Both the first and second readings today are also used on Good Friday, a stark reminder of Jesus’s way.
As we contemplate the first reading we think about the Amish children who were killed and the reaction of the Amish community. One of love and forgiveness. This was repeated this past June when the people of Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C., stood up for forgiveness and love rather that hatred and vengeance. When people of faith are “crushed and afflicted” they respond with love and forgiveness. Perhaps this is the meaning of what “dying and rising” is all about. Although they lost so very much – dying- they rose above hatred and vengeance and offered love and forgiveness. Perhaps they were speaking from that much deeper level that Jan Novotka encouraged us to find during our day of reflection. Weren’t many people positively affected by the way both the Amish and the members of the church is Charleston acted? Was this the way of “justifying many”? In this way they proclaimed the Kindom of God.
In our second reading we hear how Jesus was able to sympathize with us. He walked the walk. He did not lead by saying “Do as I say”; rather he modelled for us how to love and act believing that the Divine was present in everyone. Everything we experience Jesus experienced. He experienced doubt, loss, uncertainty, ridicule, anger, harassment, separation, abandonment and physical violence. Jesus did not choose to be above or outside of the people. He chose to be right in the middle of the crowd.
Jesus came to serve others, especially those who needed him most, the poor and the handicapped. All he endured was for others.
As we reflect of the Gospel reading we are hit with the stark contrast of James and John. Seems that from the early disciples the allure of power was great. It is interesting to note that this is the third time in Mark’s Gospel that the disciples are reminded of Jesus death. The Gospel writers included this in their Gospel because just 40 years after the death of Jesus, people were already lobbying for power. It seems that there has always been the choice between the route of money and glory longed for by the sons of Zebedee or the road of service and suffering traveled by Jesus before us.
As we listen to the debates we will hear the candidates talk about service. But whom are they serving? Once in office will they serve those they are beholden to? The lobbyists, big business, corporate farms, the oil companies?
Often, we see cardinals, bishops, priests and some religious act more as corporate leaders than as servant leaders. They have forgotten who they follow. With their flowing robes, beautiful homes, fancy cars they are more concerned about promotion and privilege, rank and honor. Their focus is more about rules and regulations and doctrine; these men and women forget that the Gospel message is so very different from rigid rules that are exclusive rather than inclusive.
As disciples we are called to follow Jesus, to imitate him and to embrace his values. To do so means to express our trust in that Gracious Mystery we name God by loving all people, even those who threaten harm to us, or our family. It is to stand up for the principles we believe Jesus wants us to affirm. It means to stand for unpopular causes even when our family and friends challenge us.
We are called to be servants who are at the ready to be available to anyone in need. We are called to have an understanding heart, one that understands the other. As servants we are called to let insult and personal attacks not affect us.
We are called to be the Kindon of God. It is when we act from the Depth Level of Being that we will be most ready to follow the Way of Jesus. At this level we act with unconditional welcome and acceptance, pure awareness, wholeness moving and living in the Ground of Being.
Ultimately it is not about us – but always about the other.
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