In the Gospels, we see several instances where Jesus does or says something that catches people by surprise. The evangelists then tell us: “And they were amazed.” Almost immediately, Jesus says: “Don’t be amazed!”
What is this “amazement” that Jesus has a deep suspicion of?
We are amazed (in the biblical sense) when we simply let the energy flow through as a wire conducts an electrical current when we simply take in the energy of the group around us or the energy that spontaneously arises within us and, without holding, carrying, or transforming it in any way, act on it and let it flow through us.
That’s good at rock concerts and football games, but it’s also the root of selfishness, bigotry, short-sightedness, groupthink, mob mentality, gang rapes, and crucifixions. Ultimately, it’s the opposite of compassion.
Compassion begins with what the Gospels call “pondering”. To ponder, in the biblical sense, is to resist having energy simply flow through you and instead hold, carry, and transform it to not give it back in kind.
When I’m amazed (as opposed to pondering) I give back in kind: If someone comes up to me and says: “I like you!” my spontaneous response will be: “And I like you too!” Conversely, if someone comes up to me and says, “I hate you!” my response will also be in kind: “And I hate you!” When I react in this way, I simply let energy flow through me, like a conduit. This is what Jesus calls the virtue of the scribes and Pharisees: “What virtue is there in loving those who love you? Can you love those who hate you?” Virtue requires the transformation of energy.
We live in a culture of amazement. Sometimes this is wonderful, when we all get caught up in an energy that draws us together in community and celebration, as when our football team wins the national championship, or we have all seen and enjoyed the same movie or television series. Mostly though amazement fuels mindlessness, narrowness, and suffocating group.
When Mary stood helplessly under the cross, she was silent. If she had she spoken that day, hers would have been words of amazement. Instead, she held, carried, and transformed a great tension into full compassion. Ron Rolheiser, Omi.
