When is discipleship consent to abuse?

Discipleship is a form of relationship. Like every form of relationship it requires participation from both parties. When there is a breakdown in this relationship what quickly manifests is a situation of an abuser and a victim. Sadly this is the situation the Gospel presents us with today.

The widow is holding up her end of the relationship. She is giving of her all in the midst of her devotion. This reality is recognized by Jesus, and is surely known by God... but the nature of the religious institution to which she gives makes the action fall short of discipleship. The leaders of the temple have created a system that denies her discipleship.

This is a sad refrain throughout Christian history. Again and again the church has denied individuals, quite often those with the most devotion, a chance to enter into discipleship. The widow should be able to freely give of her all and this devotion should be reciprocated in the midst of discipleship from the religious authorities. Instead the authorities are more interested in devouring the widow's house... if such can be done with her consent then more the better.

Too often, in the name of discipleship, an individual's devotion is used to enable their abuse and oppression. Now in this critical season of ingathering it is a question that churches need to ask themselves.

Are we able to have a robust suburban ministry with multiple priest on staff... because we have abandoned an inner city parish to struggle with a single underpaid missioner?

Are we appropriating songs, sayings, and symbols from indigenous culture and ethnic minorities... without actually entering into the difficult authentic relationships that appropriate use of such would require?

Are our youth ministries about actual empowerment of discipleship... or about placating the needs and expectations of parents and older parishioners?

Are we seeking actual transformative communities where we are all challenged to deeper discipleship to God and each other... or are we seeking to create a "safe space" for ourselves and those like us?

Give generously to your church this year... give generously to Episcopal Campus Ministry... but ask yourself if this is giving that is evocative of a relationship, if the others who give in your community are being evoked into a relationship, or if in the midst of what the church takes in and provides if there is some group giving in devotion but not being allowed to enter into discipleship.