Public Domain Photo, Wikimedia Commons
Christ in the House
The 1533 painting "Christ in the House of Martha and Mary" by Pieter Aertsen shows in a Renaissance setting the kind of conversations Jesus had with his followers.
Before retiring as senior pastor of a busy and growing church, I had frequent "Dutch treat luncheons" with a cross-section of lay persons across the community. The idea for this form of ministry came to me from a former seminary professor who prior to teaching was pastor of a large church in another state. This ministry seemed to work for him. Perhaps it would work for me. Eventually, it came to be one of my most memorable forms of ministry.
As the years went by, I believe I had "Dutch treat luncheons" in most every restaurant in the city. I even drove to our state capital for luncheons and also "brown bagged" it with a good friend at a local factory. The conversations at these luncheons covered the waterfront. I mainly wanted lay persons to know that their pastor cared for them during the week as well as at 11 a.m. during Sunday morning worship.
Genuine concern and respect for another person says everything about who we are and what we value, and goes a long way in elevating the self-respect of that person.
During the heated discussion following the presidential election of Donald John Trump, witnessed in hundreds of rallies, parades, demonstrations in major cities across the land and around the world, the one probing question that should concern us all is the question, Why? Perhaps you already know why. For example, why are there such major divisive reactions to the election? Why are some people so bitter and frightened? Why is there such euphoria for others? Why is the entire world so shaken and treading on eggshells? Why?
Could it be many have had it? They just could not accept or tolerate a highly intelligent black man and his family living and serving in the White House. Generations of ingrained hate and hostility dating back to Jim Crow days and beyond of racism die slowly and may never be properly buried. That is a painful fact that might as well be accepted and dealt with.The only way to live with it is through a whole lot of TLC. Furthermore, the possibility of the proposed so-called "free ride" often proposed and supported by "the Left" was just too much.
On the other hand, for others, Donald Trump has been characterized by some as a showman, a con artist, one who doesn't pay his bills, who doesn't know the meaning of truth, someone who has been accused of having little respect for other races and religions and people of the opposite sex, and someone who, now that he's in office, has proposed radically changing our form of government here and our foreign policy abroad. All such labels have brought the house down among thinking people across the country and around the world. The final report is still out on this administration. Only time will tell. The ultimate report will not be known until the passing of four more uncertain years. Wise people will pray Mr. Trump will succeed for the good of all.
The solution to these highly complex and critical issues may never be completely resolved. Who is wise enough to know? This is life. We just learn to live with the sticky and messy issues of life and hope for the best. But one thing is certain, until we discover the skill of respecting each other as human beings with feelings, ideas, and concerns for the future, while not having to always agree with the other point of view, the case is hopeless. Looking down on the other person, treating him or her as a second class citizen, disrespecting his or her point of view is a sure fire way to keep the conflict blazing.
On a Sunday national news program Sen. John McCain, a national "war hero", regardless of what others might say said, "The world is on fire, and we are going to have to learn to get along with one another." Is there any other solution to that which divides and disturbs us all?
Maybe we just need more "Dutch treat luncheons." After all, Jesus and his disciples appear to have spent a great deal of time in prayer, sharing meals and discussing their mission. If it worked for them, maybe it will work for us.
The Rev. Billy Cox of Louisville, Ky., is a retired United Methodist clergyman and former military chaplain.