Amos 8:1-14; Rev. 1:17-2:7; Matthew 23:1-12
Herewith a rant about the use of the title “Father” (and now “Mother”) in the Church. Does it bother anyone else that we just blow right by Jesus’ clear instructions? When did we decide that those words applied to the Pharisees of his day, but not to us? Don’t get me wrong. There are many teachings in the Gospels (and many more in the other writings!) that I think applied to Jesus’ time but perhaps not to ours. But this one seems spiritually important and eternal.
We gather as Christians with one God, one Lord, one Shepherd. We honor many other people, living and dead, but we don't mistake them for our one Source. Treating humans that way is dangerous to them, as well as to us. It’s a truism in religious life that the great sin awaiting the righteous person is pride. This is precisely what happens with the Pharisees. So how dangerous is it to call someone “Father” or “Mother”? What does that do to them?
12-Step groups emphasize anonymity as a “spiritual foundation,” “ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.” Discussion of this principle usually centers on the cost to everyone when people start taking credit for their own recovery and that of others. Usually, when they do they fall in some big way. Those who live and serve in contented anonymity touch lives and strengthen their own recovery. Or, as Jesus simply puts it, “All who exalt themselves will be humbled; and all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
“I do not call you servants any longer, . . . but I have called you friends” (John 15:15). As the Church formed, this insight went underground; but it is a spring from which the kingdom of God continually wells up. The body of Christ has one head.
I call you friends.
Who needs your quiet service today? You do.
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