Welcome to the Memorial of Saint Augustine! Those of you who have read other reflections of mine know that I am no biblical scholar, but as a Lutheran I’m keenly aware of the impact the Augustinians had on Martin Luther’s faith development and faith questioning. It has long struck me that one of the gifts of Luther’s life was the lesson that we must each take our own faith teachings and practices, and review them critically. For me, this would mean evaluating our beliefs constantly, through the lens of our own experiences, reflections and heart whispers. Saint Augustine lived so close – in time and geography – to Christ, and one of his beliefs was that because we are human – fallible sinners, all - we need Christ’s grace. The Augustinians shared this belief with Martin Luther and still profess a version to this day (I’m told!).
With the backdrop of these two influences, today’s Gospel reading from Matthew reminded me more than anything else that I am both sinner and hypocrite. Every day as I strive to serve God on earth, I fall short. I quietly hold envy while I project a whitewashed exterior! I selfishly spend time and resources to beautify my home and yard, but too seldom welcome the stranger to enjoy it with me. I talk about prioritizing Christ and community, faith and family, but then allow work, exercise, relaxation and self-indulgences to fill my days. In Matthew, Jesus was talking to ME. I am a faith hypocrite. And while I can’t know what Jesus meant when he said “fill up what your ancestors measured out”, one way I can make sense of that is to own my white, educated, middle-class privilege. To actively live out – in daily intention and action – my faith words, and to love my neighbor as I love my God. To be less of a hypocrite.
Kimberly Grassmeyer
I’ve been an educator at the postsecondary level for nearly 40 years – both as a Higher Education administrator in Student Affairs work, and as a part-time faculty member – at Creighton University and several other mid-western schools. In the midst of that time, I also worked as a consultant to universities across Canada, the United States and Mexico. It is my honor to be closing out my professional life at Creighton, where my professional, personal and faith values dance together in an enriching partnership.
As a seeker and a sinner I am wholly imperfect, which is to say I am the human that God created me to be. My faith is often quite strong; at other moments it is shaken to its core. I am not a scholar of the Bible nor do I consider myself to be faithful enough or wise enough to lead others in their faith journey…. which is why (apparently) my gracious colleagues believe that I may have something of value to say to the other seekers in the world! I hope that my thoughts and provocations may in some measure provide perspective, pause, laughter, grace, and some peace to you.
