“What Would Jesus Do?” August 30
Deut. 4:1-2, 6-8, James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27 Mark 7:1-8; 14-15; 21-23
“What would Jesus do?”A few years ago that question became a popular slogan appearing on bracelets and bumper stickers. Perhaps it can be suggessted a useful approach to today’s readings about rules and regulations. I get this all the time about needle exchange, about giving out food and expecting nothing in return–why do it I am asked if people do not change? Of course the people who asked me this have everything materially, and can asked the question without any thoughts of to what it is not to use and to not have food or money. Laws are a good and necessary component of human society. Moses exhorts the people to obey the laws and statues. James however points out that obedience to the letter of the law is not enough, and he challenges his community to be “doers” and not merely “hearers” of God’s word. Mark’s gospel shows what is happening when the letter of the law is slavishly followed. The scribes and the Pharaisees criticize the disciples for their failure to observe the laws about handwashing. At other places in the Gospels Jesus is often challenged for breaking the rules–healing on the sabbath or ignoring barriers of clas or gender. Here he reminds us is that what is important is not what the rules dictate but is what is inside of a person’s heart. Discipleship is never as straightforward as simply following the rules. For one thing, rules can be unjuxt, or too rigid, or discriminatory. Sometimes we are called to question such rules in order to serve God and our neighbor. So what would Jesus do? Simply put he would act according to the demands of justice and compassion, even if that meant disregarding the rules. We are called to follow him.
Last night I stood at the corner of Sutter and Polk and watched three people, all around 19 or 20 as they hustled for money, selling drugs, and their bodies. It was money, their god they worshipped in those moments. I watched people pass by in very nice clothes oblivious to those guys and I thought of how they have their money, and so they can ignor the need in their midst. Yesterday was the Feast of John the Baptist–he pointed out the extremes in need, and how destructive they were. It is only when we look beyond ourselves that we can see the need around us, and then maybe we can do something about it. I spent last night doing outreach. And all were hungry, and tired, all needed socks, and some attention. I get aggravated when people want me to “save” them or have them “save” themselves. These guys are beyond that, they are at the bottom and what they need is to be loved and cared for where they are and respected. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
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