Apr132025
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The Rule of Thumb.

I like the show where a guy brings a Stradivarius violin that he found in his grandmother’s attic and wants a few million dollars for it. So, the shop owner brought in an expert to see if it was authentic. So, the expert arrives, examines the wood and structure, and concludes that it is a fake from the 19th century. “I’ll give you fifty dollars for it.” It is always interesting to see the reaction of the owner of the violin. He was angry, disappointed, and rejected the offer.

Sometimes, the opposite happens. A guy will walk with an old Rolex watch, hoping to get fifty for it. They bring in an expert, and he says that this is part of a special collection, and there are only a few known to exist. “You could easily get 200,000 dollars for this.” I love to see the owner’s expression. He is elated, supremely grateful, and fully agrees with the expert. Here is the rule of thumb we should always follow: When the expert rules in your favor, take it.

Jesus, who is never wrong, tells us that he will pay a high price for our redemption and the forgiveness of our sins, offer us eternal life, and adopt us into the royal divine household. What should be the reaction according to the rule of thumb? In the gospel, it is anger, disappointment, and rejection. “No, I do not believe you; I will not take two hundred thousand for the watch, I will accept only fifty.” That is them. What is important is this: Do we follow the rule of thumb? Is Christ, Who is always right, the expert of our lives? 

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