The Gospel for February 3rd features Jesus reading in a synagogue – a place of worship for Jews like him. I think it is important to picture him in this space. A man of faith, in his place of worship. Like us. Every Sunday.
So, I went to the Holy Land this past week, and the stories will be pouring out of me in the weeks to come.
But I saw a synagogue. The synagogue in Capernaum that is referenced in Luke’s gospel. (Not this sunday’s passage, though).
And I stood looking out, at the archeological remnants of the 4th century synagogue, and underneath that, the archeological remnants of the 1st century synagogue – the one Jesus stood in. It’s not huge. Its about as big as the church I serve now, Holy Cross. And I could imagine Jesus feeling good about worshipping there, even though he was not roundly accepted, even though he needed to talk to them about a faith that would change everything for them. 
Look at the pictures, if you have a chance. And picture yourself there. In the synagogue. Just one of the townspeople, at their place of worship. And Jesus just starts to talk.
Wouldn’t that have been something?
I know Jesus lived a long time ago, in a world and a time where things were very different. But sometimes, it is good to imagine ourselves in the same spot and the same time as Jesus. Would we have listened to him? Would we have been insulted at what he said? Maybe. Who knows?
Just imagine for awhile my friends. Look at the pictures and imagine. God bless you.
Pastor Patricia+