Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Hosea 4:1-10
Hosea was a prophet operating in the Northern Kingdom after Israel had split in two. In today’s passage his message is particularly critical of the priests. As their religious system was largely based on a sacrificial system, so the priests, ironically, benefitted from the sins of the people (in that they depended on the sin offerings brought by people).
They feed on the sin of my people; they are greedy for their iniquity.
This has me reflecting on my experience at seminary over the past year and a bit. I have met some amazing folks, and indeed, the Church will have some gifted, creative, and energetic leaders in the years to come. But there is a tension in the seminary experience in that on one hand we are to be outward-oriented, aimed at developing our capacity for helping and journeying with others, while on the other hand, it is easy to fall into a trap of smugness and self-satisfaction; thinking that one’s approach or view is 100% perfect and correct, and anyone who differs is therefore wrong. I think a lot of students, from time to time, fall back into recalling and criticizing the unpleasant experiences that they're trying to get away from (i.e. "I was unhappy when x, which made me y and brought me here, to become a priest and fix everything and everyone else").
When our motivation is a primarily negative (and pride-filled) one, I think we’re in trouble. While one's spiritual formation and personal maturity are very important parts of a theological program, we seminarians need to remember that we are also here for all of God’s people. Perhaps more succinctly, all aspects, including personal development, are for the service of more than just the individual. Likewise, all Christians are called to look beyond themselves. Next time you’re at a church service and you find yourself disagreeing with some aspect of the liturgy, remember that there is probably someone there for whom it is a meaningful experience, even if your view is technically right. As long as we’re coming together, praying, and breaking bread, we’re on the right track.
When our motivation is a primarily negative (and pride-filled) one, I think we’re in trouble. While one's spiritual formation and personal maturity are very important parts of a theological program, we seminarians need to remember that we are also here for all of God’s people. Perhaps more succinctly, all aspects, including personal development, are for the service of more than just the individual. Likewise, all Christians are called to look beyond themselves. Next time you’re at a church service and you find yourself disagreeing with some aspect of the liturgy, remember that there is probably someone there for whom it is a meaningful experience, even if your view is technically right. As long as we’re coming together, praying, and breaking bread, we’re on the right track.
- Matthew Kieswetter
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