“The love you take is equal to the love you make” – April 28
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:49-72; PM Psalm 49, [53]; Wisdom 4:16-5:8; Col. 1:24-2:7; Luke 6:27-38
In 1993, Paul McCartney was on the NBC comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live. Chris Farley, one of the cast members at the time, appeared in a scene with McCartney, interviewing him for “The Chris Farley Show”. The stage is set so that the interviewer – Farley – and the guest – rock and roll legend McCartney – are sitting right next to one another, with little breathing space. Chris is bumbling, nervous, and breathless as he poorly navigates a conversation with one of the Fab Four. Boyishly smiling, his first question to Paul is, “You remember when you were with the Beatles?” McCartney’s response is, “Sure.” All that the star-struck Chris Farley can manage as a response is, “That was awesome.” Awkward silence ensues, with laughter from the audience.
The interview does not get better, and McCartney does little to save the conversation. When another dead-end question is offered, Farley gets exasperated, calls himself an idiot, and pulls at his hair in frustration. He turns to questions about Paul’s music with the Beatles, which could be an avenue of engagement, but as the comedy sketch unfolds, it is another dead-end with no connection between host and guest.
There is time for a final question. “Um, remember when you were in the Beatles, and you did that album Abbey Road, and at the very end of the song, the song goes, ‘…and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.’ You remember that? Is that true?” McCartney responds, “Well, Chris, I find, the more you give, the more you get.” Farley enthusiastically mouths, “Awesome!” while gesturing with breathless exuberance. He beams with joy for a moment and then continues to bumble his way to the end of the interview.
As I reflect on Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Plain in Luke 6, that final verse from today’s lectionary stands out to me: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” And as I have tried to explore other avenues for today’s reflection, this is the one that keeps coming back to me: a Chris Farley/Paul McCartney skit from SNL. There is such honesty and vulnerability in Chris’ presence, though it is painful to watch him struggle. (If I were to interview someone who I greatly esteemed, I imagine I would be similarly disastrous.)
The truth of the message is not diminished: the more we give, the more we get. In order to do that, we get to be open and vulnerable and awkward – which can feel risky. So, take courage from the late Chris Farley and receive this wisdom from Jesus: Give generously of yourself, and of your belongings. Love lavishly, even those who are hard to love. Expect nothing in return. (And, I remind you: take time to laugh.)
-- Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
To whom are you most generous? To whom is it a struggle to give greatly?
Do you find yourself giving more of yourself emotionally, spiritually, or in tangible ways?
Daily Challenge
Take time to laugh and watch this quick skit with Chris Farley and Paul McCartney. Then, reflect on how you can be more vulnerable and generous today.