Oh, the Humanity

The second reading for this Sunday, from the book of Philemon, makes me laugh.  Not because of the message; Paul's point that even those who are seen as unequal by society (master and slave), are truly equal brothers in Christ, is a good one.  It's the letter itself that I find amusing.  It's very human.  It reminds me of nothing so much as an email I might get from a co-worker who wants something, who uses subtle phrasing to remind me of that favor they did me a while back, and trips my guilt reflex with sentiments like "knowing that you will do even more than I say."  Kind of manipulative, right?  Paul knows how to get the job done.

The writings of Paul were particular favorites of Martin Luther, and I suspect that Paul's humanity was a big part of what drew Luther to him.  Luther himself was, we know, a pretty flawed guy.  You don't go around nailing things to doors and burning stuff from the Pope if you're even-tempered and eager to please.  I think Paul reminded Luther -- and reminds us -- that being imperfect and being a member of the body of Christ are not mutually exclusive ideas.  Being imperfect is actually kind of the point.  No matter how many letters we send to our colleagues, filled with not-so-subtle guilt trips and tedious reminders of how much they owe us, we are forgiven.  Always.

I also like to be reminded that being part of the body of Christ is kind of a lot of work.  It's okay if we don't always see eye to eye.  The early church Paul was a part of was messy and dangerous.  Luther's church was radical and shocking.  Today, our church struggles to be a voice for change in a difficult world.  All those churches are the same Church.  The Church has thrived in spite of, and because of, our humanity.  Warts and all, that's who we are.

And so, today I thank God for Paul, and for Martin, and for you.  Warts and all.