Mark 3:22

"The religion scholars from Jerusalem came down spreading rumors that he was working magic, using devil tricks to impress them with spiritual power."

Reflection by Lillian Daniel

Recently I attended a clergy conference where a remarkably talented presenter from Cambridge University was not only talking about theology and music, but would periodically sit down in the middle of his lecture at a grand piano and actually play the piece in question, from memory, with the skill of a Carnegie Hall star. On top of that, he had a cool British accent. It felt like he was cheating. Of course, I was jealous of his gifts. Spare this Anglican priest who's good at everything.

God is so not a Communist when it comes to apportioning talent. And I think our denomination needs to pass a resolution correcting God on that, because that's how we roll.

I was already feeling insecure that day because we had these Christian magicians coming to my church for a Wednesday night program, and they're not only magicians but also ordained Methodist clergy. And I could just hear my members saying, "Ok, Lillian, what special thing can you do? "

And I had to say "Look, I'm sorry, but there are just way more requirements to becoming a Methodist minister."

I mean, Rachmaninoff - playing Anglicans, Bible-based Methodist magicians — it all just makes you feel inadequate. And when that happens, it's easy to get accusatory.

That's what happened with Jesus. He was doing good things in the world, he was healing and teaching, but the people accused him of doing magic tricks and working with the devil.

Prayer

Dear God, help me to see your Holy Spirit at work in the gifts and talents of others, and keep those demons of petty jealousy at bay. Amen.

About the Author Lillian Daniel is the senior minister of the First Congregational Church, UCC, Glen Ellyn, Illinois. She is the author, with Martin Copenhaver, of This Odd and Wondrous Calling: the Public and Private Lives of Two Ministers.

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