Scotch College

ÔSo Padre’Chaplain’s Reflection

‘So Padre’, I was asked while moving between classes last week, ‘has the discovery of the bones of Jesus and his family unsettled your faith?’ I hadn’t read the story reported in the Herald Sun, and my colleague and the students with him knew the passing moment was not the time for such a question. But it was impossible to resist. My fleeting thought was ‘Oh no, not another sensation, and just in time for Easter!’

So I found out that The Lost Tomb of Jesus by Academy Award Winning Director, James Cameron of Titanic fame, was to be screened on the Discovery Channel this week. The program is about the Talipot Tomb, which was found in Jerusalem in 1980. It contained six small ‘bone boxes’ which were typical of first century tombs, and which are inscribed with a number of biblical names, including ‘Mary’ and ‘Jesus son of Joseph’ and ‘Joseph’. So why has the news been such a long time breaking? It’s a good question. The reason is that there is no sensation.

Most scholars realise that the inscribed names are among the most common names of the period (to date there are almost 100 ‘Jesus’ inscriptions on tombs) and the tomb is clearly the tomb of a wealthy family, which contrasts with the poor background of the biblical Jesus. Furthermore Joseph disappears early from the gospel narrative and it is commonly adduced that he died early. If so he would have been buried separately, probably in Nazareth. Perhaps more importantly, the followers of Jesus never referred to him as ‘son of Joseph’. Numerous internet sites outline why this program ‘will make good TV but a bad critical reading of history’ says Professor Ben Witherington, Professor of New Testament Education at Asbury Seminary.

The gospel accounts present the tomb of Jesus to be empty, the body to be missing, and declare that the ‘Lord is risen’. The idea that there may be a serious challenge to this will always make such television enticing for those who seek a basis for their lack of faith. There will be no end of such pursuits.

The past week-end papers featured the Church of Satan and the exploration of the paranormal as real (if not financially enriching) alternatives to straight religion. Self-realisation and meditation are healthier alternatives today as Eastern exits from consumerism and stifling materialism are explored by a generation of the West cringing guiltily at the Christian faith of its mothers and fathers. So what does their Christian faith with its Easter message really offer?

It offers friendship with God. This is the result of the healing work of Jesus. In his gospel we discover that God is for us, not against us. Despite our own tendency to deconstruct our lives, the fourth evangelist finds here an entry into ‘life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10).

Some years ago an incredulous parent asked me ‘What is there to pray for at Scotch?’ The implication was, ‘We have it all’. For those who look a little deeper, the truth is otherwise. We need to work at our relationships on a daily basis. The Christian practise of prayer is a relationship workout. Accept this Easter as a solemn but joyful challenge to develop your friendship with God in Christ. Go to church, try an Alpha course, resume your prayer life, maybe read Philip Yancey’s book Prayer.

Friendship with God has serious implications for us to explore at both personal and communal levels. Why not begin your exploration and preparation for Easter by joining us at the Scotch Family Prayer Breakfast?

God bless you and your loved ones.

Graham Bradbeer