Chapter 4 may well be my most favorite chapter this time, though I am fairly sure I glossed over it last time as being 'too theological' or 'not so interesting' as some of the other chapters. Aren't we always most interested in things with which we can most easily relate? In Chapter 4, PBXVI asks the (presumed) Christian lay reader to stretch in three unfamiliar and potentially challenging directions: toward greater understanding of the ministerial priesthood, Jewish tradition, and Rabbinic theology. It is in reaching toward unfamiliar ideas where we learn the most. In addition to being our Savior, Jesus was the consummate teacher. He would not give His disciples all the answers but would expect them to work for them. He was also the new High Priest. Born into and raised in Jewish tradition, we know that He was well-versed in its theology. And He was twice referred to by His followers as 'Rabboni': (Mark 10:51 and John 20:16). It was the most honourable of all the titles.

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Listening to Pope Benedict describe Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem I am struck by the things which strike Him. He notices blind Bartimateus along the road who only asks to see and then granted sight wants nothing more than to follow Jesus. The differences among the four Gospels are fascinating in the hands of Pope Benedict as he shows the subtle differences among the texts and explains the backgrounds of the authors as well as citing early liturgical references such as the Didachē.