Thursday, August 1, 2024

Gospel Reflection: small things

The Rev. Rob Stevens

Luke 23:50–56

Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments.

On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

Joseph of Arimathaea was not one of the main characters of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but his contribution mattered and matters still. This week I have had time to reflect on some of the many ways that people serve God. Sometimes it is loud and public, but most of the time, I believe, it is quiet and somewhat personal if not private. Joseph was simply doing the things that needed to be done. So often that is all it takes. I have wasted too much time trying to make sure that I get “it right” whatever “it” is. I am beginning to learn more and more that the phrase, “better is the enemy of good” is spot on. I can hear my father saying, “Just get on with it, Robby.” The way that we live each day in the ordinary times is what has lasting power. Yes, there are mountain top moments, and they can be wonderful and helpful, but the day by day keeping of the commandments to 1. Love God and 2. Love your neighbor is the measure for me.

I encourage you to examine your daily, sometimes mundane life, and see where God is being served by you and your practice of living. The kind word, the note, the task that you are good at that others are not so good at, whatever it might be… please remember that it matters…and so do you!