Scripture: Daniel 1:8 – “But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the royal rations of food and wine, so he asked the palace master to allow him not to defile himself.” (NRSVue)
In the education system, accommodations are made for students with special needs. Some have special classes or instruction. Some are given more time for tests or rooms with fewer students. Some are given headphones to better concentrate. Some are given aid for mobility. We do this so that those who might be bright, talented, and wonderful receive the opportunities to be the best students, and ultimately people, that they can be.
Accommodations in the workforce exist as well, although not in every position. It is hard for a construction worker with limited mobility. But increasingly accommodations are made for adults as well. It is important that vital talent is not denied by a sense of ableism.
In our society, there are accommodations made for physical and mental differences, but what about spiritual ones? Are there situations where your beliefs and conscience are rejected in the public sphere? And does this deny your vital talents?
The Book of Daniel is not often told in the Revised Common Lectionary. But outside of its apocalyptic visions, it also provides a glimpse into what living as a spiritual minority is like. Daniel is a chosen among the exiled Jews to serve at the palace of King Nebuchadnezzar, ruler of the Babylonian Empire. In the Book of Daniel at least, Nebuchadnezzar is a tyrant whose arbitrary rules must be obeyed. His goal is to make sure all fit into his system of homogeneity to maintain his dominance. But Daniel’s faith prevents him from eating the meat and wine of the Babylonians. He requests a diet of vegetables and water and a ten-day period to see if he is healthy enough on that diet to serve the king. He proves stronger and so is allowed to continue his faithful diet. In fact, he also exposes how unhealthy the ways of Babylonians are to their own citizens.
Many “mainline” Protestants have fit into society without accommodations for centuries. It is kind of what “mainline” means. But as society becomes more and more secular space, there comes a time when we need to decide like Daniel. Do we follow the ways of the world to get along even if it harms our health and breaks our relationship with God? Or do we find a way to remain faithful and find healthy options in a time of decay?
Do we refuse to do certain tasks that we believe harm others? Do we find alternate ways to work for the betterment of society? I think we need to wrestle with these questions, because if we do not demand a better way, who will?
Prayer: Dear Lord, let me be bold to follow your will and your way. Amen.
留言