JESUS’S FIRST DECISION: GALILEE

After his baptism and the desert, Jesus’ first decision is to go to Galilee (cf. Matthew 4:12). Why Galilee? Let’s note: Jesus does not choose the capital, Jerusalem, but a distant region, inhabited by farmers and fishermen, people who had no social influence, did not live in abundance, and, moreover, had a bad reputation. What was Galilee like in Jesus’ time? We know that nothing good comes from Galilee, according to Nathanael (cf. Jn 1:46), much less the promised prophet, the Messiah (cf. Jn 7:52). Calling someone a Galilean was certainly not a compliment, and saying “stupid Galilean” was a common way to insult someone. The Jews then ridiculed them for the way they spoke. Yojanan ben Aakkai, after failing in his mission in Galilee, said: “Galilee, Galilee, you hate the Torah!” So, Jesus, a Galilean (cf. Mt 26:69; Mt 21:11), chose Galilee. How should we interpret this choice? Simple: Jesus didn’t care at all about his public image; he didn’t worry about gaining the favour of the notables or the influential class of his time. Jesus, therefore, didn’t adopt the criteria we might adopt when launching an initiative, a work, or an institution.   He didn’t seek out the most brilliant positions, the most prestigious places, the most authoritative people, nor those with money or power. There’s also a detail that should be noted. Matthew states that Jesus goes to Galilee after John’s arrest by Herod, an unscrupulous tyrant. Jesus knows well where he’s going: into the wolf’s den.   Herod himself had fears (cf. Mk 6:16ff.); his presence could be dangerous for him.  Therefore, he had reasons to kill him (cf. Lk 13:31). Jesus, however, doesn’t let himself be ensnared, and he leaves despite knowing his possible fate. Jesus therefore has great prophetic freedom. But let’s look at other reasons for this unusual choice. Jesus was convinced that there can be no dissociation between what is said and what is done. That is, one cannot speak of poverty, humility, or obedience (think of the Beatitudes) from a solemn and prestigious pulpit. Values ​​are credible if those who proclaim them live them first. Another clear aspect is that Jesus’ journey to Galilee demonstrates that true changes
come from below, not from above. If the foundation of a society changes, the world changes. Jesus therefore identified with the least and showed solidarity with them. This allowed him to truly participate in the harsh reality of a certain world, victim of the injustices of the powerful and which unfortunately, scandalously, persists even today. This Sunday’s invitation is to follow him in his evangelical and alternative choices.

Commentary by b. Sandro Carotta, osb
Abbazia di Praglia (Italy)

Translation by f. Mark Hargreaves,
Prinknash Abbey