False Fronts

Gospel:  Matthew 23: 1-12

Come we now to the next two events in the false religion Olympics.  The first match is the jockeying for power and influence, currying favor with the rich and powerful of the world.  Note the zeal and ardor in which religious leaders seek influence and even seats of power in the world of government and finance.  Pay heed to the titles they insist on people using to abuse religious authority in coercing others to pinch incense to the emperor.  

The next event is in the fashion category - the wearing of religious finery for all to see and in yet another attempt to demonstrate religious authority and endorsement of the worldly powers they seek to woo.  Note the robes, sashes, hats, and various colors, parading before television cameras in a desperate attempt to be seen by others on the local and national news.  And if you missed it, fear not, for they will post it on social media, blogs, and the outlets of religious media empires.  

In these Olympian contests it is vain to reference today's Gospel portion.  The religious apologists have already an answer to justify the displays and jockeying.  But if we seek to follow the Lord Jesus who wore no such fineries, rejected all titles, and sought no favor with the rich and powerful, then our path is that of the desert.  It is the path of divestment, humility, and the firm determination to serve others by bringing healing, liberation, and nourishment to others in deeds of love and mercy. 

Repenting Slowly

Gospel: Luke 6: 36-38

Consider the various events in spiritual Olympics.  In the category of judging other people our rates are incredibly fast.  We can go from rumor to accusation in record time.  But in the next event of accusing oneself of sin our times are quite slow and often uncompetitive.  In the area of our claims to knowledge of the actions and character of others we are remarkable adept, but in the contest of knowing our own actions and character we are quite agnostic.  

We rush to war at the slightest provocation.  We prepare the gallows to satiate our bloodlust.  We erect our stockade fences, install our security cameras, and fortify our homeowners associations because everyone is suspect but ourselves, and every barrier necessary to keep me from an encounter with the other.  It is worth wondering whether sentient life in other parts of the universe look at the behavior of humans and construct ways to shield themselves from us.  

We would not survive the judgment we heap upon other people, though we absolve ourselves so readily all the same.  The audience and appetite for attacks and condemnations is vast while the confessional line remains predictably short and unpopular.  Is Lent merely an exercise in doing deeds of self-satisfaction and personal self-fulfillment, or is it rather about repentance, reform, and conversion of ourselves so that we might be more loving and merciful, more like the Lord Jesus in our words and deeds? 

Listen to Him

Gospel: Matthew 17: 1-9

We have heard these words before - listen to him - at the waters of the Jordan when Jesus was baptized.  Now we hear them again on the mount of the transfiguration.  We hear these words again and again in the depths of our conscience, in the heart of faith as we journey through this vale of tears.  Throughout our lives these words continue to speak to us and sometimes haunt us as we reflect on our thoughts, words, and actions, on what we have done and what we have left undone.

For the most part we have not heeded these words.  We continue to find ways to hate our neighbor, to think, say, and do horrible things to untold numbers of people in the world.  From the wars we justify to the executions we celebrate, from the degrading prison systems to the abuse of the poor and marginalized, the immigrant, refugee, and migrant - we find untold opportunities to do other than what Jesus had done and taught.  And we create apologetic to maintain the claim that we are followers of Jesus.

But today we seek to ascend Mount Tabor so that we might be transfigured and changed anew.  Jesus spoke to Moses and Elijah about his violent death, not to plan that of others.  When we take on the mantle of non-violence, the burden of the cross, then we are transfigured as well.  We become the mercy of God on earth, extending healing, liberation, and nourishment to others as Jesus did, rejecting the path of violence for the path of mercy and love.  Let that be our Lenten journey today and evermore.