“The Kingdom As A Mystery?!” (Matt.11:1 (Section Head) ) [Spanish Jerusalem Bible Series - Matthew 10 sub-series]

The section head, translated here
Is “Mystery”, that part’s unclear –
Do they mean, it is still unclear?
Or just at first, as it was “Near” –

But not quite present in their age?
I guess I’ll have to turn their page
And hear what Spanish readers hear –
Perhaps that will make this point clear.

I know the “Kingdom” thought to us,
Was quite opaque, and quite a fuss
Had risen on this subject when
New readers of the text would bend –

Its words to fit some theory new,
Or worked to bring such into view;
I heard, “Ho-hum, what nonsense this –
An academic’s form of bliss.”

But in this section-head I hear –
A “mystery”, words, not quite clear,
Or rather, “One to chew upon
Until our living days are gone”.

Lord, what is going on right here?
I see their headings, making clear
How they are hearing ancient text –
How ’bout for us? Should we get vexed –

About interpretation theirs?
Or is it something somewhat scarce
To us as readers from elsewhere,
Who’ve come to this quite unprepared –

To hear, “Their way” (“Ours” left to behind)?
Please open heart and hands, and mind;
“Stu, it’s like your augmented text
In novel form, so don’t get vexed.

“For its a commentary form,
Just like your novels – so be warned –
They give perspective from each one
Who reads the text – so have some fun –

“And meet your neighbor down the road
Who’ll help you bear your current load;
You need not sweat the little stuff;
Kick back, enjoy, My word’s enough.”

Okay Lord, thanks for this.

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