Different readings of the same text

We had a reading from St. Ephrem at morning prayer today which I want to share with you:

Lord, who can grasp all the wealth of just one of your words? What we understand is much less than what we leave behind, like thirsty people who drink from a fountain. For your word, Lord, has many shades of meaning, just as those who study it have many different points of view. The Lord has colored his words with so many hues, so that each person who studies it can see in it what he loves. He has hidden many treasures in his word so that each of us is enriched as we meditate on it.  (Commentary of St. Ephrem on the Diatessaron)

We can study the same scriptures year after year and each time come away with something new. What touches our heart at one time may not be what we need at another time, but there is still more. I like to think of the Beatitudes in this way (Matthew 5:3-12). There are some beatitudes which make far more sense to someone who has been through the ringer than for someone who is living a comfortable easy-going existence.

Blest are those persecuted for holiness sake; the reign of God is theirs. Blest are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of slander against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven. (5:11)

Let’s face it: There are times when this beatitude doesn’t make any sense at all. “Rejoice because you are being dragged through the mud and people are persecuting you? Give me a break! How could that be?”

BUT: If you are a displaced homeless Christian in danger every day of being put to death by ISIS, that verse takes on a whole new meaning, doesn’t it? And for those who are suffering it is indeed good news.

To sum up: Our understanding of the scriptures is based on our own particular circumstances and on what we bring to the text. If a text touches you deeply, consider what it is saying to your state of life at that moment. And, above all, be respectful of those who may be getting something different from one of your favorite texts, assuming they are sincere and not because they are looking for a way to use the scriptures as a weapon against someone else.

God bless you!