal experience of Christ in my life?
