Our judgements and competitions – a finite experience
by Joanne Corney
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Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last (Luke 13:30).
Do you like watching historical documentaries? My family does. These documentaries highlight the commonalities between the past and present. They show what’s been continuous through the ages – humankind. The common threads of human behaviour and experience are constant regardless of the time.
I gently observe that it is human to form assessments or judgements of situations, ourselves and/or others (known to us or not). I also notice the place of competition. It is not just a part of team sports or talent quests – it pops up in ourselves with ourselves and others. Both help us live our lives. It is partly our judgements and competition that can underpin our thoughts about who is (or should be) ‘first’ and ‘last’.
In this reading, we see Jesus on the move – connecting with and teaching many in villages and towns as he journeys to Jerusalem. I wonder who was ‘first’ and who was ‘last’ in these visits … how competition popped up in meetings with Jesus as he visited communities. I wonder how this played out alongside his intentional connection with all, regardless of age, gender, wealth, role, ability or popularity, as he lived out and embodied divine love in action.
In this reading, Jesus uses the imagery of a house, a homeowner and dreadful shock and grief in realising that one is not in a recognised relationship as previously thought – it shows a relational breakdown with the homeowner. To help make his point, Jesus sets a scene using these examples we know. He then springboards to unpacking a point regarding the eternal space of the kingdom of God. Jesus helps listeners understand what it means to be in a known relationship with the homeowner (God) and to be with him. Jesus shows that our judgements and competitive endeavours won’t influence who will be there. He infers these may leave us surprised as to who is present to share always with God. Jesus highlights those in heaven will be from all over the globe. In the eternal space, the earthly ranking of last or first is obsolete. The enduring point will be relationship with God. We can be grateful that God makes this possible for all.
Merciful God, thank you that you help us to understand the divine and eternal mysteries by using examples of what we understand from our daily experiences. Please help us to know and grow in a known relationship with you. Help us to feel hope and know your love more deeply. In the name of Christ, Amen.
Joanne Corney is an active member of the LCANZ in Queensland. She has served over many years in voluntary parish pastoral care, ministry and development, and representative roles. During the past seven years, she has worked in the delivery of aged-care chaplaincy for Lutheran Services. Joanne’s areas of service in the church stem from her varied professional roles in healthcare and personal roles in life.
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