“What is it you want me to do for you” is a
question Jesus often asks those who approach him seeking something. Two
examples appear in the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 10:35-52. First James and John,
the sons of Zebedee want to “sit on his right hand and his left hand when he
comes into his glory.” A short time later, “blind Bartimaeus” asks to receive
his sight. Both requests reflect blindness: Bartimaeus cannot see the beauty of
this world and wants to; James and John cannot see the truth and beauty and
danger of Jesus’ mission in the world and their place in that mission.
We who are God’s people, like the “Sons of
Thunder,” are often blind to our part in the mission and ministry of Jesus
Christ. We forget about the cup of suffering that Jesus ‘drank’ and the baptism
of torture and death that he suffered as he stood up to injustice in his
mission to bring God’s Kingdom to Earth just as it exists in heaven. Many of us
also forget, or choose to ignore Jesus’ call to us to share in his Baptism and
drink of his cup. Who can blame us? As I read the Gospels, the idea of being
ridiculed, losing jobs, hated and possibly even executed for proclaiming God’s
good news to all people, for loving our neighbor as ourselves, and for
welcoming the stranger, do not inspire one to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Two weeks ago I baptized Howard King, a
smiling, trusting seven month old. In my sermon I told Howard, and all who were
gathered, that only we as God’s children can do away with the hate and violence
in our nation and the world. Even though during this week we have seen the
murder of two black people at a Walmart in Kentucky, thirteen pipe bombs sent
to former government officials and people of wealth and power in our country,
and the murder of eleven of God’s Children during worship in a synagogue in
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, I stand by my comments to Howard and his friends.
Today, I challenge all of us to avoid casting
blame, to look at ourselves rather than others and focus on how we can, through
our faith and our actions, our politics and our speech, do what I assured
Howard only we can do. As we look at people, problems and politics through the
eyes of our faith we will not all see the same scenarios or arrive at the same
solutions to the problems and situations of our world today. How then do we
proceed? I believe we proceed as Jesus would, with questions first rather than
answers. Who do we hate? Why do we hate them? What do we do to make it easy for
people to hate us? Finally, can we give our anger and hate over to God?
Some possibilities from my reflections, I know
you will find your own as well: When posting on social media, fact check before
you post. Better yet, don’t post, rather, talk with your friends and family
members who see things differently or believe things differently than you, and
really listen to them. Do not consider your political opponents “mobs” or “racists”
or “deplorable” or things I cannot even write in the newspaper. We all know
people like that exist, but we do not have to be them. Finally work your heart
out for the politicians who reflect your beliefs, and rest assured I will do
them same.
Most importantly, know that Jesus is Lord, not
Caesar! I am pretty sure that Jesus would be turning over some tables in our
country today, including some of mine.
And pray, and pray and pray!
O God, you made
us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion
on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts;
break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work
through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that,
in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your
heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for the Human Family: Book of Common
Prayer, page 815)
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