Matthew under the arm 112

For two days now, Columba has had that pinched look to his face. Frankly, the great man is being a pain. But there is a beauty to that! he had a sleepless night last night and I had to join him in his lseeplessness. He moaned away that no one had spoken to him about anything worthwhile for days. No one had asked for advice. No one had said 'thank you'.... etc. etc. 'Poor you!', I mockingly added. He turned over and snorted. In fact, I am certain he swore at me! Rather self-righteously, I said to him,'But Columba, you have spoken about giving away power, about humility....' 'Yes!' he replied, 'I spoke about it, but I can't do it'. I added, 'Well, if it was me saying these things, you would be remarking something like... "If you can't live it yourself, then let Christ live it in you."'. Another snort!

Matthew 23:1-11….
The reality is that those who have any level of psychological security do not need to be noticed or given status. In political and religious institutions in particular, the weaker they become the more names, ranks and hierarchies seem to appear. It reveals an anxiety about collapse and loss. Jesus makes the assumption that the one who follows him has begun to experience inner security for two reasons. The first is that he or she acknowledges the Kingdom of God as the only process into which human endeavour is aiming to be incorporated. That process is entirely characterised by service and not power. The second is that God has such prior place in human consideration that status and posture is of little if no significance.

I would be more and more free to be of service to the Hope of Christ.

What you choose to wear, your manner in all conversations, what you spend your resources on, are give-aways! Self-image is one that is more important than most are prepared to admit. Lack of affirmation can lead to alienation and resentment. If whole classes or ethnic groups feel such, there are profound dangers, which our cultures are now experiencing. On the other hand, to seek for admiration or conversely sympathy for its own sake is to be cut off from the health of Christ’s vision for hope in God. In the silence, look at recent days and relive the experiences where you sought for attention for its own sake. This exercise is not about guilt, but about becoming awake to motivation and action. In your prayer, ask deeply to have your ‘compass bearings’ reset to the love and service of God in others.

+Martin
Argyll and The Isles