This weekend's readings have the faithful moving on, "shaking the dust from their shoes," and focusing on mission. In preparation for Sunday's sermons, I came across this passage in IMAGES OF JESUS by Roman Catholic Benedictine theologian, Anselm Grun (given to me on as a gift at my priestly ordination...ten years ago...by the charming and inspiring Sr. Lucille DeStefano.). It helped me to empathize with more traditionalist Christians, as well as to be confident in radical hospitality and pure affection for all humanity.
Some conservative Christians use Jesus' capacity for enmity to justify the way in which they give offence everywhere. But there's also a danger here. If we use Jesus' experience of enmity to justify every conflict in which we get involved, we become blind to our own role in the conflict. Perhaps we give offense because we're incapable of understanding others, and are blind to their true concerns. Some people attempt to claim that their Pharisaism is an attitude of Jesus. When they experience resistance or criticism they hide behind the argument that Jesus, too, wasn't popular with everyone. Such identification with Jesus is always dangerous. It makes us blind to ourselves. I am not Jesus. I am not as transparent and clear as Jesus. So I must first check whether I've got needlessly involved in a confrontation with other people, whether I've simply been stubborn and incapable of understanding them, and whether I've hurt them. Only when I've examined myself sufficiently will I be able to recognize whether the enmity that I experience springs from the other person's hardheartedness or my own narrow-mindedness.
However, if I remain honest about myself, time and again I will have experiences similar to those of Jesus. If I speak of God's goodness I will be accused of being to lax. If I proclaim Jesus' mercy I will be told that my attitude will land me in hell. Such enmity corresponds to Jesus' experiences. When Jesus speaks authentically of God, he arouses anger and hatred in those with a narrow image of God who feel unsettled by him. Those who speak out will always also encounter enmity. Jesus gives me the courage to show myself as I am, to express myself and my quest for God without seeking to please everyone.
Anselm Grun, IMAGES OF JESUS, "The Jesus Who Is Capable Of Enmity," pp.. 36-37.
I put it to you, and I leave it to you!
Peace/Salaam/Shalom,
Fr. Shawn
