Dcn Tom Lindell
My Brothers and Sisters,
Today we commemorate Joseph of Arimathaea who is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke as having requested the body of the crucified Jesus from Pilate. Scripture reveals that his request was granted, and Jesus was laid in a tomb intended for Joseph upon his own death. Jesus’ body was then prepared by women with spices and ointments.
Like many others we read about in the Bible, this is the last we hear about Joseph in Scripture. However, there is some much-embellished folklore about his subsequent trips to Cornwall to tend his tin mines (tin being a necessary ingredient to make brass). These stories relate that he took the Holy Grail (the cup that Jesus used to share wine with his disciples at the Last Supper) from Jerusalem to Glastonbury where it was hidden, only to become the great quest of King Arthur’s knights to find it. A wonderful story but not true.
The following passage from Proverbs (4: 10-14, 18) was found on a site about Joseph:
Listen my child to my words,
so that you may have a long life.
You have received the way of wisdom;
and been led in the paths of righteousness.
As you walk or run you will not stumble.
Hold on to instruction; do not let it go,
guard her for she is your future.
Do not follow the path of the wicked
nor walk the way of evildoers.
The path of the righteous is a ray of light at dawn
which shines into brightness at full day.
The above paraphrase from Proverbs is a loving message to a child about the importance of education in all aspects of life. Teachings are imparted to the child by a devoted mentor who cares deeply about the child being prepared for the future.
The role of a teacher is a delicate one that invites the student into the elements of knowledge that will allow that child to become an independent, competent individual on the journey of life. Whether we like it or not, we are all teachers who are at the same time role models.
Being a role model is an awesome responsibility if we are willing to assume it. Many are not and refuse to believe that they are. I have often proffered that if everyone saw themselves as a role model, the world would be a better place. Assuming that mantle involves revealing one’s vulnerability and becoming transparent to others. It also involves the self-recognition that we are essentially “on stage” at all times. We never know how our words and actions affect others we meet on our path through life.
Twenty-two years ago, just prior to my ordination, I was asked to put on paper words that defined who I was. I wrote the following:
TEACHING is sharing knowledge lovingly acquired
LEARNING is openness to new things and change
WISDOM is discerning that which has lasting value
and
SPIRITUALITY is beyond articulation—
what is spoken from the heart that moves us to act
I think this continues to define who I am today…
—Dcn Tom