Bound by our Shared Suffering - August 9
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 89:1-18; PM Psalm 89:19-52; 2 Samuel 13:23-39; Acts 20:17-38; Mark 9:42-50
As I read Acts today, I am reminded of just how difficult life could be for those first Christians. Paul has written the elders of the Church community in Ephesus reminding them of his time with them when he lived among them in humility and with “tears, enduring the trials that came to (Paul).” Paul specifically reminds them that he didn’t shrink away from being helpful but instead relishes in how he continued to share the Holy Spirit. When Paul is finished preaching, a few more tears are shed, they pray with him, and send him on his way as they realized that Paul has taught them how to serve and share. They have learned one of the greatest lessons in life, that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”
It’s that time of year when many people are embarking on something new. College is beginning and with it, people are joining fraternities and sororities. I did the same when I went to college, at a time when hazing was a regular practice of initiation. I can still remember every Monday night, my freshman year, when my class would show up in our blue jeans and white t-shirts (the uniform of pledges) and would stand in the Great Hall of the Fraternity House where a bunch of others would yell at us and ask us questions. We would try not to laugh or get angry, caught up in this bizarre cycle of storytelling and camaraderie.
And then at the end of eight weeks or so, it was over. I think the idea was that we all had a shared experience of suffering that bound us together, although it was actually quite fun in many ways too. Different pledges classes would all argue how their initiation was so much more difficult, but the focus was that we all shared something challenging and difficult. I’m glad that much of this has gone away, as it is probably a much better idea to be bonded over ideals and values than shared sufferings, but for many years, this way was the way of the fraternity system, and probably still is in some places.
As we enter almost a year and a half of pandemic living, of thinking about a virus and its impact on our daily life at almost every inflection point, I find it reassuring that Paul’s visit to the people in Ephesus is not about what Paul has endured, but what they have endured together. In some ways what they have suffered together, is the focus of his visit. He gives thanks for what they have learned and how it has taught them in how to serve and share and not to focus on what they can receive. I wonder if the same opportunity is being presented to us?
It is far too easy to project blame and anger in our world today. I’ve got some of that swirling around too. But it is also reassuring to see how adversity can bind us together, and that seems like a more hopeful response. It sure worked for Paul and the community in Ephesus. I’m hoping it can bind us together too.
John+
Questions for Self-Reflection: What is the most challenging part of the last year and a half? Who are the others in your life that have shared that with you? What lessons have you learned?
Daily Challenge: Write (and mail) a thank you note to someone who has taught you something during the last year. Bonus points if they have no idea they have given a gift to you.