40 Words of Lent: MIND (3/5/2021)

 

What comes to mind when you hear the word "mind"?

           What crosses your mind?

               Do you bear it in mind?

                    Do you give a piece of your mind?

                           Does it boggle your mind?

There are so many different idioms that we use when referring to our minds (see link below for more).  They fall into place in our thoughts, intellect, process of coming to know. We use it in reference as well to our opinions, feelings, experiences, memories and the like. It is a kind of catch-all term that wraps itself in our brains.

When Peter rebukes Jesus when he proclaims his coming passion, Jesus responds by saying: "you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” (Mark 8:33c)

The Greek word used here (φρονέω; phroneo) derives from phrḗn, "the midriff or diaphragm; the parts around the heart," – properly, regulate (moderate) from within, as inner-perspective (insight) shows itself in corresponding, outward behavior. phronéō essentially equates to personal opinion fleshing itself out in action (see J. Thayer). This idea is difficult to translate into English because it combines the visceral and cognitive aspects of thinking.  https://biblehub.com/greek/5426.htm

By setting our minds on human things, we are living from the midst of our own experiences and understandings.  Peter's view - like our own - was limited by his own perspective.  Jesus invites us to a broader understanding of God in the flesh as well as the world in which we are called to live.   In doing so, we are offered hope beyond our comprehension and a new way in which to live.

This indeed can "boggle our minds" but in opening them up beyond ourselves, our minds can dwell within the divine love and grace of God.

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." (Romans 8:5-6) 

More idioms with the word "mind": https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/mind