An old lady handed her bank card to a bank teller and said,
“I would like to withdraw $10." The teller told her, “For withdrawals less
than $100 please use the ATM.” The old lady wanted to know why...The teller
returned her bank card and irritably told her, “These are the rules. Please
leave if there is no other matter. There’s a line of customers behind you.”
The old lady remained silent for a few seconds, then handed
the card back to the teller and said, “Please help me withdraw all the money I
have.” The teller was astonished when she checked the account balance. She
leaned down and respectfully told her, you have $300,000 in your account and
the bank doesn't have that much cash currently. Could you make an appointment
and come back tomorrow?" The old lady leaned in and asked, “How much can I
withdraw immediately.” The teller told her any amount up to $3,000. The old
lady straightened up and said, “I would like to withdraw $3,000." The teller handed the money over very
friendly and respectfully. The old lady put $10 in her purse and said to the
teller, “I would like to make a deposit of $2,990.” Never underestimate the wisdom of age to be able
to pull of an unexpected reversal and turn it into a both/and situation.
Paul recalls his life before receiving the Gospel. He emphasizes
how it’s the opposite of his present life. His becoming a proclaimer of the
Gospel was not an organic development from his former life but rather God’s
reversal of that life. In Paul’ former zeal for Judaism, he tried to destroy
the Church of God, presumably as a threat to Judaism.[1]
The both/and of his life meant he had to acknowledge who he was and what he had
done (Acts
9:4, 5) before God
could work through him to convert Gentiles. Paul had to hold in tension the
grace he had received and the past that had blinded him.
We see a different both/and in the Gospel story of Martha and Mary. Laying aside all the usual comments, let’s consider something else. The Rule of Benedict is based on Ora et Labora (both prayer and work)! Prayer first, then work. We can assume ordinarily Martha and Mary shared the household duties. But this day, with Christ present, Martha learns sitting at the feet of Jesus is necessary for true discipleship, a both/and lesson we all need to learn,[2] especially as we prepare to cast our votes over the coming month.
Yesterday’s Gospel was about reversing our vision to see as God sees—not as we are conditioned by culture, politics, or personal inclination to see. In their statement on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the USCCB lifts up various issues of different moral weight and urgency including: “protecting the unborn and the death penalty, refugees and immigrant families; fighting racism and religious intolerance; aiding those impacted by poverty and conflict; preserving the family; and caring for our common home.”[3] The both/and of Christian discipleship can be uncomfortable, but if we are honest and prayerful, all shall be well!
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