Saint Dominic
contemplating the Scriptures
Isaiah 6:1-8
Isaiah gives the grounds for his authority as a prophet. Uzziah’s reign has been prosperous, but uncertain times lie ahead. Assyria is expanding its borders, and the northern kingdom, Israel, is trying to coerce Judah into a military alliance against the Assyrian threat. Back then, dreams were taken seriously.
Romans 8:12-17
Paul has told us how Christian experience is dominated by life in the Spirit rather than the desires of the flesh, or self-centeredness. People are still subject to suffering – to bearing crosses and affliction – but not to condemnation. Not being condemned, we have hope. We have been made children of God.
John 3:1-17
God has told Isaiah that most people will reject his message, preferring their traditional ways. Now Nicodemus, a devout and learned leader in Judaism, shows himself to be so steeped in traditional ways of thinking about God that he rejects Jesus’ teaching about how to enter the Kingdom of God.
© 1996-2003 Chris Haslam