Rule Followers
Today’s Readings - AM Psalm 41, 52 Wisdom 1:16-2:11,21-24; Col. 1:1-14; Luke 6:1-11
Rule followers often miss the point. I’m frequently reminded that I’m a rule follower. I didn’t realize this until a few years ago when I began seeing myself in our youngest child. When he started playing baseball, if he thought the umpire had misread a rule of the game, he would openly criticize the official. His dad almost jumped onto the field the first time it happened. No matter how many times we explained that “In this case you do not question authority,” he would frequently ignore our warnings and in protest declare, “He’s not following the rules.” My husband would glare at me, saying, “He’s just like you!” To be fair I’m not as brave as our son was. I tend to be a little more intimidated by authority than he was.
Over the years, he’s become more gracious, more diplomatic, but still true to his resolve. I think I’ve probably mellowed some, too. One thing I’ve learned is to be careful to choose the groups with which I associate. This can prevent my being in a position where I’m forced to break the rules or follow one, I don’t agree with. It’s not always possible but I try to be more thoughtful, more deliberate than I once was.
In today’s gospel reading, the disciples are criticized for breaking the rules that faithful Jews follow regarding the Sabbath. As Jesus so often does, he replies with a question, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?” During the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, medical staff at Memorial Medical Center in New Orleans were faced with life altering decisions. Decisions none of them wanted to make. Afterwards, their decisions drew great scrutiny resulting in legal action. In Five Days at Memorial, written by journalist Sheri Spink, she documents each moment of that horrific experience.
It’s clear that none of the decisions were made easily or without great regret. The ethical dilemma they were placed in was inconceivable. Medical professionals who knew the importance of following the rules governing medical care were forced to break rules they never imagined breaking before those five days. Ultimately some lives were saved and some were lost. Whether they made the right decisions or not is hard to say. It was clear however, survival for as many as possible required actions of which many would regret.
I think it’s safe to say that the Pharisees missed the point. To put rules above human life could never be part of God’s plan. Does this mean that breaking rules is always the better choice? No. The adage "rules are meant to be broken," isn’t always true. Making decisions that are sound, that seek the betterment of humanity, that treat people with respect and that value all human life can take deep thoughtfulness, courage, and yes, sometimes it can take a certain disregard for authority or rules.
In today’s narrative, Jesus is asserting his authority and as he does, he knows what the repercussions will be. As always, Jesus bases his statements on scripture, and tradition using reasoning that values human life over rules.
It took moxie and more than a little naiveté for my seven-year-old to confront authority. Over time I think he’s come to see the greater point, to realize the value in carefully choosing to break some rules. I hope he’s salvaged some of that moxie. Our world can use more of that.
Faithfully,
Sally+
Questions for Reflection – When was the last time you were tempted to break a rule for the sake of a better outcome? What would have been the repercussions? If you didn’t, why not? If you did, what was that like?