Monthly Archives: November 2013

“not just about giving”

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Here’s another piece from my email conversation with a friend (see the others here and here):

What does it look like [“to immerse ourselves in the depths of ‘follow me'”]? Jesus seems to teach complete dependence on God in every area of life (economic, social, political, with family, church, etc.). We demonstrate this faith by looking to God for help and trusting how He gives. Weakness and poverty, in that sense, helps us overcome our separation from God. Whereas wealth and human strength will do the opposite. Yet following Jesus is not just about giving and/or helping, but about having a close relationship with God (i.e., oneness).

Who will be excited by Good News today?

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Society’s outcasts.
Felons. Rapists. Drug dealers.
Panhandlers. Prostitutes.
Law breakers in general.
Those who won’t/can’t work.
People of hated religions.
And others who have to stand “last.” 
Atheists. Agnostics. And all of us
who mistakenly believe that God 
backs up religious insiders,
government officials, hatred,
discrimination, and prejudice
from anyone who holds authority
in the world.
 
For some, to disobey or offend 
the Big Judge, means I’ll
be locked up, no parole, 
without any hope, 
the key thrown away–
and nothing I could do would make a difference.
 
But reading with the “damned,”
as opposed to those who have
already been comforted,
may help us see the Spirit’s 
mercy to each one on the page.
 
Inspired by, “I Need a Beating” – Reading for Good News among Mexican Immigrants and Inmates Submerged in the Bad News.