MASH Principle

In one of my favorite episodes, Father Mucahey is frustrated about how little affirmation he was getting, and is working hard to impress people. He is so focused on his efforts that he misses opportunities to minister to people around him. He has an 'aha' moment and shares it with his Sunday hearers in this way - he says 'we are not here for our benefit, to be patted on the back and told how well we are doing, but we are here so He can be here.'

What a profound insight! The whole point of the incarnation - Jesus was here so God could be here in the flesh. We are in our neighborhood, workplace, shcool, club etc. so Jesus can be there. That perspective suddenly brings my purpose into clear focus. I am an 'understudy' for Jesus - I take his part, play his role, and do his work. Same script - same part - same 'performance.'

So, how are we doing at being 'stand in's' for Jesus?