Catching our Reflection
1 Corinthians 6.1-11, Psalm 149, Luke 6.12-19
Today’s Gospel passage is a prelude to the famous “Sermon on the Level”, a parallel to the “Sermon on the Mount” found in the Gospel of Matthew. It describes the beginning of Jesus’ important campaign to bring the message of his Father to the masses. This mission is something that he cannot do by himself and he must find helpers who will accompany him.
There is something very topsy-turvy in the life of Jesus when you compare it to what we are used to seeing. Take a modern political campaign as an example.
When someone decides to run for a public office a press conference is usually called and a photo opportunity takes place. The candidate surrounds their self with important people who are willing to endorse the candidate ensuring that his or her reputation is built on a solid foundation of public trust. As the campaign ramps into high gear advertisements appear in television and print media ensuring maximum exposure of the candidate to the voters. Then as the candidate makes speeches all kinds of promises are made that will take place one day.
Now reflect on the beginning of Jesus’ ministry as told in this Gospel. It begins with a night of solitude and in prayer with his Father, the source of his strength and knowledge. The next day he chooses his team. From among ordinary people he chooses 12 of the most ordinary people you can imagine with nothing to distinguish themselves but their faith in Jesus. Jesus has no public reputation to build on other than the acrimony he has already established with the authorities. His first public address takes place not in front of thousands but on a level field at one and the same with those he is to minister to. Jesus makes promises but he proves their veracity by healing and bringing comfort to the people as he is standing with them. The Kingdom of which he preaches is shown to be present in their midst and not a distant hope.
The life of Christ is a mirror for us to see our reflection in. A mirror shows everything accurately but in reverse. In a mirror we see our hair parted on the opposite side of our heads and our opposite eye winks back at us as we play with our reflection. In Jesus life we see our life but in a way that we do not ordinarily understand it. It is this reflection that makes sense of the sermon to come which offers such teachings as;
Blessed are you who are poor for you will have the Kingdom. Blessed are you who hunger for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep for you will laugh, Blessed are you who are hated on my account for your reward will be great.
Jesus’ perspective might seem odd but only in relation to our earthbound lives. Jesus’ benchmark is the eternal kingdom where the banquet table is being set for the very people He is referring to.
For those who place their stock in this world, the words of Jesus will remain a foolish conception, a backwards way of looking at things. But if we believe in what is being reflected to us the invitation is to take up the call of the disciples and begin to make that heavenly reflection a reality here and now.
Who do you see when you look in the Gospel mirror?
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