Today we pray for the victims and survivors of the devastations, wars, and violence that occur around the world. Prayers also of thanksgiving for the laborers from all over the country, both paid and volunteer, who immediately answered the call to help amidst the tragedies. Laborers, who daily answer the call to their own work, but who now labor to serve others.
I think it right and good that those, who get up each day and serve up their labor and talent, are recognized. Our schools are filled with women and men, who each day strive to share curricula contents and life skills to the next generation of laborers. These teachers, custodians, maintenance workers, officers, paraprofessionals, security specialists, counselors, and administrators work to prepare orchards of workers under whose shade they will likely never sit. While the statistics may suggest there are better ways to make a profit, living and working in honest labor for the benefit of all has a long-term reward of great value.
Matthew has Jesus speaking to the disciples about the spiritual life in terms of profit: "What does it profit anyone to gain the whole world and yet lose the soul." Jesus speaks to Peter directly, telling him that even one so close to the Messiah can be a stumbling block to the progress of the Kingdom, when the focus is on earthly values rather than the Divine. We humans are more inclined to respond to short-term gains, than to pursue long-term returns, although the latter is what those who labor in financial spheres would suggest for our focus. Jesus appears to agree with the financial planners; seek spiritual stock profitable to the Kingdom. There are no get-rich-quick schemes in the spiritual life. No profit comes unless it is by denying ourselves, taking up the cross, and serving faithfully over time. Jesus' question leads us away from thinking of our life as a system of rules and duties to follow. His query focuses our hearts on real value and focuses our hands in building the Kingdom.
Maimonides, a Jewish philosopher of the Middle Ages, wrote extensively on living a moral and ethical life. Maimonides created a hierarchy of giving and givers. These ranged from those who give from the hand, but not the heart, to the highest order, those who help others learn to help themselves; giving in a manner which does not embarrass the receiver, nor allow the giver a chance to show off. There are times when our work may not seem as impressive as other's work. Our work may appear as unimportant, or at times even oppressive. Remember that no matter how mundane and ordinary our lives may be, when offered through the hands and heart of Jesus, the common becomes Holy, an ordained expression of Love.
We are blessed, this weekend and always, to be among the first responders, and the second responders, and the third, and all who share their time and talent to help those in need with healing, with shelter, a shoulder to lean upon, a model for right living, clean water, healthy food, safe streets, or even an understanding of animals needing rescue. Divine givers giving wherever their talents take them and where the need lies. When we help those in need, we are helping G_d do His work, for we are caring for His Creation, continuing His Creation. Divinely called and equipped, then laboring and giving, becoming steppingstones, rather than stumbling blocks.
Pax,
jbt
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