Jesus' ministry was one that exalted the humble and meek, but, even in apostolic times, the church has often been prone to forget about those whose lives are disrupted by our well intentioned efforts. The Book of Acts may not show interest in the fortune-reller's fate, but Jesus never forgets about anybody, and neither should we.
I proposed in my sermon last Sunday that the Fortune-teller girl be regarded as a saint, and that churches be named after her and serve as havens for those who have been hurt, ignored, or forgotten by church or clergy. Trouble is, The Bible doesn't tell us her name, but, in my experience, fortune-tellers have names like "Zelda", so I guess my hypothetical churches could be called "St. Zelda's".
Except every congregation I have served was already "St. Zelda's" in practice, including St. Andrew's, where I now serve. All these have been communities that had undergone their share of disappointments at the hands of the clergy. Sometimes this was the result of betrayal or outright abuse, but more often a matter of well intentioned efforts having unintended consequences that
But God isn't finished with any of us yet. By God's grace, St. Zelda's sometimes strident voice will continue to recall the church to see the world through the eyes of Christ, who never forgets anyone.
2 comments:
Good read.
Good read.
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