A Disordered Faith

REFLECTIONS
September 21, 2008

We are a people who enjoy being first, in some measure because we equate first with best. Politicians speak of being first in the arms race, or first in peace initiatives. We are more loyal sports fans if our teams are in first, and who doesn’t want to be first in line at a concert or in line at the bank?

So, when we read the parable of the workers in the vineyard, we can become confused or angered, for our protestant work ethic sensibilities are offended. The story tells us that those who came to work in the last of the day are paid the same amount as those who worked all day. Worse yet, those who came last are the first paid. When questioned, the owner states the obvious; asking is he not free to do as he wishes with his money? Jesus closes the teaching with the statement about this being God’s realm where the first are last and the last first. Of course, this flies in the face of what most then (and now) believe to be right and fair.

On one level, this is a story about labor and management, and when is management ever fair to labor? We can relate to those who complained. To put in the greater time without greater reward can be frustrating. In our jobs, in clubs, civic organizations and yes, in churches we assume certain entitlement based on seniority. While this, in fact, is often true in terms of how these various groups operate, Jesus teaches in this parable that rank and station do not apply in the realm of God. For Jesus, the Kingdom of God is not an exclusive country club but an inclusive community.

In some manner, what Jesus is getting at is the relational aspect existing between creator and creature. The complainers, of course, seek a close relationship with God. They wish to be advisers. Every now and then when I’m deep in prayer, telling God exactly what needs to happen, I am caught by the humor of it. I trust God is as well.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

The Unfrozen Hand

REFLECTIONS
September 14, 2008

The business of forgiveness is tricky at best. For to forgive, one has to give up the resentment held toward another for hurt done. Judgment on the other hand is quite easy. It requires only the self-understanding of whom or what is wrong or right, followed by the exercise of jumping to a conclusion.

Each day judgments are made without investigation and information. If you question the veracity of this statement, remember it the next time you are treated rudely by a sales clerk, or are cut off in traffic. We judge people by how they dress, where they live, how well they speak, their net worth, in short the list is practically endless. Judgments are made of every person we encounter and all events we experience; at times without the understanding that we are being judged as we are forming our judgments. Of course, judgment alone is not a bad thing. Sound judgment allows us to sense danger, evaluate possible helps and hindrances and make choices for our lives. Judgment which hurts is that based in fear and ignorance, one which places an unequal value of my view over yours, ours over theirs.

Songwriter Lindsay Buckingham wrote these words to a song titled Oh Well, “Don’t ask about the shape I’m in, I can’t sing, I’m not pretty and my legs are thin. But, don't ask me what I think of you, I might not give the answer that you want me to.” Pointed, more than profound, his words remind us of how we tend to operate far too often.

When Peter asked Jesus whether forgiving seven times was enough he, in fact, had exceeded the requirements of faith. The norm for the day was three or four, so Peter’s suggestion was nearly twice the practiced religious response. The response Jesus gave depending on translation is either seven times seventy, or seventy-seven. In either case the direction Jesus gave is clear. We are to act as ones who are loved, forgiven, and accepted. When evaluating ourselves and others, err on the side of loving-kindness. To do otherwise is to miss the mark.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601