Hopes & Plans Part 2

In my last Blog (Hopes & Plans for 2025) we explored some of the implications of Jesus' radical teaching as recorded in Mark's Gospel. We also explored some of the implications of Jesus' teaching for his listeners, both in his day, as well for us in our daily life.

However, daily life with all it's demands and activities, is not always straight forward, nor easy. We are often faced with the need for patience and the willingness to help others; to understand their needs and struggles. And while seeking to practice gratitude and empathy it does take time and it is also not always easy!

I recently came across an example of this online. The author suggested that having a 'Me-First' attitude wasn't selfish because it involved self-preservation. But the article went on to recommend if we are not looking after ourselves: mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally, it will be hard, if not impossible for us to meet the demands made upon us, during the course of our daily life.

After my initial uncertainty, I realized there is a reality in what was being suggested – and I suspect you also know that only too well – because the need to 'look after ourselves first' attitude is not new. The people living in Jesus' day also struggled with similar challenges. For example, Luke in his Gospel mentioned several situations where Jesus invited a person to 'Come and follow him'¹. However, as much as they would have like to have accepted his invitation, they realized they needed to deal with some significant family issues first. One person, for example, needed to arrange the funeral for his father. Another person wanted to inform his family before accepting Jesus' invitation! Both reasonable requests I thought! However, Jesus had different ideas and was far more emphatic! If they didn't accept his invitation right then, they were not fit to become his follower!

What Jesus was suggesting, in Luke's Gospel (chapter 6), is that while the realities of life will inevitably vary for people, we all face the challenge of complacency. It makes no difference whether we are wealthy and can have whatever want – or if we poor and often go without even the basic necessaries of life. What I understand as the subtext here, is when we make excuses, are we aware of what we are saying and not saying?

A little like the comment made by Shakespeare:

There is a tide in the affairs of men,
Which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
On such a full sea are we now afloat,
And we must take the current when it serves,
Or lose our ventures. ²

In Jesus day, poverty, hardship, health issues, and family commitments, were all part of his listeners daily life – and maybe it is the same for you?

Jesus wasn't denying the reality of this, rather as I read it, he was reminding us to choose carefully before we commit ourselves to someone's invitation, wants or needs. This is not being ungracious or selfish. It is so we avoid becoming the passive victim to other people's demands. Jesus actually goes further. He sought to encourage his listeners to reflect upon what do they really want out of life?' 'What were their hopes?' 'What longing burnt in their hearts and minds?' They are also good questions for us to consider as well because while God knows and understands our thoughts and needs. And while economic poverty does have its challenges – so does wealth. Yet Jesus takes us one step further.

God was and is on the side of those who struggle with the realities of life... and Jesus invites his listeners (and us as well) to 'To lift our vision above the reality of the life we live'. To go beyond – to do more than love those who love us – and to ground our hopes and actions on a firm foundation

        that is inclusive

            and life-giving

                to those we live with and meet.

Kia mau te rongo me te pai ki a koe i to haerenga

May you find peace and good will on your journey.

Phil

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¹Luke 9:57-62 “Would Be Followers of Jesus

²Julius Caesar Act 4, Scene 3, Line 249