Let me take on what Alison deals with next as he looks at the mechanism of expulsion. The problem is not with those who are only blindly a part of the mechanism of exclusion: they at least do not know what they are doing, and thus have no guilt. The problem is with those (like the Pharisees who question Jesus in John 9:40) who form part of such mechanisms of exclusion, but think that "they see" - that is, think that they have moral insight, know good from evil, are capable of discernment and judgement. Such people not only take part in mechanisms of exclusion, but justify them as good and from God. Their guilt remains. I may have much to say on this tomorrow. For today - it really is more like a mirror and it is not easy to hear. It may be that we refer to ourselves when we see ourselves in the shoes of the Pharisees we simply say 9:40. Connection: It is easy to look at the Pharisees and see 'them guys' - them bad guys - them judging guys. But in that moment, why am I doing that? To be one of them in a different way? How does the cycle stop? How do I move more deeply into the life of healing and wholeness without dragging others down or pushing them out? O God of life, over and over again, we come to you so that we will have the eyes to see your emerging Reign and become a part of its eternal coming. Lead us again. Amen. |
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