"The compassionate life is the life of downward mobility! In a society in which upward mobility is the norm, downward mobility is not only discouraged but even considered unwise, unhealthy, or downright stupid." ~ Henri Nouwen
I've never watched the reality show "Big Brother," mostly due to my policy of trying to avoid things that are really stupid. Although, I'm a lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan, so who knows what I know about anything? Thankfully, my wife does not share a similar policy, or I would still be single today.
In the news recently, there has been a story of the current cast of "Big Brother," in which a live video feed of the house, which streams 24/7 and records all of the goings-on of the cast, has recorded numerous cast members making racist, sexist, and otherwise inappropriate comments. While reality TV has levelled the playing field of stardom for many, clearly there are some who are just not meant for the spotlight. In their desire for fame, money, and power, some castmates unfortunately will be best remembered for their awful off-hand comments instead.
Our hunger to be recognized, to be praised, and to be "at the top" is well-encouraged in the world, with a culture that applauds gifts and talents that impress us, and pays little attention to such characteristics as integrity, commitment, patience, and faithfulness. The idea of "sacrifice" is easily forgotten, and "sharing with others" is a kindergarten staple that often seems to dry up the older we get. The drive for "more" is far more pervasive than we may think, even for those of us who live modestly. Something in us is always looking down the road to something bigger, better, more secure.
Contrast that with Henri Nouwen, a Catholic priest who was an internationally-known author and professor at Notre Dame, Yale, and Harvard. He authored many books, and lectured all over the world. While at the height of his academic prestige and renown, he chose to leave it all behind, choosing a more humble existence, living out the rest of his life working at a small compound for special needs patients in Richmond Hill, ON.
As is so often the case, Jesus teaches us what is counterintuitive and countercultural. In a world that values the climbing of ladders and the increase of position and prestige, Jesus points us in a different direction altogether:
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mt 20:25-28)
The power of Jesus' teachings will always be that He not only taught with great wisdom, but He also lived out everything that He taught. Not only did He instruct us on choosing the more humble path, He also demonstrated it for us in the way He lived, and in the way He embraced the cross for our sake. Service is the key to success in God's eyes, and even the greatest leaders in the Kingdom must be well-grounded there in order to be considered "great."
Bigger is not always better. And humility is not always an easy choice. But the way of compassion always takes us away from ourselves, as we give ourselves up in the service of others. What does it mean to be a "servant" and a "slave" to another? Only you know what it means for yourself - but I imagine, if you really thought about it, it wouldn't be difficult to figure out a few situations in which it might apply...
"This is the way of downward mobility, the descending way of Jesus. It is the way toward the poor, the suffering, the marginal, the prisoners, the refugees, the lonely, the hungry, the dying, the tortured, the homeless--toward all who ask for compassion. What do they have to offer? Not success, popularity, or power, but the joy and peace of the children of God." ~ Nouwen
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