In yesterday’s reading from the first part of Mark 3, Jesus chastises religious leaders who adhered to the letter of the Law but whose words and deeds were not in concert with what God requires (i.e., to act justly and mercifully with humility (Micah 6:8)). In our Gospel verses today, Jesus warns his followers against being like the Pharisees and scribes, who use God’s beautiful Word as a tool to advance themselves and as a weapon to put down others. Jesus lists how the actions of officious religious have evil roots and are at odds with the purposes of God’s Law.
The people in the Gospels who encountered Christ, as well as those of us who encounter Christ today, have two models from which to choose: the religious leaders, who arrogantly “trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt” (Luke 18:9), including Jesus when his healing, teaching and outreach did not fit how they interpreted the Law; or Christ, who brought healing, kindness, compassion, forgiveness and mercy to all. For those of us who follow Christ, our choice should be clear. We should, with humility, bring Christ’s love to all we meet.
Paul tells us: “We are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). What we do and say should accurately reflect Christ, but too often there is a disconnect between what Christians are called to do and what Christians actually do. We often are tempted to become like the Pharisees, so sure in our righteousness and how we see the world that we assume everything we do, say, or think is in concert with what God wants, and equally sure that anyone who disagrees with us is somehow deficient. You may have encountered “that Christian” in the workplace who proudly tells everyone about their church life but regularly demeans others in the office. Or you may have seen “that Christian” in the public arena speaking maliciously and divisively of anyone who holds a different political, social, or economic viewpoint. Or you may have been dining out with “that Christian” who berated restaurant staff when service did not meet a certain standard. Or you may have watched “that Christian” angrily retaliate in a soccer game after being fouled. Or you may have served on a church committee with “that Christian” who responded angrily to any suggestion for style of music, type of program, or color of paint that did not match their personal preference. Sadly, I realize that I probably have been “that Christian” in each of those scenarios (and others) at some point in time – which means, sadly, that what came from my heart did not represent Christ well – which means that I, too, have been a poor ambassador for Christ.
To be a better representative, my daily interactions with those who are suffering should bring healing, not add to pain. I should follow the Spirit’s promptings to foster unity (not division) and reconciliation (not distrust). I should welcome people with God’s love and mercy, not drive them away with self-righteous condemnation. When someone falls short,
I should joyfully forgive (like the Prodigal Father), not begrudge that forgiveness (like the Prodigal Brother). I should seek to be the just one described in today’s psalm, one whose mouth tells of wisdom and whose tongue utters what is right.
Loving God, change our hearts and our minds so that everything we say, everything we do, everything we think is worthy of you.
David Crawford
I was Creighton’s University Archivist from January 2007 to April 2021, although as a faculty spouse I had been a part of the Creighton community since 1995. As University Archivist, I was responsible for archival, rare books and special collections, as well as for a Heritage Edition of The Saint John’s Bible on loan to Creighton. I left Creighton to assist others with historical, archival, cultural and various artistic projects.
I have been married to my wife, Sue, since 1990. We have two sons, one a graduate of Fordham and the other a graduate of University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I enjoy birdwatching, playing soccer, music and comedy.
The online Daily Reflections have been an important part of my faith journey for several years. I am excited and humbled by the opportunity to write these devotions.
