Jesus is highly esteemed by many people today for the things he did for others. When he was around, the society he lived in was very religious, but he was outraged by the spiritual pretentiousness of his peers. He rocked their worldview by demanding that spirituality isn’t just a personal thing, it has social responsibilities.
One story Jesus told, that speaks to us right now, is about spiritual pretentiousness and responsibilities. This is how the story goes in our lingo:
“There was a yuppie who enjoyed the best things in life – a high-flying career, dressed to kill, surgically enhanced to look sexy, drove a sports car and a four-wheel drive, had the latest mobile phone, appeared in the social pages and ate at the best restaurants. There was also a street person named Lazarus who used to shelter outside the yuppie’s terrace-house, and grubbed around for food. Lazarus’ health was so weak that even the neighbourhood poodles used to lick his ulcers. The yuppie felt that this was Lazarus’ “script”, as he was choosing to be a victim. Lazarus had not enrolled in the “Buckets of Blessings” self-improvement course, and so, the yuppie figured, it was Lazarus’ own fault or lack of faith! Lazarus died and so too did the yuppie. But the yuppie had not joined the ascended masters on the astral plane, or made it to nirvana or heaven. Instead the yuppie’s lifestyle choices and script led not to God and bliss, but rather to alienation and unending sensations of fear and pain. The yuppie called out to the Creator, and asked that all his soul-mates back on earth needed to have their consumer-driven self-centred life scripts changed. The Creator replied that the authentic pathway to God’s love and an empowered life is plain and simple, spelled out in the Judeo-Christian holy writings. If they won’t listen to God’s messengers and the message right now, then they too are choosing their destiny: a permanent state of spiritual degradation. Lazarus meanwhile entered into peaceful spiritual rest with the sages like Abraham, Isaiah and Mary Magdalene.
There’s a lot in this story, but one thing is for sure. Jesus demands his followers show a real humanity and humility.
Our riches, or social position mean sod all in earning God’s favour. God’s favour is a free gift, freely given to those who ask – not to those who think they’ve earned it. For those who have received this gift, we become vessels to get socially involved by helping to resolve injustices in the authority and example of Christ.
There are many things we can do to care for our fellow creation and humanity. As examples;
We can live simpler lives, consuming less resources and creating less pollution.
We can advocate and give generously to the poor and disadvantaged.
We can demand truthful and honest Government that graciously cares for all.
We can demand that animals be humanely treated.
Through Jesus we can reconnect with God. Through Jesus we can be empowered with a spirituality that truly enriches our fellow humanity and our planet.
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© 2003 Community of Hope