As a child, I attended Sunday school like it was my job. I had people to see, things to learn, and gold stars to put next to my name on the attendance chart. After 5 stars I was able to pick a prize at random from the "Mystery Bag." That's a big deal for a 6 year old and the glorious day of October 6, 1996 was the day I earned my 5th star.
I reached my hand into the bag optimistically and pulled out the coolest Jesus-themed bracelet. The side of the bracelet read: "W.W.J.D." What Would Jesus Do? You may remember these bracelets as one of the pop culture icons of the 1990's.
After being lost for years, this bracelet made its way back into my life during my move to New Jersey five years ago. The letters were still the same: "W.W.J.D." But to me it was asking quite a different question; a question that is often overlooked in our own lives as Christians: "What Would Jesus Deconstruct?"
"What would Jesus Deconstruct?" is a question presented within the postmodern context of Christianity by theologian and philosopher, John D. Caputo, professor emeritus at Syracuse University.
Deconstruction
is an idea made famous by Jacques Derrida. Derrida believed that we have to rethink what we view as normal. He wrote, "Deconstruction is to not naturalize what isn't natural - to not assume that what is conditioned by history, institutions, or society as that that is natural."
What is natural? What is at the heart of Jesus' teachings? And, What Would Jesus Deconstruct today?
In our devotional reading for today, we witness the Pharisees asking the disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?" The Pharisees expect Jesus to stick to the social norms of the day. Why would this holy person be seen with the lowest of society and those with questionable morality?
But Jesus replies with humility, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners."
Jesus' actions and life deconstructed the socially constructed barriers that need to be broken down in society - back then and today: racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, xenophobia, etc.
What barriers do we construct as an attempt to separate "them" from "us?" How can we deconstruct these barriers to find our common, collective humanity rooted in the teachings of Jesus? Who are we inviting to join us at the table with the tax collectors and sinners and who is missing in our day-to-day life?
So as we continue our journey together through Lent, I challenge you to ask yourself: "What Would Jesus Deconstruct in my life?" And, be open to that deconstruction.
