BARNABAS TOOK CHARGE
I was once
with a group of students from different parts of the continent: most from the
south but a few from the north. An issue arose, I forget what it was, and all
those from the south took a united stand on it. But then one of them, from
Sudan, spoke up disagreeing with his companions and proposing a contrary way of
proceeding. As I say, I don’t remember the details but what has stayed with me
is this Sudanese who didn’t “go along with” the majority.
When Paul
had his Damascus experience it changed his life. But the Christians in
Jerusalem were suspicious. “They could not believe he was really a disciple,”
(Acts 9:26). Then, we are told, “Barnabas took charge of him” and explained how
the Lord had appeared to Paul. Barnabas turned the situation around by standing
up for what he believed was the truth of the situation.
This is not
easy to do. I do not think I am alone in recalling how often the pressure of
numbers has intimidated me and I have kept quiet even though I totally disagreed
with what was being said. It is easier that way. To have spoken up might have
brought ridicule, ostracism, embarrassment or insecurity. Better to stick with
the crowd!
But “the
crowd” can lead me into worse trouble. I met a young woman recently serving a
sentence for carrying drugs from one country to another. “People do it to help
their families.” Well, maybe they do, but now your family has lost you for the
duration of your sentence and it may be hard to restart when you are free
again. Why was it so difficult to break with “people do it” in the first place?
Well, it is
difficult. And we need strength to build the courage to do what is right even
if “everyone” else is doing something different. Jesus had an unusual image for
us to understand this. He spoke of himself as the vine or fruit tree. He told
his friends, “You are the branches.” But when branches are cut from a fruit
tree they no longer bear fruit. If we want the courage to stand for what we
believe we have to find it somewhere. And Jesus offers it to us every day.
It is all a
test of our seriousness. Time and again we attest our comfort with ourselves.
“I’m OK.” We tell ourselves we are caring, loving, hard-working people. Well,
maybe we are. But love shows itself in what we actually do. And if, when
challenges come, we hide in the crowd and do nothing it is hardly love. “Our
love is not to be just words and mere talk, but something real and active.” (1
John 3:18).
3 May 2015 Easter
Sunday 5 B
Acts 9:26-31 1
John 3:18-24 John
15:1-8
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