Morning Readings for 12-10-10

Isaiah 7:10-25 2 Thess 2:13-3:5 Luke 22: 14-30

I notice conflict in all of these readings. In each case, the “faithful” are threatened by those more powerful in various ways--political and military power, social power (i.e., generally aligned with the status quo). In each reading, the message seems to be to remain faithful to what you know, to stand firm, to avoid being coerced or frightened into action.

It is also interesting to note that in the gospel account of the institution of the Eucharist, the disciples' impulse to blame someone (they questioned among themselves which one of them would do this) is immediately connected with their impulse for self-aggrandizement (the dispute about who was the greatest). Jesus redirects their attention not to personal security or status, but to service, to looking out for the other.

So, with regard to the environment, we ask, what is it that we do that is motivated solely out of fear—or out of avoidance. Neither of these motivations is grounded in wisdom and truth. The flippant Zen saying fits here: “Don’t just do something; sit there.” Now is indeed a time for environmental action, but our situation is far too serious and it is far too late for flailing around. The dangers are that we bury our heads and pretend nothing is wrong (protecting the status quo), cast blame (which alienates others and makes cooperation impossible--although it makes us feel better about ourselves), and or that we seek to protect our own interests at the cost of others. Instead, we must act with wisdom and genuine concern for the well-being of the other--all others. In all three readings we are assured of God’s presence “with us.”