Justin Appel
Dear Friends,
Today’s Gospel lesson tells the story of Jesus calling Levi, the tax collector.
The opening portion of this reading seems to be indicating something fundamental about Jesus and his ministry; it also relates a truth about the way the Church understands herself over time. Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician.” His fundamental modality was that of a physician: a role that involved healing and restoration, not only of individuals, but of the whole of creation. Christ’s death and resurrection, as well as the harrowing of hell, demonstrate this “doctoral” calling.
Following Christ’s example, the Church has also understood itself similarly to be a hospital for souls (for instance, St John Chrysostom taught this concept). This means that the local church’s worship, sacraments, culture, education, etc.—these things are supposed to facilitate healing of the soul.
Of course, there are alternatives to this model, extremes to be avoided. There are things the Church is not supposed to be.
For instance, it isn’t a courtroom. Along these lines, some church traditions cultivate a self-conception that is especially prescriptive and normative, with a praxis that focuses on identifying transgression and enforcing external conformity in a legal manner.
On the other hand, the Church is not a country club. Traditions of this sort tend to assume a welcoming posture and create a sense of ease and comfort in attendees without promoting health or change. These churches can sometimes dazzle or inspire without engaging in discipleship.
The sanatorium model of the church falls in the middle of these extremes. Following the model, a local church should welcome, but it should immediately facilitate healing and growth. It should teach the truth of Jesus firmly but recognize that humans are fallible and weak. The central aim of the institution should be to facilitate growth in Christlikeness: what the early Christians called theosis.
Who needs this healing? Not some subset of the population (the spiritual slackers or the homeless)—all of us are ill and need our tonic, bedrest, and maybe some painful therapy.
Yours in Christ,
—Justin