Rock the world

 

What is it about those people who seem to skate through life, focused on God and living simply?  They pass through our lives showing us easier ways of living and more meaningful connections to God and others.  Why do they threaten us so?  Are we jealous of how they don’t follow societal norms, resentful of their effects on others, or perhaps threatened by how our lives pale in comparison?  Whatever our feelings are, we all have probably experienced someone who has “rocked our world.”  Jesus is that type of person for the Jews in the Gospel I read and reflected on today [John 10:31-42].  In fact, some Jews were ready to stone Jesus for the claims He was making.

As I often do when meditating and praying with these Scriptures, I imagine putting myself into the scene.  After reflecting on this Gospel scene and how I’m burdened today, I admit that I’d be holding a rock.  I’m thinking, “Who does this guy thinks he is to come along and claim to be God’s son?  Why is he discounting religious traditions, reducing our commands down to simply loving God and others?  Why is he attracting so many followers and always providing sound reasoning for any argument?  Why does he rock my world so much?”

In moments of honesty, we may admit that Jesus and others like Him rock our world because they reveal painful truths by their words and actions.  They stand for desirable possibilities of how we could live our lives simply, focused on God, and in service of others, while we are too often focused on our human attachments and hang-ups.  We tend to hold on more tightly to our norms in our comfort zones instead of realizing new possibilities or perhaps more meaningful ways to live.

Jesus and others that shake-up our worlds are God’s gift to us.  They may not seem like gifts as they are, but they’re actually opening up possibilities of closer connections to God and others.  If we could just release our throwing rocks and try to understand their message and the wonderful possibilities it may have for our lives, we may be closer to the God Who is present in each of us.  Perhaps we’re being called to rock the world ourselves.  Which brings me to what I read in the Old Testament today:

“I hear the whisperings of many:  "Terror on every side!  Denounce!  Let us denounce him!"  All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine.”   [Jeremiah 20:10-13]

What kind of courage does it take for us to speak out with an unwelcome message, a message that might threaten our own well-being?

Can I look at the way I live my life and see where I lack the kind of courage Jesus had?  How am I being called to live the gospel in a counter-cultural way?  How mocked or threatened would I be if I chose to live my life more simply?  More importantly, how much would it matter to me that I was mocked or threatened?  What courage would it take to speak out or even work on behalf of the poor or marginalized?

Do I have the strength to take stands that are unpopular?  How might others view me if I speak openly in defense of all life, not only the innocent life of the unborn but on behalf of the less-attractive, less innocent men and women on death row?  In many places in America the death penalty is so well accepted, it isn’t even a part of the political discussion.  Is this an evil I recognize but lack the courage to confront more openly?

“In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.” [Psalms 18:2-7]

Lord, I want to walk with You in the week ahead.  Let me admire You, fall in love with You, desire to imitate Your own courageous fidelity to the truth.  Where I’m filled with fear, let me feel Your love, strengthening me.  Attract my heart and give me strength, even the fire of Your own Spirit.  I want only to have the courage to stay with You, to stay awake for You, for the rest of my days.