Privilege: What was the difference between Moses and all the other Israelites, between the disciples and all the crowds? Their privileged positions were not based on merit or on personal accomplishment. Moses and the disciples were the ones God chose, and there was no other distinguishing factor between them and the rest.
Sometimes privilege comes to us through a means outside of ourselves, meaning, we did nothing either to receive it or merit it. It could be a family we were born into, a skill set that comes naturally to us, or just being in the right place at the right time. Or, it could be that we are loved, that we have our needs met, and that we are safe. It could be many factors. Acknowledging that this privilege comes from outside of ourselves gives space to act.
What are the possible actions that can be taken? First, I could feel entitled, selfishly placing myself above others because of what I have received. Second, I could become stagnant through a feeling of guilt or fear that I have not merited what I have received. Third, I could act with generosity, acknowledging that good has been given to me, and I am capable of sharing it with others.
Moses and the Disciples
Go over Moses‘s life: he was born and narrowly escaped death, yet he was abandoned as an infant. He was taken in and raised but by his enemies. As a young man, he committed murder in defense of his people, but then he was rejected by his people and his enemies. He heard God speak to him. God told him to save his people, but he was rejected again by his people and his enemies. He led his people out of slavery; however, he led them to the desert. They were hungry, so he gave his people the food and water from God, but his people complained about the food and water. He spoke directly to God and received the 10 Commandments, meanwhile the people started breaking all the commandments. He saw the promised land from the mountain top, yet he died before living in the promised land.
There is evident privilege in the life of Moses, but there is also evident suffering. Seeing his whole life puts perspective on the privilege and also perspective on the suffering. It is also evident that Moses often put his privilege at the service of others. There are moments when he did not, and there is evidence of consequences for not putting that privilege at the service of others.
It is the same with the disciples in today’s Gospel. They received the privilege of understanding Jesus’s words while the crowds did not receive that privilege. It was solely because Jesus chose them. The question that should be asked is, what did they do with that privilege? Being sent out, did they testify to what knowledge had been given them? Did they share the good they had received? It seems that they did.
What I Do With It:
What about me? In my life today what privileges have I received? Am I responding with generosity, fear, guilt, or selfishness?
This is my favorite article so far! Great work!
Love this, love you!mom