Lent
February 28, 2015
Scripture Reading: Mark 8:31-38
He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? — Mark 8:34-36
Five years ago, I finally faced the question that had been hanging over my head for probably 20 years: “Do I eat to live or do I live to eat?” It is a tough question. Eating is such an integral part of our social structure, often the center of hospitality. Sharing the symbolism of a meal is actually the central point of Christian worship. Bread is called the staff of life. However, when food, or anything else, becomes our end rather than our means to an end it is as lethal as any weapon.
This is essentially what Jesus is describing in our scripture today. Anytime we invest our energy, efforts, and resources in random targets of self-satisfaction with no purpose, we are wasting ourselves and perhaps more importantly, damaging the synergy that results from the equitable investment of all God’s children in building a better world.
I still eat. In all honesty I actually enjoy my food more now than I did then, probably because I am no longer trying to meet a need with the wrong resource. Jesus called us to partner with him toward the rule of love in our world. Now that is a purpose worth pursuing with all our hearts, minds, strength, and souls.
Prayer:
Bread of the world in mercy broken,
wine of the soul in mercy shed,
by whom the words of life were spoken,
and in whose death our sins are dead:
Look on the heart by sorrow broken,
look on the tears by sinners shed;
and be thy feast to us the token
that by thy grace our souls are fed.* Amen.