Generosity or Jealousy?

Generosity is one of the values of the community. The lectionary passage today is all about generosity. In the story (Matthew 20:1-16) a landowner went out to hire workers to work in the vineyard.

 The process, at that time, was that people who wanted work gathered in the marketplace. Those requiring workers came and hired them.

I remember as a teenager doing the same thing. At school, we always got “potato-picking” week off. Many of the teens worked the week on the farms. Either a job was secured in advance or one went and stood at a certain place in the village where the farmers came to pick up teens. I was fortunate, a school friend lived on a farm so I had work with her. It was hard work, a tractor turned the soil and the group of teens followed on foot picking up the potatoes. At the end of the day we received our daily pay. I remember picking potatoes as fun but my sister got beetroots! Even today, almost 50 years later, she still hates beetroot.

Of, course, it isn’t really the same at all. We worked to get a bit of extra spending money. The people in today’s story were sustenance workers. They needed the wages to survive. It was to put food into the mouths of their children. These were amongst the lowest class in their culture. Being hired daily was the only thing that prevented them being beggars.

The landowner in today’s tale visited the market place several times, each time hiring additional workers. The last time was only an hour before the end of the work day.

As I think about the workers I wonder who was left at the end of the day? I can only surmise that it would be the weaker, older, possibly infirm people. I assume that when one is choosing workers one would look a little at physical appearance. Strong people who could do a good day’s work in far from ideal conditions would probably be chosen first. I can imagine those who were left were considered the dregs of society. Yet, they obviously had determination. They wanted to work. They had waited all day hoping to earn even a little bit.

Here the story twists and subverts. Many stories in the gospels are designed to do just that. Although we read through them without any surprise, I suspect they would send a ripple of shock through the listeners of the time. A gasp of horror as something outside the norm was advocated.

At the end of the day all the workers went to receive their pay. Those who had only worked for the last hour went first and received a full day’s pay. Not the one-twelfth which was probably expected. Imagine their delight, they could feed their families. No one would go hungry that day. What a generous landowner.

Each worker in turn received their pay. They all got the same amount. All could eat and survive another day. However, those who had worked a full day grumbled. They thought they should have more. Yet, they had been paid exactly what had been agreed. They hadn't been cheated at all. They would have been happy with their pay if they hadn't seen those who were more unfortunate getting the same.

They were jealous. Being jealous is not a pleasant trait. It leaves one feeling all discontent, unsettled and sometimes angry.

It made me wonder about jealousy and generosity.  I leave these as open questions to ponder this week.

Why was it so hard to rejoice in another’s good fortune?

Why could these workers not rejoice that everyone had enough that day?

What does it say about human nature?

What does it teach about generosity?

What does it say about equality of all people?

I know many people who are amazingly generous. They are wonderful company. Their lives reflect their attitude of sharing and caring for others. I, also, have from time to time met those who are not so generous. Much harder to be around.

Generosity is included in the community’s understandings. The understandings are things to be aspired to, not those which have already attained. The introduction to the understandings describes them as “shining, precious gems, winsome, lovely, drawing us out of ourselves . . .” Number twelve reads,

“We are called to a generous, self-giving life. In order for that to happen, we try not to hoard our time, talents, money or gifts; developing the habit of giving things away. In the Lindisfarne Community we encourage members not to be limited by the tithe, but to be expansive in our thinking about generosity; listening to the gentle promptings of the Spirit. We are often surprised how giving God wants us to be.” (Way of Living, 20)

(Photo: Blue Tit, Culcheth, August 2017)

Loving the Dreamers

As I read through the two New Testament passages it was an interesting experience. Usually a theme from the gospel jumps out at me but not today. The text that caught my attention was one in the Epistle to the Romans.  So, as one does, I went into the hot tub to think about it.

The text that caught my attention was in part a quote from one of the gospels, yet the second phrase elaborates on the original.  The verses read, “Love your neighbour as yourself. Love does no wrong to a neighbour.” (Romans 13: 9b-10a)

Neighbour has been defined in the scripture as a person who cares and helps a person in need. As I perused this sentence I thought about those in need. This week the news has abounded with tales of those in need, with the insight of the gospel these are our neighbours.

I have seen examples of those who have loved their neighbours and, sadly, those who have wronged their neighbours.

My mind went first to the terrible hurricanes in Texas, Bangladesh, the Caribbean, Florida and   other areas which are leaving thousands homeless and in desperate need. Through social media I have watched many video clips of those loving their neighbours . . . even non-human neighbours. Organisations have poured people and resources into the area. Ordinary people have rescued others and helped each other in whatever way they can. Those out of the immediate area have responded with money and goods to send to those in need. People have opened their homes to receive those evacuated from the unsafe areas. There are pages on social media dedicated for residents in safer areas to offer space in their homes to welcome those in need.  It is always good to see such an outpouring of love.

Sadly, there has been some who have wronged their neighbour, taking advantage of the storm. One photograph showed a store in Houston selling packs of twelve bottles of one brand of water for $29:98 and a twenty-four pack of a different brand for $42:96. The store later apologized but it is sad that it happened in the first place. And, of course, there has been some looting although the authorities have worked hard to minimize it.

The other current story that came to mind as I thought through these verses was the move to repeal DACA. This story has weighed heavy on me all week. In the light of the lectionary passage I can only ask, “How can that be loving one’s neighbour?” Our daughter was twelve when we moved here. I doubt she could imagine living anywhere else now. This is where her home, her career and her friends are. I’m sure all those others who came to the USA as children feel the same regardless of immigration status.

Yet even in this situation, loving one’s neighbour has prevailed. There is strong and vocal opposition to the repeal of DACA. A poll yesterday showed that 76% of voters thought those known as Dreamers — undocumented immigrants who came as children — should be allowed to either become citizens or permanent residents. The result was across party lines. (http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/05/poll-trump-deporting-daca-dreamers-242343)

Facebook profiles pictures were change to include the words “We stand with the Dreamers” or “We support DACA”. These people are our neighbours. They need our love and support.

The words of John Lennon’s famous, maybe even prophetic, song plays in my head —

“You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope some day you'll join us
And the world will be as one.”

So in spite of the awful things I have seen in the media this week I feel hope, a lot of hope. Those who love neighbours outnumber those who would wrong neighbours and not just by a small margin.

I’ll conclude with a little more Imagine

“Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do . . .

Imagine all the people living life in peace”

Maybe the world isn’t such a bad place!

Rocky foundations?

  

The lectionary text today is Matthew 16: 13-20. Just seven short verses, yet this tiny passage has been taken as foundational for Christianity over the centuries. The author of the gospel records a conversation between Jesus and the disciples. Jesus wanted to know what people thought of him. The disciples give a variety of answers that they have heard, but that does not suffice. The question is subtly changed. No longer is it who do people say I am?  But the more direct, who do you say I am?

Even before taking a closer look at the passage I think that change of question is worthy of note. It is not about hearsay, it is not about others’ opinions. It is about an individual’s thought and belief. That can be quite a challenge in all aspects of life. It is always much easier to say or think what the crowd is saying. It is much harder to take the direct challenge of “what do I think?”.

Sometimes the answer to that question can set one apart. It can be a difficult road to walk, especially if one is the first person to voice that opinion. Peter certainly stepped out. He moved from hiding behind the “everyone says” to the “I say”. In this story, that bold step worked out, Peter’s words were received and acclaimed.

The next part of the story is the response to Peter’s answer. The words the gospel records in the version I am reading are, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church (ecclesia).” This phrase has caused much discussion over the centuries.  Various interpretations of this passage have been offered.

I enjoy interpretation. I like looking at how Biblical passages have been understood in history. Perhaps the only thing I am sure of, is that I would never want to say that one interpretation of a passage is right and another is wrong. So, the interpretation of this passage that I offer is one that grips me. Do I think it is the only interpretation? Absolutely no. That would be really arrogant. Each person must think and study for themselves.

When I look at this passage I want to view it in the context of the previous chapters. I do not think the gospels are written as chronological documents. Of course, two of the gospels start with a birth and end with a death — the beginning and end of human life. Other than that, I think the authors of the gospels carefully placed the stories to give the nuances they wanted to bring. They are telling a story that would impact and bring hope to their audience.

I think to understand this story, the parable at the beginning of chapter 13 should be considered. It is the familiar story of the sower. It was a tale to say what happens to seed sown in various locations. Some fell on rocky ground where it was not deeply rooted so in time of trial it could fall away. This is a wordplay. The word here translated as rocky/stony is the same word used for Peter when his name was changed from Simon.

This  description of the rocky ground so fits Peter. After the parable, is the story of Peter walking on water (14). Peter boldly steps out but then starts to sink. Then there is the story of the denial. Peter who has acclaimed Jesus as the Christ in time of trial denies him.

(For a full discussion of this interpretation see Mary Ann Tolbert, Sowing the Gospel: Mark’s World in Literary-Historical Perspective. Fortress Press, 1996)

The reason I like this interpretation is that it gives me hope. Peter was portrayed as very human. Peter wasn’t perfect. Peter made mistakes . . . lots of them. Peter was stony ground. Yet, he found a purpose and made a difference.

(Photo: Holy Island, 2015)

A Place for All?

There has been a lot of talk about exclusion in the media this week. Specifically, about whether people who are transgender are welcome in the military. Opinions, from both those for and against, have flown, fast and furiously, over the internet.

I can find no text in the scriptures where transgender is mentioned. However, interestingly, today’s readings were about the realm of heaven and belonging. I read these parables as a place, or perhaps a state, where no one is excluded. A state where all can find rest and peace and comfort. A place where all are welcome.

The realm of heaven is addressed in five parables in the lectionary passage for today (Matthew 13:31-52).

The first is the parable of the mustard seed. The story tells us the tiny seed produces a tree where the birds can nest and find protection. When I lived in the UK I sometimes went camping in France. One of the delights of the journey was seeing the mustard fields. They stretch, bright yellow, for what seemed like miles to the horizon. From them comes the mustard that one likes to eat as a garnish.

 I suspect the mind often goes to that sort of mustard when hearing the words of this parable. Yet, I don’t think that was what was in the author’s mind when the gospel was penned.

I believe the story is talking about it the mustard tree that is native to Israel and several other countries in the Middle East and Africa. It thrives in hot, dry conditions. Salvadora Persica is a shrub which grows up to thirty feet tall. It is known as the mustard tree or toothbrush tree. It has many uses. It fibrous branches are used for teeth cleaning. The leaves are eaten as a salad. They are used for healing. Coughs, asthma and rheumatism are a few of the many diseases the leaves are said to help cure. The small berries are also eaten, both fresh and dried.

This mustard tree is depicted in the parable as an image of the realm of heaven. It is a place of refuge, a place of healing and a place of nourishment.

The next parable which is given to illustrate the realm of heaven is the story of a woman who has some yeast which she mixes with three measures of flour until all is leavened. Yeast is fungi which has many uses, most popularly used in bread making and the production of alcohol (wine, beer). The image this parable gives me is one of growth and expansion. It also involves effort and determination. Yeast and flour need to be kneaded to cause the expansion.

The next two parables are similar, one talks of a treasure hidden in a field, the other of a pearl of great price. In each case the person desiring them was willing to sell all their possession to obtain the treasure. I think each person must think about what is, metaphorically, the treasure which is worth selling all for. For me, this week, it is inclusivity and non-judgmentalism. That is worth it. That is something to be desired, something to work towards.

Finally, in the text, the realm of heaven is likened to a net thrown into the sea. Every kind of fish is caught.I love this picture of inclusivity. All together in one net. However, worth noting, again effort is required. The net needs to be thrown out and then hauled in.

My re-reading of these five parables gives me an image of the realm of heaven which I find hopeful. It is one which needs effort and determination to bring into being. The picture I have is that the realm of heaven is welcoming, inclusive, non-judgmental, protecting, nourishing, healing and expansive.

(Turtle Photo: Sapsucker Woods, Ithaca NY, July 2017)

Reflections on a Retreat

One week ago, we said our good-byes to each other as those on the Lindisfarne Community retreat prepared to drive home — to Maryland, Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey and, of course, various areas of New York.

This World is Not My Home? was this year’s theme. The question mark is important as we looked at the various aspects of home and what it meant to us. Is home a physical location? Is home a spiritual place? Do we yearn for a home? How do we share our home? Is home our final resting place?  Too many questions for a short weekend retreat but, hopefully, our sessions were discussion starters, ideas to take home and peruse over the next few months.

Friday night was a time of sharing the highlights of our previous year and an introduction to the theme. The whole retreat was themed as “a conversation” with lots of planned discussion and informal talking to each other.

On Saturday, we began with a look at empathy and sharing our home. As an introduction, we watch a short clip from YouTube, The Empathic Civilization by social theorist, Jeremy Rifkin (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=empathic+civilization). This traced how humanity developed as empathic beings, wanting to help and care for others — human, non-human beings and the world. We are sharing our home with others and have a responsibility to care for them and to take care of our world.

 

Rifkin showed how part of our empathic drive is to find connection with those who share the same nationality or religious identity. So how do we embrace those who are different? A very poignant question when all around us is talk of closing borders, refusing refugees, stereo typing and maligning those with a different religious identity.

Interesting, the first of our lectionary passages for this week starts with someone opening their home and embracing strangers. It is the story of Abraham and Sarah. They were at home when three men arrived at their tent door. Much discussion has been had about whether these men were angels or a pre-incarnation of God. I want only to note Abraham and Sarah’s first inclination when strangers visited them. They washed their dusty feet, they offered them a shady place to rest and they fed them. Not a quick visit as they had to bake bread, kill a calf (not a good story for one who abhors animal killing for food!), prepare curds and bring milk. Their home was a place of hospitality and refreshment.

The next session was about being responsible at home. Here we had lots of discussion about justice and injustice. How do we react to the injustices around us? What is our responsibility?

Here, too, this week’s lectionary affirms the idea of social responsibility. The text says, “When he [Jesus] saw the crowds he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless” (Matt 9:36).

We then moved on at looking at being at home in our body. An introduction to the subject then a time of solitude to ponder our own relationship with our body. The ensuing discussion was lively, focusing much on how many of us are dissatisfied with our own body size or shape, our frustration when illness or infirmity prevents us from achieving all we would like to do and how worth is often linked to body size/shape. It was certainly a discussion which could have continued far beyond the limits of time. It was particularly noticeable that this was a feminist issue, with women being judged much more on physical appearance than men. Again, the lectionary informs us, “It is God that made us, and we are God’s” (Psalm 100:3)

The next session was a led meditation with the motif from the Wizard of Oz; “there is no place like home.” This meditation looked at home as one’s spiritual essence. Our final Saturday session was going home with a look at death. We started by watching an episode of a series called “The Moaning of Life” (Season one, episode 5, available on Netflix). If you like a laugh, worth watching. The presenter travelled around exploring different cultures approaches to death and he designed his own coffin. This led into another lively discussion, where we talked about what we would like to happen to our bodies after death. In addition, there was focus on how do we respect those who are dying and care for their families. Of course, the Celtic idea about where ever bones are laid to rest is the place of resurrection is always worth considering. The lectionary text again, “precious in the sight of God is the death of his faithful ones” (Alternate Psalm, 116: 15).

On Sunday, we were delighted to profess three new members — Jeremy, Scotty and Leah— and welcome a new novice —Yossi. Leah was also recognized as a contemplative and The Waystead as a new hermitage of the community. The marriage of Sue and Ken was blessed. Finally, we celebrated Eucharist with all the themes of home being brought together.

We left to return home rejoicing. I will end with final words from the week’s lectionary readings.  “Give thanks to God, bless God’s Name” (Psalm 100:4)