Jesus and the good shit

I guess you can say that I am madder than hell, whatever that phrase might mean. I think I can say that it is a spiritual mad, I just don't know at whom I am mad. I have been for the last few weeks attending a Sunday School class where we have been talking about the "Rich Young Ruler". We have spent four weeks trying decide why Jesus told him to sell all that he had and give to the poor, had this man really kept all those commandments and many other trivial things. I am not trying to marginalize the discussions but sometimes we try to see more into the teachings of Jesus than are there.

Here's my take and then I'll tell you why I'm mad. This young successful business man comes to Jesus and says, "Hey good religious man, what do I need to be able to get the stuff you've been talking about, like I mean the eternal life stuff." Jesus replies, "why are you calling me good, there is only one really good one, besides it's not about being good." "But Jesus, I've done all the other tough stuff that all us religious folks need to do in order to be considered good", the young professional replies. Jesus. You want to really be "good" then sell all you have and give it to the poor." The young professional. "are you crazy, I've worked hard to get where I am and I'm not about to give it up. Haven't you heard about the recession we are in? Man, George got us into a mess and Obama is digging the hole deeper. But I so really wanted to get the stuff you talked about but man that is too much to ask." To me his problem was he didn't want to part with his shit and his shit kept him from the good shit Jesus was talking about. A spiritual journey that was all about building a relationship with Jesus and others in the community of THE WAY. To me Jesus was talking about THE WAY of LIFE as much as ETERNAL LIFE and so often I confuse the two.

Now, here is why I'm madder 'n hell. I sit in this class and begin to pontificate about how we've missed the mark as a church and have made church about forgiveness of sins rather than community and being a community of believers. I turned to a lady in our class (who had earlier asked for prayers for her business) and told her that if her community of believers were what they ought to be that she wouldn't have to worry about what would happen if her business failed, that her community would rally to the side of her family and see them through the mess. And then she broke down and cried, probably through fear for her business but I think from listening to her more about her doubts that her community would be there for her. And I'm mad as hell that I for one am just like the rich young professional, except that I'm an old professional, and I'm not so sure I am willing to "walk the way to eternal life." You mean I gotta do what? Jesus talks a lot about money and the epistles say a lot about money and regardless of what our western culture may say about money, it is really not about money it is about community. Jesus said, "give it away". The early church had all in common and we can explain It away all we want to but that is what it says. I'm just not so sure I like it. I guess I can't decide which shit I really want.

Well, enough of my rant...I need to go make some more...