Scripture Reflection for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 10, 2004
Confessions Of A Music Snob
My name is Jacki, and I am a music snob. I like to listen to bands that no one has ever heard of and brag about how "ahead of the curve" I am. As soon as a band I've been listening to gets any play on the radio, MTV or VH1, I dump them. I accuse them of selling out. I say that the (non-music snob) people who listen to them now just don't get it, and don't deserve to hear this band.
In with the Out Crowd
It's lucky for us all that Jesus didn't have the same attitude in his ministry. In the gospel this weekend, he heals ten lepers. Nine of them go on their way, but one stays on to thank him. This one leper is a Samaritan. And as I'm sure we all remember from the story of the Good Samaritan, the Jews and Samaritans didn't think very highly of each other.
Free for All
But this one man, seemingly "unworthy" of the message, is the one who really understands and appreciates it. The people who were supposed to get it, didn't. God freely gives grace to all of us, and it's up to us to decide what to do with it. A lot of times, I am one of those other nine lepers, living my life oblivious to the grace of God, and also oblivious to the good music my former favorite band is now making.
Don't Be that Guy
God's love is for all of us, throughout the world. Sometimes the people we least expect to get it understand it better than we do. It's the same way for me in the world of music. There are a lot of people out there loving the music I've rejected. And in a way, by rejecting that music, I've rejected them too.
Music is one thing, but I work a lot harder not to be a faith snob -- and it's actually a lot more work. You see, I can be the guy who lets others hear the message. And I can be the guy who says "thanks" to God. But I can also be the guy who takes Grace for granted. And in my favorite line from one of my favorite movies, "Don't be that guy."
And you may all raid my CD collection anytime...
Life Applications:
How do you take your faith for granted?
How do you pass it on for others to enjoy?
Which is easier for you?
Copyright 2004 by Jacki
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