When I was a parish pastor, I always waited to go last at congregation
potluck dinners. It seemed appropriate
for the servant to be served last. (And,
it meant getting to clean out all the pans!)
Humility is a Christian virtue, and I was taught the importance of
humility growing up. Now, as bishop, when
I visit a congregation, I am always invited to go first at potlucks. I understand that is a sign of honor and
respect, but it always makes me feel uncomfortable. I hope the day never comes when I expect it
or worse, think I deserve it! But, the
danger is always there. Our egos as
human beings can so easily become inflated!
Jesus has a wonderful way of lifting up and encouraging
those the world has crushed and bringing down those the world has puffed
up. Jesus challenges both false humility
(those who are proud of their great humility) and false egos (those who project
a big ego to protect a weak self-image).
In the end, we all need to be reminded that it is not what we do or
don’t do, or how much or how little faith we have, or how much we accomplish or
fail at in life that determines our worth in God’s eyes.
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus is both encouraging the
apostles who are feeling inadequate to their task, and reminding them that the
life of discipleship is not about being rewarded for their good works and
efforts. In verses 1-4 of chapter 17, Jesus talks about stumbling blocks and
forgiveness. In response, the apostles
plead with Jesus to increase their faith.
Forgiving someone who hurts you seven times a day seems impossible! But, Jesus says, even a little faith is
powerful stuff! On the other hand, he
teaches that a slave who expects special treatment for doing his or her duty is
probably expecting too much.
There is a balance here that is important for us to
understand as we think about our own Christian lives. As servants of Christ, we should never think
less of ourselves than who we are. It is
not our faith that saves us, but Christ’s.
Because of Christ, we have been given what we need to go out into the
world as Christ’s ambassadors of love, grace and forgiveness. On the other hand, as servants of Christ, we
cannot think more of ourselves than who we are either. Our good works of love, grace and forgiveness
will not save us, and certainly will not exempt us from the struggles, trials
and challenges of human life. Our faith
does not put us above anyone, but calls us to accompany one another as brothers
and sisters on the way.
Now that I think about it, maybe it’s best to be in the
middle of the line at the potluck. Or
better yet, to stop worrying about it all together, and just do what we can to make
sure all God’s children have a place at the table.
Peace,
Bishop Mike
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