tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post8644668598497853540..comments2023-09-12T11:31:20.729-05:00Comments on Straight-Friendly: Faithful AttractionTimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01271248501086241494noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post-11909891884414231832011-03-23T11:32:08.784-05:002011-03-23T11:32:08.784-05:00WITH, you touch an important point here. Launching...WITH, you touch an important point here. Launching our efforts on behalf of the needy as "helpers" introduces a boundary that distances us from them. Showing them mercy--which is not at all as sentimental as sounds, because it entails <i>identifying</i> with them, as one of them--breaks through these barriers. We're not doctors, but patients all. And if there's any difference between them and us it's in our having met the Great Physician Whom they may not yet know. It's a big difference, but not one that divides us.<br /><br />That "as yourselves" clause in The Great Commandment is the most elusive part for us, I think. It is not a call for empathy but for mercy and identification, a discipline, not an emotion. Asking us to relate to our neighbors in that way sets very high expectations, indeed. But we can do it.<br /><br />Thank you for your comment. It brings a very important point into sharp relief here.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />TimTimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01271248501086241494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post-3290570998554197402011-03-23T02:24:44.821-05:002011-03-23T02:24:44.821-05:00My scripture group is studying Mark's Gospel w...My scripture group is studying Mark's Gospel within a theme of social justice adn loving your neighbour. But how often the discussion turns, with the kindest of intention, into 'them and us' when there would be only us. But how hard it is to get the group to see it and admit it. It is easy to think ourselves doctors and outside of need, hard not to feel we are in control. <br />Thank youMairie https://www.blogger.com/profile/17663275897097146508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post-18687760052517187072011-03-22T21:22:28.064-05:002011-03-22T21:22:28.064-05:00Grant, I'd considered the sad irony in Jesus&#...Grant, I'd considered the sad irony in Jesus's words; I've always thought they frame a somewhat unfortunate metaphor. given the inadvertent labeling here. (I cringed both times when typing it.) But your added touch brings them back around for me. The ironic angle adds a gentle invitation to the Pharisees, doesn't it? As if in saying, "These people need me," Jesus is also saying, "You need Me, too." And, of course, He's right to say that.<br /><br />Wow. You've just lifted this passage to another level, giving us much to think about when we slip and find ourselves standing with the naysayers. Thank you!<br /><br />Blessings,<br />TimTimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01271248501086241494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post-4184903816939176062011-03-22T18:19:42.168-05:002011-03-22T18:19:42.168-05:00Re: "...not the healthy who need a doctor, bu...Re: "...not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick..."<br /><br />I think there is a sad irony in Jesus choice of words, for surely the sickest of all is the one whose self-righteousness blinds him to his own need of healing.<br /><br />I picture Jesus saying this line as he looks deep into the eyes of the one(s) who asked the question, hoping they might see he was referring to them most of all.Aluwingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16518739658424324739noreply@blogger.com