We began in light, and ended in darkness. We closed by pretending we would want to stay with him in that garden, singing the Taize piece "Stay with me".
As usual, I wept during the foot washing, my unworthiness to be touched by Him profoundly evident, with pride the most heinous of many crimes.
After the service I thought about a Facebook discussion I'd had earlier in the day with evangelical Christians who preach fire and brimstone for those who support same sex marriage.
I thought about what Jesus did at that supper, and the model of love that He offered to us through it.
He knew that He was about to be betrayed, and by whom. He looked Judas in the eye and in the heart, and dipped His hand with Judas into the bowl. But He did more than just that.
He washed His betrayer's feet. He acted as servant and lover for one who He knew to be so horribly in the wrong.
It made me think.
What a beautiful thing it would be if those who preach judgement and condemnation of same sex relationships would instead get down on their knees publicly, as Jesus did, and say "Let me humble myself. Let me be a servant to you."
Would not this be a more fitting way to stay with Him in the garden, watching and praying?
Please Lord, help me to be a washer of feet rather than a wielder of damnation.
If my son or daughter were to convert to Judaism or Islam....to identify with the unchurched or unreligious...or even announce that they are gay......I would be building bridges rather than burning them.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful image Ike, bridge building. Imagine how much learning would take place along the way? Each time I encounter a view that doesn't line up with my own, and am able to take the time to study, I come away much richer in my understanding of the world, the other, and of God. Sometimes that means that my own position is more firmly rooted than ever, other times I've gained views of God that I never expected. I think that if we always submit our own will to his as we seek understanding, it's hard to go too far wrong. Even if we are off base, he will turn it to the good.
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