Inconvenient Convictions

Wisdom 2:12, 17-20
Psalm 54:3-4, 5-6, 8
St James 3:16-4:3
St Mark 9:30-37


Every one of our readings this week sets up a dichotomy between righteousness and a specific sort of wickedness. This wickedness is described in our Psalm as haughtiness, and in James as "selfish ambition", and in our Gospel an implied desire to be greatest.

Commentaries in the New American Bible suggest that in our Gospel reading, Mark is drawing particular attention to the disciples' lack of understanding. Why would the Son of Man, the actual greatest, the warrior-king, be handed over to die? Why should I not strive to be the strongest in God's Kingdom? This lack of understanding seems to be a lesser theme across our readings, as in the book of Wisdom, the wicked have the same confusion-- they do not understand what it means for God to be with the "just one", and do not realize that the shameful death he must undergo is his glory and victory.

File:Mocking of Christ by Gerard van Honthorst.jpg
"The Mocking of Christ," Gerhard van Honthorst

In a world where pride, ambition and self-serving craftiness are touted as virtues, many cannot understand a call to be the "servant of all". I appreciate the use of the word "obnoxious" in the NAB of Wisdom 2:12, because sometimes I am sure this is how others feel about me when I insist on something small that my conscience says is right, or when I insist on something that is more difficult, but causes slightly less harm to others or our world.

The NRSV uses the word "inconvenient" here, which is a helpful direction. It often feels like the world is set on making the right and just choice less and less convenient for any individuals to make. It is interesting that we also see the words "peace" and "gentleness" in our readings, as peacefully differing from the moral status quo is understood more and more as a personal attack on our neighbors.

It makes me think of the poem of Mother Teresa's which includes the words, "If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway." There is not a line that perfectly fits, but I suppose we could say "If you are just, peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, people may think you are obnoxious and self-righteous. Be just anyway."

As we pursue the convictions that the Spirit has placed upon our hearts, let us pray that we will not be self-righteous or proud, but that Jesus will give us the strength to be humble and pure in all we do, striving to be truly the least, and deeply compassionate.

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