The Great Disconnect

Gospel: Matthew 20: 17-28

The disconnect between disciples and Jesus takes place in two acts.  In the first, Jesus tells his disciples that they are going to Jerusalem where he will be arrested, tortured, and executed by the political and religious leaders of the day.  The disciples, oblivious to what Jesus is saying, argue among themselves over who is the most important among them, who will reign in Jesus' kingdom on his right and left when that day comes.  

Come we now to act two.  Jesus tells us that he is not about kingdoms, that to be great is to serve others which was his mission.  For the past two thousand years we who claim discipleship have spent our time attempting to build kingdoms, waging wars against others, executing people, creating untold poverty and masses of refugees whom we then will deny help - all "in Jesus' name."  Herein lies the greatest blasphemy and the taking of God's name in vain.  

Jesus is not about kingdom building or lording over others.  He came to serve, going about healing, liberating, and nourishing people in deeds of love and mercy.  He encouraged us to take up a towel and basin to wash the feet of others, and bade us to put away the sword.  The kingdom of God is a kingdom of love and mercy in service to others.  It is not one of wars, executions, and exploitation.  The Way of Jesus is the road to the cross, not to the mansion.   

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?