What are people for?
April 1, 2009 | posted by Lars under lent, mexico, reflections
This reflection based on Mark 12:20-33 was first published on EMU’s Lenten Reflections ‘blog.
As I’ve traveled through Mexico over the past several weeks, I haven’t been able to get the idea of self-sacrifice and self-sacrificial love out of my mind & soul. There are many ways this text interacts with my recent experiences, but this seems to stand in stark contrast to the rest. It’s so contrary to any other voice in the history of the world, and it nestles itself right at the core of the Gospel.
I’ve seen huge Aztec temples built and inaugurated with the sacrifices of thousands of laborers and captive warriors; read of massive corporate riches amassed at the cost of millions of people’s pensions and retirement funds; and participated in the incredible luxury afforded to those at the core of the developed world while those at the periphery sew it together and move from home to the ‘misery belts,’ or try to fight their way closer to the core. Where did we ever get the idea that this is what people are for? Did we somehow forget that we, too, are human?
Jesus seems intent to remind us what it means to be truly human. He compares humans and their lives to seeds, whose sole purpose it is to give their all to allow for new life to spring forth. That’s the biology of a seed: it comes with just enough energy for germination, and when that is done, its job is over.
Jesus says in his own baffling way that that’s the essence of the glory of the Son of Man - the truly Human One. He says, in the words of Eminem, “Just lose it.” As he speaks, he’s not without fear, but he knows - as the voice from the reiterates - that his glorification will continue throughout future generations. Love can lead in no other way. This will be both the eternal glory of humanity and the unending shame of “the prince of this world.”
It’s the perfect culmination of the process of selflessness. The world cannot understand a life devoted entirely to Shalom, and so exposes its own lack by raising up - by crucifying - Love. Yet, we have no room for indignation. It is we who have not understood; it is we who have set the nails to Christ’s body. We, the residents of this world, must live - for now - in this twilight. We must recognize our complicity in both the evil and the holiness of this world. For, if we are willing, it will be the soil of our transformation.
LORD God –
We await Your Spirit
of Patience, as we live with ourselves, both holy and detestable; and
of Humility, as we offer ourselves daily, by Your love, to Your world.
Open our eyes,
that we may see Your color and design in ourselves.
Unstop our ears,
that we may hear Your melody and harmonies in the world in which we live.
For it is by Your Son that we are healed,
Amen.
4 Responses to “What are people for?”
• On Apr 2, 2009 Henry Janzen wrote:
Thank you for those words.I pray for your safety and Gods wisdom in your travel to Paraguay.
• On Apr 2, 2009 Lynn Bain wrote:
What an amazing experience you are having. Thank you for all that you are doing and sharing with us. I wish I was younger and could do this.
• On Apr 2, 2009 James and Emily wrote:
Thanks so much for this meditation and prayer, Lars. It is a particularly important focus for our thoughts during this lenten season. Thanks for your words and prayer.
Blessings and much love,
Mom and Dad
• On Apr 2, 2009 Rick wrote:
Blessings to you Lars and Jon! I think the passage in Deuteronomy 6 addresses your question (or rather the question you posed for each of us). 6:5 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” It goes on to tell us to teach these words to our families, talk of them wherever we go and at all times. Our problem is we forget so quickly. So the imagery from Deuteronmy 6 includes binding them as a sign on our hands and wearing these words on our foreheads, writing them on our doorposts and gates to our homes. I see this thought process including a warning not to forget the Lord who brought us out of slavery (to sin). Thanks be to God for your experiences and safety! Keep sharing with us and those you meet.