An Angry Dinner Party - October 30
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:49-72; PM Psalm 49, [53]; Ecclus. 28:14-26; Rev. 12:1-6; Luke 11:37-52
Today’s Gospel strikes home. A Pharisee invites Jesus to a dinner party, but things quickly go awry. Jesus is criticized for not washing his hands, while the Pharisees are criticized for how they treat others, particularly their lack of care for the poor and marginalized in their community. The situation escalates in a major way.
Life as an American can feel like we are at an angry dinner party, pointing fingers at each other. We live together, so we have to sit at the same table, yet there’s a lot of blame and accusation. Jesus calls out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees—the religious leaders of the time—who are focused on appearances while mistreating others.
As a clergy person serving a congregation that brings together people of diverse opinions and perspectives, I want to share an observation as we approach Tuesday and reflect on how to move forward. I continue to meet people who hold different views from one another and from myself, yet there is no rhyme or reason to who exhibits compassion, love, and empathy. There is so much goodness in this world. At the same time, I worry about the policies, violent language, and dehumanizing rhetoric that dominate our national discourse. This rhetoric can incite violence, which is a real and frightening concern.
One way to read this Scripture is to remember that Jesus speaks to all humanity. In this passage, we might consider that each of us carries some level of hypocrisy in our lives. I know I do. I wonder if, to draw ourselves and others away from violent rhetoric, hatred, and malice, a two-pronged approach is needed:
We must acknowledge our own hypocrisy and seek God’s grace and mercy.
We must see others first as children of God, and through love and compassion, help them see an alternative to their anger and perceived grievances.
Today, we may be at an angry dinner party. But we are people of the resurrection, who believe that we can find life and hope through pain, sacrifice, and love. There is always hope in tomorrow. May we take the path that begins with love and self-examination.
John+
Question for Self-Reflection: Where are the areas in your life that need self-examination? How can you love someone more deeply who seems to be filled with feelings that are antithetical to the Gospel?