Fr. Scott Lewis is an associate professor of New Testament at Regis College, a founding member of the Toronto School of Theology.
He is a past president of the Canadian Catholic Biblical Association.
The people of the ancient world took their covenants, contracts and promises very seriously. No need for dense legal language, for the agreement was sealed in blood, carcasses and curses. At the end of this account of God’s covenant with Abraham, he is promised land — very specific land, where other people are already dwelling — and he is promised this land in perpetuity.
God will not forget those who are faithful
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J.We all share the same limitations
By Fr. Scott Lewis S.J.Most of us love to see the movie villain get his or her comeuppance. There is a palpable sense of glee and satisfaction in the audience, sometimes even erupting into applause. Be honest: how many of us have fantasized about having our own enemy — whoever it might be — right where we want them? I think that is probably a common experience.
The God of life has final say
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J.Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) Feb. 11 (Jeremiah 17:5-8; Psalm 1; 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20; Luke 6:17, 20-26)
Is trust in other people such a bad thing? Couldn’t our world use a bit more trust and less suspicion and cynicism? At first glance, the passage from Jeremiah seems to defy common sense. But if we read carefully, it is clear that trust is not the real issue. It is this: what is the source of your inspiration, power and strength?
Love and grace reach out to wherever there is need
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J.Where do visionaries, reformers and prophets get their courage and perseverance? Their diaries and writings often reveal that they are quite ordinary people, with all the fears and weaknesses that are part of humanity. Many of them struggle with self-doubt, loneliness and fear. And yet they go on — they stand up for justice and compassion despite the opposition of the world and often their own co-religionists.
Orienting ourselves to God
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J.The readings from Isaiah and Luke illustrate the ambiguous attitude many people have towards the sacred and the holy. On the one hand, we claim that we yearn for God's presence, and we complain that God seems so distant. But on the other hand, we are petrified at the thought of an encounter with the divine or holy.
Jesus heals, liberates, gives hope and courage
By Fr. Scott Lewis S.J.The Israelites were unaware how far they had strayed from the path of God. Although the prophets hammered at them unceasingly that their exile in Babylon was due to sin, their actual transgressions had perhaps remained unclear in their minds. But they are ignorant no longer, for the public recitation of the law has hit them hard.
God's miracles are too often misunderstood
By Fr. Scott Lewis S.J.Physical injuries can be easier to overcome than shame and disgrace, for the latter can cut deeply into the heart and soul. The people of Israel considered themselves disgraced before the nations: they had been abandoned or punished by their God and reduced to slavery.
Sacrifice will warm God's heart
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J.We should not be dazzled or deceived by appearances, glamour or power. Great things and great people come from humble beginnings. This passage from Micah spoke to the people of the eighth century BC, who had suffered destruction and deportation.
The coming of the Lord will mean a new order
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J.Second Sunday of Advent (Year C) Dec. 10 (Baruch 5:1-9; Psalm 126; Philippians 1:3-6, 8-11; Luke 3:1-6)
It is always a struggle to remember the past, for there are so many ways of remembering. We can remember with bitterness, anger, fear or even shame. This was probably the situation of the exiles in Babylon for whom this prophecy was given. The horror of the destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation to Babylon was still a vivid memory. And then there was the sense of helplessness and degradation that results from being captives.
God is there at our darkest hour
By Fr. Scott Lewis S.J.First Sunday of Advent (Year C), Dec. 3 (Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2; Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
The predictions and prophecies made in our own lifetimes seldom square with what actually comes to pass. Today most of them are very negative and are designed to generate fear (and perhaps wealth and power for those who capitalize on that fear). Often we are surprised as events take unforeseen directions.