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Family tiesTuesday, December 14, 2010
Matthew 21:28-30 The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, "Yes, sir," but did not go.
Any family of three or more, put in this situation, must cope with self-righteousness, resentment, pride and denial. There are no winners, until everyone involved notices that they are more a team, more a community than they are individuals. When one person blows his assignment, which is inevitable, someone else picks it up. Everyone takes his turn. Jesus invites his listeners to consider entering the kingdom of God. Part of what he means, I think, is this acceptance of community. He speaks to officials of the church who not only are ignoring God's messenger John and God's son Jesus, but are also ridiculing the example set by "sinners" who have turned from prostitution and tax-gouging to follow Jesus. Thus the kingdom of God is behind, not in front of these scribes and Pharisees. Jesus invites them to turn around. He asks them to say "yes" and act in love. Swallow hard. Lose once and for all, or at least over and over again, the self-righteousness. I am, and so are all of us, followers. God leads the way into his kingdom. When I whine or think too highly of myself, please whisper a reminder, Lord, that you're the parent here. Remind me how much you love me. I want to live in the kingdom, and I want to stop whining. Thank you for sticking it out with me. |
I've been in all three of these positions. I need help and ask for it. Or I am asked and don't want to help but eventually do anyway. Or I am asked and say, "Sure!" but then don't do a thing. I might change my mind, I might get lazy, I might forget. Often I just overextend, because I want people to like me. Saying "yes" makes a good impression, at first at least.