Runs With Scissors

Runs With Scissors

Now that school's back in the first report card can't be too far behind. Back in my day excellence was appraised with an “E” and “G” was good, “S” satisfactory, “U” was the dreaded unsatisfactory. Get one or two of them, you were scared to hand it over to Dad to sign (better to give it to Mom). Now they have the ABC of marking and I find it not so quaint. They even have it in the kindergarten, believe it or not. In the good old days you get a check mark besides good or needs improvement in such milestones of education as “plays well with others,” and “follows instructions.” That and the obligatory comments—truncated notes from the harried teacher. Things like, “A joy!” or, “So nice!” Or on the other half of the spectrum, “Doesn't share well,” or the quintessential remark—“Runs with scissors.” Sure it's dangerous, but is that the best they could come up with, runs with scissors? Is it worth putting on someone's permanent record? I mean really!

In this week's gospel the Pharisees are grumbling and murmuring about Jesus' performance. They didn't like his unorthodox methods—his coloring outside the religious lines. And yet he heals people, casts out demons, teaches like a pro, and the people love him. He even got the tax collectors to come to listen—and you all know how they were! The Pharisees have to say something, so they grasp at straws, marking Jesus with an “Eats with Sinners” in bright red pen. This Jesus eats with sinners—and not the regular kind like you or me—sinners who everybody knows are sinners. He eats with them.

“There, that oughta do it,” think the Pharisees.

But no, even though, like running with scissors, eating with sinners is risky (even in today's society you definitely won't get on Page Six for eating with a homeless guy), still people can't see holding this against Jesus. Somehow it only endears him to them! He doesn't shun the sinful, he doesn't call fire down on their heads—he honors them by sharing a meal with them. He welcomes them as expected guests—like he had been looking for them. If he loves those guys he can certainly love me—and maybe we can love those guys too!

“Curses, foiled again!” say the Pharisees as they slink off to plot some more.

What about you? Is your life “plays well with classmates” - safe, controlled, and segregated from “others?” Or do you run with scissors—taking chances by eating with sinners—getting to know them as people? And by sinners I don't mean people badder than us, per se. I mean those men on your block who wash the car Sunday morning instead of worshiping God. I mean those teens who think they're immortal until one gets pregnant. Sinners like you and I (for in God's eyes all sin is the same.) Are you getting to know them? So they can get to know Jesus through you? That's the mission.

Eats with sinners. Sure it's risky. And it might even go on your permanent record. But if you need some support Jesus is still eating with sinners every week at Messiah. He welcomes all to his table, and he shares well with others. Gives his body and blood for you. A sinner. And that's just E for excellent!