9 Sept 2014 - on the level

Everyone in the crowd sought to touch him
because power came forth from him and healed them all.

We are meant to be the body of Jesus. Power is meant to come forth from us to heal the culture. Why do we feel so impotent before the problems of the world? Why does poverty, violence, and sickness only seem to increase?

Are we too busy pursuing self-interest like the Corinthians. Are we willing to go to such great lengths to protect our own rights that we wind up cheating others? Maybe the lengths don't even seem that great. Maybe for us it is mere indifference that deprives others of what is justly theirs.

Look at the difference between Jesus and ourselves. We read Paul tell us, "Why not rather let yourselves be cheated?" and we can think of a few reasons to give him. Yet Jesus is the example par excellence of one who does let himself be cheated. He welcomes even disciples whom he knows will betray him. He loves us even though we ourselves betray and cheat him. He even welcomes Judas into his company. He embraces all of this as a part of his mission. It is through these betrayals that he brings salvation to the world.

And that is how we know if we are doing what we are called to do or if we are just being doormats. There is a difference. When we allow ourselves to be cheated and put up with injustice for the sake of the kingdom we are following the master. But when we allow injustices because we don't think we deserve better we aren't doing anyone any favors. When we have self-hatred because we don't know who we are as sons and daughters of God and surrender our rights because of that we end up giving away the dignity which we are never meant to surrender.

The Lord takes delight in us. He wants us to take delight in him and his love for us. It is this love which enables us to lay down the things to which we can lay legitimate claim. We don't lay them down to punish ourselves because we don't deserve them. We lay them down for the kingdom because we have something better which cannot be taken away.

Before Jesus chooses these disciples he spends the night in prayer. It is his bond to the Father, a bond he shares with us, that allows him to fully and selflessly embrace the cross. He comes down from that mountain able to stand not below or above the crowds.  He does not stand in the pit of self-pity or remain on the mountain of entitlement. He stands on level ground with them. He is able to meet them where they are. But the time on the mountain is essential or the crowds can be overwhelming. The knowledge of imminent betrayal and injustice can be overwhelming. But Jesus brings his connection with the Father with him into the crowd. United to the Father he is unbreakable. And so are we.

Let the faithful exult in glory;
let them sing for joy upon their couches;
Let the high praises of God be in their throats.
This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia.