Matthew under the arm 87

Achilles' tendon problems! So that's us for three days at least. Columba moaned and groaned last night as we arrived at our lodgings. Saints sulk, you know. (Thank God!) But...this morning...he was sitting down in the lobby of this rather smelly house. He was having an animated discussion which helped him forget his pains. A group of teenage boys had come into the village who looked strange and spoke a strange and unrecognisable language. "Mumblers!", is how one man described them. These 'mumblers' wore shabby clothes and stank to high heavens seemingly. In fact, the teenagers were severely hard of hearing. "With all the other smelly pilgrims around", said someone else, "These 'mumblers' are unwelcome". Columba staggered to his feet to look out the window. We were all curious. There, passing the window were the 'mumblers'. "Let's chase them out', said a rough voice. Columba rushed out to join the 'mumblers'. Those inside the lodging shouted at Columba: "What're you doing?" "Mumbling", he replied. 'Oh...and we're listening to each other!'


Matthew 18:15-18....
There is a presence that lies underneath what Jesus is saying. The 'wrong' here implies harm done to the community. Personal ethics are important not for the development of the individual, but for the benefit of the community in which we are set. Some ethical assumptions may need to be challenged and changed within the community. The emergence of the Kingdom may be about painful transformation but not about harming. The distinction is not always clear. Out of fear, we are inclined not to challenge the 'closed system' of some community norms. (Including the Christian church!) The 'Gospel' demand is to have the truthfulness and courage to challenge those within the community who have harmed, undermined its well-being by their self-absorbed activities, self-protectiveness and attitudes based on 'being right'.

May Your Wisdom and Truth lie at the heart of the communities of which I am a part.


First, through a gentle review of yourself, become aware of someone who has had the courage to make you aware of negative attitudes. Recollect the story, the feelings and the consequences. Only by that awareness can you, with detachment, have the gentleness and strength to approach others, concerning their attitudes, through listening and reflection with them. Imagine Jesus with you as you consider prayerfully cirucmstances of conflict in which you may be currently. Be still and use the sentence constantly throughout this reflection.

+Martin
Argyll and The Isles