Yesterday, the world witnessed the installation ceremony for the first female Archbishop of Canterbury. When the announcement came last year, shockwaves rippled throughout the globe. It was unexpected. The court of public opinion was in full session, as folks shared their views about a woman in that role, and about her. Several archbishops have openly refused to recognise her as head of the church.
Whatever our views are on the matter – positive or negative – for whatever reason, the deed is done. There’s a new Head of the Church of England in town. Given the cold reception of some archbishops toward her elevation, I have no doubt that she will not be warmly welcomed to their cities. At least, not by them. I couldn’t help but think of Today’s Holy Nougat, as I watched part of the installation ceremony online.
Luke 10:10-12 CEVDCI
[10] But if the people of a town refuse to welcome you, go out into the street and say,
[11] “We are shaking the dust from our feet as a warning to you. And you can be sure that God’s kingdom will soon be here!”
[12] I tell you that on the day of judgment the people of Sodom will get off easier than the people of that town!
Shake the Dust Off
I noted with interest that there were some unexpected persons seated in the vast throng of guests. Symbolic acts infused the ceremony: her robe, ring, the date of the ceremony, and the guest list spoke volumes. As photos appeared on social media, I joined the celebrations vicariously.
Yet, I couldn’t help but wonder whether the other members of the Anglican Communion would ever receive her. What is said in the public arena doesn’t always translate to action in the long run. I’ve witnessed others publicly decry another global religious leader in my presence, then literally switch attitude when the opportunity to meet the person in the official role arose. The one they had criticised was a celebrity. They did not miss the opportunity for a photo. People aren’t always consistent in our actions.
Self-Check
How would we advise the new Archbishop? Would our advice differ if we’d been the one publicly rejected by others?
Digging Deeper
Siblings, regardless of our views on the matter, the new Archbishop has been installed. What matters now, is how she fulfils her obligations to Christ, and to the people in her care. If however, she is made to feel unwelcome by some countries or their bishops, she would be justified in choosing to sever relations with them. We could say that it’s biblical.
More critical than the act itself of shaking the dust off, is the logic it conveys. In many circles, it is viewed as removing the impurities of an encounter before entering the sacred and safe spaces of home. After his transformation-conversion, Naaman carried Israelite dirt around so that he could worship their God on their soil (see 2 Kings 5). This strengthens the argument of removing the dust to sever ties.
Some argue that shaking the dust off is the ultimate rejection. It says that the shaker is completely done with maintaining the relationship. S/he has severed ties with the person or city. I think of gang reprisals, that this is a safer approach – to let each other be, rather than incessant killings.
There’s another school of thought to which I subscribe. And it suggests that shaking the dust off speaks to one’s unwillingness to carry the unpleasant memory any further than the space in which the traumatic act occurred. This does not mean the trauma of rejection did not occur. It indicates one’s desire to move past the action and move on with life.
Now don’t mishear me. I’ve shaken the dust off as an act of total rejection before. But as I hear Y’shua on the cross forgiving all the cities and people who’ve rejected Him as Saviour throughout the centuries, I’m left thinking total rejection isn’t an option. For, if I’m following Christ, I forgive out of love for Y’shua. As for the sting of rejection, by God’s grace, it will eventually disappear. I may also get help through counselling.
At this point, and given all the complexities of the world today, I have no idea how the Archbishop will respond to the slights against her. That’s for her to work through with God. However, when we face similar situations, we can choose to shake the offense off, and go minister elsewhere.
Point to Ponder
Shake the dust off doesn’t say that we voluntarily sacrifice ourselves by remaining in unwelcome spaces. Instead, we’re told to go elsewhere, where we are positively received. Does this mean we deny assistance to them in crises?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
