Mark 9:30-37 Gospel reading for Sunday 23rd September 2012
Again this week the reading is in three parts.
- Jesus attempts for the second time to tell the disciples about His imminent death.
- Tough life being a disciple ... can't even have a private conversation without being caught out! (re their discussion about who was the greatest.)
- Jesus raises up the status of children (He welcomes them)
I want to simply take up the 'welcoming' theme and explore it further in the context of our schools.
While the reading has obvious applications as a basis for children's ministry and for working with kids generally, I suspect that there is a deeper imagery and implication. On the one hand Jesus superficially seems to be saying that we need to become like children to be great (by displaying greater humility, innocence, trust, spontaneity, purity.) But as usual, Jesus' words are surrounded in controversy. This teaching would have been a great shock. It was a reversal of expectations. Children were nothing in the tradition of Israel. Greatness was seen in and through men of military and political power ... not in caring for a child. So beyond the face-value level of the text, a greater and deeper truth lurks. Greatness lies in one who is not normally viewed as great by the popular culture of the day.
Wow ... isn't that a powerful reminder for us in schools!
How often have we in the Lutheran system fallen for the trap of being attracted to the greatness of the world, or greatness that is superficial, glossy and smooth on the exterior? How much do we fall for impressive superficial performance or appearance in people or situations? Are we masked from true greatness that may be hidden somewhere beneath the surface, in what would paradoxically appear to be less attractive choices?
I hear Jesus really speaking to Lutheran school leaders through this text. From HR decisions, to enrolment procedures, to governance recruiting, to award giving, we have a responsibility to look beyond the greatness yard-sticks of society ... to raise up those who are not normally viewed as great by society 'rules'.
Nev
One of the really difficult dilemmas in schools is that the public still assess a school by greatness. High academic achievement, prominent leaders, sports trophies, beautiful facilities, glossy prospectuses, success, success, success.
ReplyDeleteOn the surface a school has to be appealing by worldy standards to get enrolments (to exist),so what a challenge it is to know how far to go with that without undermining Jesus principles here. Not easy.
Heather.