Monday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
I have two friends who, in the last year, have stood up for what they believed in their heart was the Christian thing to do in their workplace. They both knew it could cost them their jobs. They both encountered great opposition. They both endured rejection and judgment and a significant amount of suffering for it. They both held their ground. And I am proud to call them friends. I was reminded of these two disciples when reflecting on today’s readings. I was reminded of my two friends when I realized today is Labor Day. I am reminded it is tough “out there” and when a person meets Jesus and chooses to truly follow him, there will be consequences.
Today’s passage from the Gospel of Luke takes place shortly after Jesus returns from his time in the desert. He is “filled with the Holy Spirit.” It is the Sabbath and he stands up in the synagogue to read from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah: 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19 and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord."
This is Jesus’ public announcement of his mission to his own community. It does not turn out well! In fact, he narrowly escapes being thrown over a cliff. But Jesus has claimed his mission—his work---and there is no turning back. It matters not what the personal consequences be, as there is just this one thing that matters. To not fulfill this “one thing” means to compromise what he is called to be. To not stay the course would mean choosing himself over God. And that is not who Jesus is. Jesus’ ‘workplace’ looks wholly different from what most of us experience. But all of us can identify with his situation. We daily face challenges to remain true to who we are called to be in our work. Who has not been invited to go with the flow on an issue we feel is unjust? Who among us has not chosen personal acceptance over engaging in gossip? When have I kept quiet when my gut has told me to speak out?
Both of my friends decided to speak out. Both of my friends surrendered to the consequences of what discipleship meant in their lives. And in some way, their small acts of courage have brought the reign of God closer for all of us.
Each of my friends had to make a choice. They were both keenly aware that doing the right thing may cost them their jobs. Even of they kept their jobs they knew they would be subject to ridicule, judgment, and disdain.
Their actions reminded me that when I decide to follow Jesus, everything changes. Not only does my life of formal worship and ministry change, but every nook and cranny will be fair game. I will probably be rejected by family or coworkers or both. I know this is a process and not an event. Most of us take the rest of our lives to surrender to this Jesus of Nazareth who fulfilled the work of our redemption. When I say “yes” it is just the beginning of a long process of surrender. As I celebrate this Labor day with family and friends, I pray I may allow that most amazing Holy Spirit of God to change me, draw me into a deeper surrender into life as a disciple of Jesus in my workplace and every area of my life.
"O Most Holy Creator God,
I say “yes” to you!
I beg you for the courage to follow you
at every opportunity.
Give me the courage to keep saying “yes”
And keep placing people in my life
who give me an example follow.
With the intercession of Mary,
Through your son, Jesus.
AMEN."
- Gail Lyman