Revealing Our True Selves - February 13

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 89:1-18; PM Psalm 89:19-52; Isa. 63:1-6; 1 Tim. 1:1-17; Mark 11:1-11

Last week, my son’s school sent us a proof of his class picture.  We knew the day that he would take his class picture.  Jack wore a clean sweatshirt to school, one of his favorites. Sometime before pictures were taken, Jack had taken off the sweatshirt and tied it around his waist.  Instead of putting the covering back on, the teacher asked him to remove his sweatshirt for the class picture. So there Jack is standing, on the end of the class rows in his bright orange University of Tennessee basketball jersey and a very stoic grin.  It’s not how either Anne or I would have sent him to school for pictures, but if I am honest, it certainly captures Jack and his playfulness.

Today’s Gospel is the familiar story read on Palm Sunday from Mark.  Jesus takes a colt, and he rides into Jerusalem.  The text reads, “Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields.”  When churches gather to reenact this in several weeks, people will stand outside naves with palm branches and shout “Hosanna in the Highest.”  I seriously doubt those same people will take off their coats and jackets and outwear, at least that is not a practice I’ve ever seen.

But it begs the question, would people have seen what they didn’t expect to see?  Would they have learned something about others gathered there, or caught a glimpse of who someone is that otherwise would have been covered up?  Is part of following Jesus the exposure of our authentic self, the revealing of the uniqueness of the identity as the people that God has created. 

This isn’t that new of a theme. In the Book of Esther, Queen Esther has to reveal her true identity, that as a Jewish woman, in order to save the very lives of her people.  Part of the Baptismal Covenant is to ‘respect the dignity of every human being’ and I wonder how much has to do with seeing people for who they are, trying to understand how their own experiences and histories have shaped them to be the people they are, and why it is important to listen and learn before reacting as an initial response.  At the very least, and ethic of seeking understanding, would go a long way in helping all Christians (and people in general) move toward beloved community. 

You and I are each made in the image of God, quirks and all.

John+

Questions for Daily Reflection:  Are there things about you that you think are important and yet you cover up from others?  Is the image that you work to present to the world your true self or something different? 

Daily Challenge: Share with a coworker, family member, or friend, something that brings you joy that you don’t often share with others.