Staying at the Table
During my orientation at seminary a few weeks ago, we were asked to read a brief article by Parker Palmer and reflect on its meaning in our lives of faith. Though in the subsequent weeks I've not had much time to continue to ponder the challenge laid down by the author, I still think it's worth touching on for anyone who might actually read this.
In the article, the author's "table" allusion is to that of the Last Supper. What enabled Jesus, even with the knowledge of his imminent betrayal, to stay at the table with his disciples? Palmer claims the secret to be placing "reliance not on yourself or others but on God alone." In the Church, I believe this involves a willingness to show grace toward others even when we don't agree with their views. It also might not be a bad idea to admit that we don't know all the answers.
The challenge is to have the humility to admit that we might not always have it right. Too often we become fundamentalists, though not in the legalistic sense common to this generation. Think about it - doesn't fundamentalism imply an adherence to a set of uncompromising beliefs? While we all need to hang our hat somewhere, the danger occurs when our egos become so attached to our theological/ecclesiastical framework that we will not even dialogue with those who see things through a slightly different lens. I'm not going to turn this into a sermon, because that's not my job, but consider this a confession:
In the last two years, I had an incredibly difficult time staying at the table. Due to an unfortunate series of events, I was hurt by some of my table-mates. The shock was
so overwhelming that I felt like I no longer had a voice. I stayed at the table, but more or less with the attitude of the high school freshman bored out of his mind in Algebra class.
Knowing all the answers, he leans back in his chair and bides his time. Arrogance in time squashes teachability. Now separated by both time and distance, I've been able to do some
self-reflection...and sometimes that's not fun. Suffice it to say that I am repenting, and slowly I'm learning to humble myself at the table. Unfortunately even in the Church, we are capable of hurting one another. But...and this is a big But...we also are not just called but commanded to reconcile with our siblings in Christ (Matthew 5:24-25). For some of us "pacifists", that is a really difficult teaching, especially in a generation where marriages are no longer considered "reconciling" 30-40% of the time.
My prayer: God, your Church has been entrusted to your beloved Son. It was, is, and always will be Jesus Christ's church. As we stumble along the narrow path, often weaving like drunkards, teach us to be humble. Let the leaders in our midst seek to follow the ways of Jesus and his apostles recorded in Scripture. When our hearts have grown calloused, may the Holy Spirit do his renewing work. May local bodies have unity within their community, and may the myriad of denominations, or lack thereof, in our midst grow in following your example of grace. Whether our starting point is Scripture or culture, remind us that you are not just a message, but that you are alive in our midst, even when our hearts ache and you feel so far removed. And let us look forward to the day when you will draw us for all time to your table.
In Christ's name,
Amen
I hope you'll take a few minutes to read/skim the article linked above, and be challenged to be imitators of Christ.
Blessings
In the article, the author's "table" allusion is to that of the Last Supper. What enabled Jesus, even with the knowledge of his imminent betrayal, to stay at the table with his disciples? Palmer claims the secret to be placing "reliance not on yourself or others but on God alone." In the Church, I believe this involves a willingness to show grace toward others even when we don't agree with their views. It also might not be a bad idea to admit that we don't know all the answers.
The challenge is to have the humility to admit that we might not always have it right. Too often we become fundamentalists, though not in the legalistic sense common to this generation. Think about it - doesn't fundamentalism imply an adherence to a set of uncompromising beliefs? While we all need to hang our hat somewhere, the danger occurs when our egos become so attached to our theological/ecclesiastical framework that we will not even dialogue with those who see things through a slightly different lens. I'm not going to turn this into a sermon, because that's not my job, but consider this a confession:
In the last two years, I had an incredibly difficult time staying at the table. Due to an unfortunate series of events, I was hurt by some of my table-mates. The shock was
so overwhelming that I felt like I no longer had a voice. I stayed at the table, but more or less with the attitude of the high school freshman bored out of his mind in Algebra class.
Knowing all the answers, he leans back in his chair and bides his time. Arrogance in time squashes teachability. Now separated by both time and distance, I've been able to do some
self-reflection...and sometimes that's not fun. Suffice it to say that I am repenting, and slowly I'm learning to humble myself at the table. Unfortunately even in the Church, we are capable of hurting one another. But...and this is a big But...we also are not just called but commanded to reconcile with our siblings in Christ (Matthew 5:24-25). For some of us "pacifists", that is a really difficult teaching, especially in a generation where marriages are no longer considered "reconciling" 30-40% of the time.
My prayer: God, your Church has been entrusted to your beloved Son. It was, is, and always will be Jesus Christ's church. As we stumble along the narrow path, often weaving like drunkards, teach us to be humble. Let the leaders in our midst seek to follow the ways of Jesus and his apostles recorded in Scripture. When our hearts have grown calloused, may the Holy Spirit do his renewing work. May local bodies have unity within their community, and may the myriad of denominations, or lack thereof, in our midst grow in following your example of grace. Whether our starting point is Scripture or culture, remind us that you are not just a message, but that you are alive in our midst, even when our hearts ache and you feel so far removed. And let us look forward to the day when you will draw us for all time to your table.
In Christ's name,
Amen
I hope you'll take a few minutes to read/skim the article linked above, and be challenged to be imitators of Christ.
Blessings
posted by Matt at
9:40 PM
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