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My fourth-grade classmate Joe discovered a wonderful, enduring “nickname” with which to torment me: “Cavity Creep,” based on my last name Cavert. In a 1980s toothpaste ad the Cavity Creeps drill holes in, use sledgehammers on, and throw grappling hooks at the gleaming white walls of “Toothopolis.” They were gross and terrible! I fought back against this moniker; I didn’t destroy or tear down. Did I?
In today’s Old Testament reading, Isaiah hurls many names at God’s people: Rebel, Sinful Nation, People Laden with Iniquity, Corrupt, Utterly Estranged from the Lord. I wonder whether - and to what extent - these describe me today.
Then, comes an invitation:
Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;
remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes;
cease to do evil,
learn to do good;
seek justice,
rescue the oppressed,
defend the orphan,
plead for the widow.
This asks us first to recognize the ways we fall short, then gives examples of what “doing good” might look like. Which is most challenging for you – recognition of what separates you from God and stepping away from that? Or advocating for the weak and powerless?
Jesus doesn’t call the scribes and Pharisees names in today’s Gospel reading from Matthew, but he does call them out. Jesus cautions the listening crowd NOT to do as they do: doing good only to be seen by others, basking in the privilege and benefit of their high position. Rather, he calls his followers to be counter-cultural once again, saying, “The greatest among you will be your servant.”
In what ways will you serve others today, tomorrow, next week?
Elizabeth Cavert Morrison
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