Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop
Today’s lectionary readings urge us onward. They are complicated passages; they may even offend some of us. For example, why is St. Paul telling women to “remain under the control” of their husbands, so as to not “discredit” the word of God? Or similarly, Jesus’s parable seems peculiar: Jesus typically isn’t one to promote his disciples privilege over others, especially “servants”. And why, in this parable, do the disciples even have servants? Aren’t they to be the servants?
I certainly do not pretend to know the answers to these questions, they are tough. I will say that much perspective can be gained from a closer look at historical, social, and political contexts (for example, there is a certain irony of Paul saying that God is saving us from “lawlessness”—as Paul is usually proclaiming our freedom from the law. This tells us just a tad bit about the community he was writing to!). But for the moment, lets rest in our discontent.
I think we feel uncomfortable because they take a stab at our pride.
Jesus’ parable is ironic for a reason. Most of the disciples didn’t have servants, and even the disciples that may have at one time, did not now as wandering disciples of a poor messiah. Throughout the Gospels, we catch glimpses of competition between the disciples as to who is more important, more holy, more apt for serving the Kingdom of God. This parable emerges as a rebuke to the disciple’s pride: When Jesus asks the question “Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?” we kinda imagine Jesus would say “yes”. But the implied answer is “No”. We, as Christ’s servants are not praised simply for doing as he commanded. We deserve no merit, for our ability to “do good” is only by the Grace of God.
“When you have done all you have been commanded, say,
‘We are unprofitable servants;
we have done what we were obliged to do.’”
This all may seem like a bummer. But, to what end are we following Christ? Is it for our own praise? Do we desire to be acknowledged as more important, more holy, or more fit for the Kingdom of God that our brothers and sisters? Are we hoping to receive praise from God for our great faith and good works?
The lectionary reading urges us onward, to what? To humility, discipline and grace.
"For the grace of God has appeared, saving all
and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires
and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,
as we await the blessed hope,
the appearance of the glory of the great God
and of our savior Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness
and to cleanse for himself a people as his own,
eager to do what is good."
- Tyler Delong