In our times, as throughout
history, powerful/charismatic leaders attract some ardent followers who want to
stay very close, follow every move, and idolize. Such absolute devotion by
others can easily skew one's initial humility and original intent. Some who
claim power and authority become more interested in the adulation and adoration
than in the responsibilities of genuine leadership. They cultivate and bask in
the unfettered loyalty of some, while deliberately oppressing and persecuting
others who aren't so easily beguiled.
Staying modest and humble in the face of
eager and constant admirers is difficult for the most sainted of humans. Ezekiel,
as priest and designated prophet, likely understood his position of dependence
and insignificance as God orders him to stand up and then God would speak
to him. Paul may have recognized a tendency in himself for pride in accomplishment
and accepted the thorn as a sacred reminder to be aware of the dangers of
holding deep power of persuasion over others. His monologue in this passage
almost sounds as if he is reminding himself, as well as the Church at Corinth,
in his repetition that he, himself, doesn't know everything but God
knows.
As in every life in the public eye, there are
always detractors. Jesus was his most human self in his frustration with the
hometown reaction he received. He kept moving along, doing what he could, where
he could while amazed at the unbelief of those who had known him
from childhood. Later, Jesus called the Disciples and sent them off
two by two to do God's work, and the command to shake off the dust if
not welcomed, was a reminder that earthly time is short to get done what needs
to be done. We are also called to keep moving ~ together ~ shaking off the disappointment
and the dust of the detractors, stepping out again toward the next opportunity
to offer the justice, truth, and welcome of the Gospel. Together, we can also
work to keep the thorns of despair, hardship, and calamity from piercing
us all the way through.
Ezekiel, Paul, and Jesus were all doing the work
God had given them to do and, as in every human life, some days were better
than others. There are two post-Communion prayers in the US
Episcopal Book of Common Prayer and both say that we are "living
members" of the Body of Christ. In one, we, the pray-ers, ask God
to, "Send us now into the world in peace..." and in
the other to "...send us out to do the work you have given us to
do..."
Let us, then, stand up,
step out in faith, shake off the dust of disappointment and the pressure of our
thorns, to do the work we have been given to do, for the sake of Christ and in His
name.
LET US,
GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY
Leader: ~ O Lord our God, stand us on our feet and
speak to our souls of Your sufficient grace. Quicken our ability to recognize and endure the
thorns in this life for the sake of Christ, whose power dwells within us and
gives us strength through our weakness.
Lord
of Mercy and Grace
RESPONSE: We lift our eyes to You
~ O Lord our God, You know the hearts and
souls of us all, including those who govern in this World, this Country, and
this Community. Fill us with ever-increasing fortitude and determination to
persist in speaking Your truths of love, justice, and mercy on behalf of the
most beleaguered and oppressed near and far. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
Lord of Mercy and Grace
We lift our eyes to You
~ O Lord our God, restore hope and wholeness
to all who struggle with chronic illness, homelessness, or recovery, and infuse
their supporters with energy and endurance. We now join our hearts together to pray for those in
need… add your own petitions
Lord of Mercy and Grace
We lift our eyes to You
~ O Lord our God, ease the sorrow of all who
mourn as those who now live again in You, are filled with joy in the bliss of
eternal peace. We
pray especially for… add your own petitions
Lord of Mercy and Grace
We lift our eyes to You
~ O Lord our God, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt
thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials… add your own petitions
Lord of Mercy and Grace
We lift our eyes to You
~ O Lord our God, we give You thanks for all
those ordained to guide us on our journey to You. Grant them continuing renewal
of faith and confidence in teaching and proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
Lord of Mercy and Grace
We lift our eyes to You
The Celebrant adds: Almighty
Creator, our Eternal God, embolden our willingness to shake off the
dust of rejection and mockery when we step out in faith and turn our lives to
Christ. Fill us with humility in spirit to be as the footsteps of Jesus on all
the paths we travel. We ask through Jesus, our Prophet and Redeemer; and the
Holy Spirit, the Breath of God; who together with You reign as One God, now and
forever. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment