In and Out of Muck
According to Church tradition, there are three causes of evil: the world, the flesh, and the devil. Some years ago, I preached a sermon about the maxim “Three Monkeys.” The figures originate from the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, Japan. However, as with many maxims, others date the teaching as far back as the 8th century. The famous figure shows three monkeys in which each covers their eyes, ears, and mouth. Many see this as a sign of self-regulation where a person makes the conscious decision to separate themselves from wrong seen, heard, or spoken. Thus, being a good citizen of the earth became removing oneself from the ugly things of life with the goal of staying out of the muck. Living this way is believed to keep us safe. We keep our hands clean and ultimately appear to be neutral in the matters of society. Our hands may appear to be clean, but are we still culpable?
Society considered Jesus a rebel. He did not play it safe or diminish the reality of evil around him. Instead, He called evil out. At times, the Gospel stories sound like news headlines. For example, Pilate mingles the blood of Galileans with the sacrifices. A deranged king beheaded John the Baptist. Jesus entered the muck. Jesus’ actions of righteous indignation, naming sin, breaking ceremonial customs and reframing church law bared witness to God’s presence. If we follow the example of Christ, personal or political safety are not signs of Christian virtues.
Brain McLaren and Gareth Higgins, authors of The Seventh Story: Us, Them, and the End of Violence, Porch 2018, wrote:
Jesus came to subvert all stories of violence and harm, not repeat them.
Instead of patriarchal stories of domination, he taught and embodied service, reconciliation, and self-giving.
Instead of stories of violent revolution or revenge on the one hand or compliant submission on the other, he taught and modeled transformative nonviolent resistance.
Instead of the purification stories of scapegoating or ethnic cleansing, he encountered and engaged the other with respect, welcome, neighborliness, and mutuality.
Instead of inhabiting a competitive story of accumulation, he advocated stewardship, generosity, sharing, and a vision of abundance for all.
Instead of advocating escapist stories of isolation, he sent his followers into the world to be agents of positive change, like salt, light, and yeast.
And instead of leaving the oppressed in stories of victimization, he empowered them with a vision of faith, hope, and love that could change the world.
We all pray that 2022 will be a better year. However, I cannot, nor can anyone, promise that we will not have to wipe our shoes clean from stepping into muck. Incarnational living is an investment in people and life in totality. The lens of scripture helps us to see that society profits from injustice. In every century, going above the law, greed, oppression, slavery, restricting services, having disposable people, war, violence, and prejudice are interwoven in the fabric of society. Although justice has never been a primary concern of the world, it should be for the Church.
Throughout the year, the Synod staff will work on several goals related to the foci of Matthew 25 - eradicating systemic racism and poverty, and congregational vitality. All of which involve unearthing hidden areas of challenge and opportunity. My goals will focus on continuing initial steps toward the New Way Forward 2.0 Vision. I will work to re-establish a culture of trust, provide analysis through observation and interpretation, and do the work of future casting. The Synod's larger vision includes bearing witness to the ever-expanding Body of Christ in our region. This vision is only possible as we join in mission and witness.
Concerning the Three Monkeys statue, consider their multiple meanings the next time you see them. Let us start the new year in faith reciting together what we believe:
"With an urgency born of this hope, the church applies itself to present tasks and strives for a better world. It does not identify limited progress with the kingdom of God on earth, nor does it despair in the face of disappointment and defeat. In steadfast hope, the church looks beyond all partial achievement to the final triumph of God." (The Confession of 1967 - 9.55)
Rev. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley