Get off your Mule
The Malaysian society is witnessing an increase in the fragmentation of human communities. The Church, therefore, can no longer be exclusive. She has to get rid of her narrow mindset, demolish her walls and make every effort to be more inclusive by reaching out to every community around her.
At times like these, churches in Malaysia must embark on a holistic approach to mission and express their care and concern for the struggle of others.
The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 well illustrates this approach. In the social realities of Jesus' days when ethno-religious tension existed between Jews and Samaritans, we would have expected the Samaritan to avoid helping the wounded man or maybe to even "finished him off"!
Instead, we encounter a person with a heart of gold. Transpose this parable to Malaysia today and we'll have a story that challenges us in at least three simple ways.
The right question
Firstly, the scribe in the parable asked, "Who is my neighbour?" The question seems logical.
However, a closer study betrays an attitude of superiority; of one who considers himself privileged and who would benevolently do a favour for the less fortunate? When a person regards himself as privileged due to his own social, economic, cultural or religious standing, he will have a tendency to elevate himself and regard others on a lower plane.
This "Who is my neighbour?" question marks a distinction between the haves and have-nots, between the superior and inferior. Such a distinction displays a 'you-me' rather than a 'we are all sinners' relationship. It is demonstrated by the religious leaders of Jesus' days who confine their religion and practices to their private sphere in total disregard for the needs of others. Do we follow the footsteps of these religious leaders or the Good Samaritan?
Perhaps the better question to ask is, "To whom am I a neighbour?" Putting the question thus emphasises our duty as human beings, vested with human dignity, to extend to and receive help from one another, regardless of our position.
The right action
Secondly, in the Good Samaritan story, we find the Samaritan making the effort to get down from his mule to attend to the man's needs, unlike the religious leaders who passed him by. Getting down from his mule marked the start of his journey towards helping the battered victim.
Hence our next question: How can I be a neighbour to those around me? To answer this question, we'll have to get down from our mules to find out what others are going through. If we remain on our mules, we will only 'see' a wounded man on the road. By getting down, we will not just see, but hear his silent cries and identify with his pain. Then, we will know how to minister to his needs.
When we get down from our mules to minister to the needy, we follow our Lord who came down to earth to serve the needy and has since commissioned us for this scared service.
The right attitude
Thirdly, the parable ends with the words from Jesus, "Go and do likewise". The words challenge us to reflect deeply whether we have been a neighbour to others. "Go and do likewise" points us to the fact that Christ expects the same of the Church today.
The tragedy in today's society, and indeed of the Church, is that we see others as objects - the lowly, underprivileged - who deserve only our pity and favour while we maintain our superior position. When we are not willing to get down from our lofty position, we are shutting our ears from the cries of the needy. And like the religious leaders, we'll go on our merry way.
Are churches in Malaysia guilty of this kind of behaviour? Or are we like the Samaritan, who contrary to expectation, showed love and compassion?
"To whom am I a neighbour?" The parable of the Good Samaritan helps us to shift our focus from the "us" attitude to "the one who needs helps". With such an attitude, we will no longer look at people as objects but rather as subjects capable of playing a positive role in the world. That should encourage us to propagate the love and compassion of God.
Good News!
Some of us may feel incapable of active ministry to the needy. Here's good news for you - if you are unable to serve with your hands and feet, you can intercede and give generously to those whose hands and feet are doing the work.
It is our deep desire to see churches dismount their mules. We have therefore themed this year's nationwide 40-day Fast and Prayer "Love Our Neighbour - A Shining Light to the Nations." The theme follows Christ's command to "love our neighbour as ourselves".
We pray that through concerted prayers, the Church of Malaysia will begin to experience the transformation that removes all prejudices, biases, barriers - whether social, religious, economic or even denominational - which comes from being a neighbour to others.
Will you make effort to pray and provide practical help that will bring forth the aroma of Christ for His name and glory?
Will you get off your mule? |
