Courage - May 22
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 107:33-43, 108:1-6; Ezek. 43:1-12; Heb. 9:1-14; Luke 11:14-23
Now Jesus was casting out a demon that was mute; when the demon had gone out, the one who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed. But some of them said, ‘He casts out demons by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.’ Others, to test him, kept demanding from him a sign from heaven. But he knew what they were thinking… (Luke 11:14-17a)
As the end of the school year is upon our household, we have stayed up a little later and have enjoyed a family movie in the evenings. The other night, it was my time to choose; we watched L. Frank Baum’s classic, “The Wizard of Oz”. Sam and I smiled at one another, watching our kids totally captivated by this cinematographic jewel. I stepped away for a moment while Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion were meeting with The Great and Powerful Oz…but I came back just in time to behold the Lion racing down the hall in terror at the thought of stealing the broom of the Wicked Witch of the West. So filled with fear, the Lion dove – with impeccable form – through a glass window to avoid the task that felt insurmountable.
When I think of the Lion from the 1939 film version of this tale, I am deeply amused. He is blustering, bold, and a bit brittle. His nervous tail whips around with its own personality. He longs for courage.
I have been wondering about courage, both the external perception and the internal experience. In personal struggles, there is heartache and pain – maybe you can identify with this, too. Sometimes there is no way around the conflict or problem. When experiencing a serious illness, serving as a caregiver for a dying loved one, parenting a child with challenges that are concerning, or some other insurmountable feat, we simply do what we can to address what we have in front of us. It may feel like we stand still until the next right thing becomes abundantly clear. Those around us, watching our behaviors and hearing our stories, share observations like, “You are so courageous,” or “You are so strong.” In the midst of chaos that feels like heaven and hell colliding, do we really feel courageous?
Facing this collision of perception and experience, what is courage anyway? Merriam-Webster defines it as “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear or difficulty”. The physical aspect of courage means we face hardship of body, even the threat of death. Moral courage includes acting rightly even when facing shame, scandal, opposition, or discouragement. Courage involves the presence of fear, and we continue the arduous task because of love, compassion, or concern. (Note that a close cousin to courage is strength (withstanding great pressure.))
Defining what courage looks like still may not help us fully embrace courage when we are demonstrating it. What the virtue of courage can do for us is embolden us to take initiative to make or accept changes, or even have a spiritual awakening. Courage allows us to let go of old patterns and grow in new ways. Courage allows us to keep sitting alongside our ailing friend, though it is so hard to watch. Courage helps us believe in ourselves and strengthens our connection with others.
Jesus exhibited courage as he cast out the demon of the mute person in Luke 11. He was tested by those around him who doubted the benevolent source of Jesus’ power. People wanted to see more signs. They claimed he was using Beelzebub’s force, tapping into the darkness of the Adversary. Parts of the crowd were turning the narrative of healing into a source of scandal. Jesus stood his ground, the sure foundation of Yahweh. He reasoned and spoke strong truth: “Now if I cast out the demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your exorcists cast them out? …But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you.” (v. 19, 21)
Jesus’ witness in Luke 11, and in his whole earthly ministry, can be for us a touchstone of courage when we are feeling insecure, trapped, anxious or excluded. We need not flee down a hallway with the Lion from Oz, diving through a plate glass window. We can plant our feet in love and compassion, facing what we must face and speaking the truth of God in love.
Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
When have I been courageous? When have I noted it in others?
Whom do I identify with in the crowd which witnesses Jesus’ miracle? With those who watch in amazed belief? With those who reject him? Or with those who hedge their bets, looking for further signs?
Daily Challenge
Reflecting on Luke 11, Jesus forces us off the middle ground. We cannot be neutral: we are either with him or against him. What is a “middle ground” that you can no longer dwell in? Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring you courage to face that challenge and choose. Talk to a trusted friend about the struggle.