Not My Circus (7 of 49)
Series: Lectionary, Year B
Christopher B. Harbin
John 2:1-11
It was not so long ago I was introduced to the Polish proverb, ''Not my circus, not my monkeys.'' Since that time, it seems the phrase has become ubiquitous in the US. The volatile or problematic situation at hand is the result of someone else's actions, and there is therefore no reason for me to lift a finger or become involved. I am not responsible for something I did not participate in bringing about. It's not my problem. At first blush, it would seem that is the effect of Jesus' initial response to Mary in today's passage. ''Woman, what concern is that to you and to me?''
Jesus sounds an awful lot like he was turning Mary down, absolving himself of any responsibility for their hosts' dilemma. ''Not my circus, not my monkeys,'' seems to be exactly Jesus' response. ''I am a guest, not the host. I bear no responsibility here. No one with responsibility has asked me to lend a hand. The problem before us is not ours, nor of our making. There is no proper reason for us to get involved. It's not my problem.'' Jesus goes on to say, ''Besides, my time has not yet come.''
That all seems pretty cut and dried. There is no reason for us to expect anything more to this story John has just introduced, but Mary does not accept our conclusion. Oh, she heard Jesus clearly. She was fully aware of what he had just said. She turned to the servants, however, telling them to obey any instructions Jesus might give them. She entered the context of the circus at hand and assumed some measure of responsibility and authority no one had given her. She made the problem hers and gave the servants instructions to follow Jesus' commands.
Living for years in Brazil and Mexico, I learned some choice words for Mary and others like her, such as metiche, a busy body all too willing to but into someone else's business. There was a problem that would cause an issue for their hosts at the wedding and ...
Series: Lectionary, Year B
Christopher B. Harbin
John 2:1-11
It was not so long ago I was introduced to the Polish proverb, ''Not my circus, not my monkeys.'' Since that time, it seems the phrase has become ubiquitous in the US. The volatile or problematic situation at hand is the result of someone else's actions, and there is therefore no reason for me to lift a finger or become involved. I am not responsible for something I did not participate in bringing about. It's not my problem. At first blush, it would seem that is the effect of Jesus' initial response to Mary in today's passage. ''Woman, what concern is that to you and to me?''
Jesus sounds an awful lot like he was turning Mary down, absolving himself of any responsibility for their hosts' dilemma. ''Not my circus, not my monkeys,'' seems to be exactly Jesus' response. ''I am a guest, not the host. I bear no responsibility here. No one with responsibility has asked me to lend a hand. The problem before us is not ours, nor of our making. There is no proper reason for us to get involved. It's not my problem.'' Jesus goes on to say, ''Besides, my time has not yet come.''
That all seems pretty cut and dried. There is no reason for us to expect anything more to this story John has just introduced, but Mary does not accept our conclusion. Oh, she heard Jesus clearly. She was fully aware of what he had just said. She turned to the servants, however, telling them to obey any instructions Jesus might give them. She entered the context of the circus at hand and assumed some measure of responsibility and authority no one had given her. She made the problem hers and gave the servants instructions to follow Jesus' commands.
Living for years in Brazil and Mexico, I learned some choice words for Mary and others like her, such as metiche, a busy body all too willing to but into someone else's business. There was a problem that would cause an issue for their hosts at the wedding and ...
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