As we enter into the chapter on "Church" I am amazed at how quickly a discussion of reconciliation, forgiveness, and divisions in the Christian community are discussed. How often, as we read the gospels, do we come across those who are disgruntled with Jesus, even mad at Jesus for upsetting the status-quo?
Jesus spoke with authority regarding forgiveness and healing and he was accused of blasphemy as a result. I have to wonder why we like to revel in bondage of any kind: whether it be sin, punishment, disease, or consequences? The word that leaps to mind is control. We enjoy any sense of mastery or control; it is so much easier to hold resentment, fear, and punishment than it is to release and let go, to grant freedom to another person.
I am often reminded that a primary charge for disciples is to be reconcilers: that is, we have been given the ministry of reconciliation. Yet, how often in church do we do just the opposite? We bind people with heavy burdens while we ourselves enjoy the lighter yoke. We withhold forgiveness and block reconciliation with our resentment and anger. We forgo the ministry of reconciliation for a dogmatic ministry aimed at stunting/controlling growth rather than cultivating growth and freedom.
I wonder: is it easier to heal or forgive? Do the two go hand and hand? I don't know that either of these paths is easy. Forgiveness takes work and so does healing. The two are inextricably intertwined. We may want to separate them, but that is not really feasible. I think Jesus continually points us toward this realization.
I think of the story in Mark of the man healed and forgiven by Jesus: Mark 2: 3-5--Then a paralytic was brought to Him, carried by four men. Since they were unable to get to Jesus through the crowd, they uncovered the roof above Him, made an opening, and lowered the paralytic on his mat. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”…
It obviously took quite a bit of boldness and effort to heave the sick man onto the roof and lower him inside. When I consider what character might fit me in this story, I have to confess that I would likely be standing in the back of the crowd, peeking over and watching. Boldness does not come naturally to me. I can get there, especially when convictions run high. But I am not sure honestly I would have had it in this situation.
I don't want to just stand by and be an onlooker at all times. I need forgiveness and healing of my reluctance, my fears, my want to observe and stick a toe in the water before jumping in. Maybe there are many of us that need to die to our reticence, our fear of asking for forgiveness or healing?
How might we glorify God if we are forgiven and healed? The answer for me lies in being free, being balanced, being able to meet the challenges of discipleship with a level of calm understanding and hope. This is vital to the ministry of reconciliation. We say at funerals that "He comforts us in all of our sorrows so that we can comfort others in their sorrows with the consolation we ourselves have received from God."
I see this as a cornerstone of our call to wholeness and forgiveness. Are we willing to be a part of the liberating reign of God's Kingdom? Or do we prefer to stay stuck, heaping burdens on ourselves and others so that we can bemoan our existence and revel in a false sense of control?
I think the answer lies in this beautiful picture. I hope that freedom, healing, and forgiveness are gifts we can all find and cultivate in this Lenten season.
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