The episode from today's gospel is one of the few occasions that we see Jesus and someone from the Jewish establishment having a mutual and civil conversation. Jesus sets us an example in his willingness to dialogue Both parties to the exchange find common ground and Jesus relies to the scribe saying: "You are not far from the kingdom of God." (Mk 12: 34) As believers we need to follow the advice: "Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence." (1 Pt 3: 15-16) It is interesting to see though that: "After that no one dared to ask Jesus any question." (Mk 12: 34) It appears that the onlookers wanted not to learn or discuss religious matters but wanted to have a verbal brawl. Jesus by acting in such an open and reasonable manner was clearly not going to provide them with more sport. As a man from Galilee and the reputed son of a carpenter he should have been easy to defeat but they could not better him in debate. No wonder they got angry!
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