Both/and

 

In the midst of life’s complexities, and especially when it pertains to politics, many of us resort to an approach to life that might be called “all or nothing.”  Striking a balance in life can seem so difficult that we want to rest on one side or the other.  There have been times in my life when I was so immersed in a special project at work that I would completely let go of family functions or friendships or good relaxation.  I sunk myself into my job, but then my personal life and the lives of my loved ones suffered.

Among the “woes” dealt out to the Pharisees, Jesus accused them of their own version of “all or nothing.”  They scrupulously observed laws dealing with paying tithes, but, according to Jesus, neglected “justice and the love of God.”  Although we would be tempted to heap scorn on the Pharisees, tell them to give up paying those tithes and get on with the more important concerns of justice and love, Jesus had a different approach.  He told them, “These are the things you should practice [justice and love] without omitting the others [the tithes].” (Luke 11:42-46)

Jesus’ advice is a healthy corrective to the tendency to see the Church world divided into those who are truly observant in terms of prayer forms, church attendance, financial support, etc., and those who truly practice works of justice and love.  This tendency can lead to one group looking critically at the other.  Jesus would invite us to see the importance of both--indeed, to see them springing from the same heart.  Hearts on fire with the love of God, expressed in praise and worship, ought to be aflame with love and works of justice.  It’s not “all or nothing” but “both/and.”