Sayings

The phrase “Millstone around your neck” in today’s context often refers to something holding us back. Where as, in the way that Jesus uses the phrase there is a more sinister application. The whole context of this idiom is found in Matthew 18:6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

Jesus is clear; there is no ambiguity in his words.  Jesus is concise; as he does not feel the need to further explain his thinking – it ought to be obvious.  If we cannot and do not and will not defend and protect those who are the most vulnerable, what are we worth?

There is a popular quotation “A civilisation is measured by how it treats its weakest members” or “The greatness of a nation can be judged by how it treats its weakest member” is often attributed to Mahatma Gandhi. However, Gandhi never said or wrote those words. Yet there is a related quote where Gandhi is speaking about cruelty to animals: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated. I hold that the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man.”

So often, the so called strong members of society count the vulnerable as collateral damage in their wish to preserve their self imposed elitism. If people want to be disciples of Jesus, they should not despise those who appear weak and insignificant. Indeed, they should take severe action against themselves to remove from their lives anything that might cause them to follow their own desires instead of submitting to Jesus. 

As Christians, we should be mindful of how our actions impact others, especially those who are in the household of God. It is our responsibility to be a positive influence in their lives, helping them to grow spiritually and avoid anything that could cause them to sin.

Risen Christ,

As you journeyed with the two who travelled the Emmaus Road

travel with us on our journey of faith.

In our encounters on the way

give us compassion to listen to the other’s story,

patience to explain what may seem obvious to ourselves,

and courage to make ourselves vulnerable,

so that others may encounter you through us

and we may rediscover you through them.

Amen.