“Privilege and purpose”

By Rev. Michael Stonhouse

Meditation – Sunday, December 31, 2023

Psalm 147 (Forward, p. 63) CEV p. 644

One of the most widespread and often heated conversations of 2023 has centred on the question of ‘privilege’. This debate has focused, at least part, on what one side of the conversation has alleged to be the ‘privilege’ of a certain minority, specifically white, heterosexual males. This side of the debate has suggested that the entire ‘system’ of western civilization is intentionally or unintentionally ‘rigged’ as to benefit this particular minority.

I, for one, would not question for a second, would not dispute, the idea that certain persons—me included—have been given certain advantages when it comes to life. You can call that ‘privilege’ if you want. We have advantages simply because we were born in Canada, raised in a stable, moderately well-off, highly functional family, and well educated by today’s standards. It has meant that we were more able to attend university and access stable, well-paying employment.

But I would differ from its detractors in saying, that these advantages should not be looked at as ‘privileges’ to be sat upon and enjoyed selfishly, but as opportunities, opportunities to serve others and serve the greater public. I was raised with an old concept, that of ‘noblesse oblige’, meaning that whatever gifts we were given in life, whether that be wealth or education or family or ability or whatever else--were to be for the public good. In other words, they were given to us for a purpose.

Some people lately, especially in light of the ongoing Hamas/ Israeli war, have called into question the idea of the Jews being God’s chosen people. Certainly, some parts of today’s psalm would give rise to that notion:

“The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem and brings the people of Israel back home again” (verse 2);

“Everyone in Jerusalem come and praise the Lord your God! He makes your city gates strong and blesses your people by giving them children. God lets you live in peace, and he gives you the very best wheat” (verses 13-14);

“God gave his laws and teachings to the descendants of Jacob, the nation of Israel. But he has not given his laws to any other nation” (verse 20a).

The reading other parts of this psalm, where it talks about God’s sovereignty, God’s provision of food and His ordering of the seasons, would also seem to support this idea.

All of this could certainly be construed as saying that God has bestowed on Israel a ‘most favoured nation’ status, and indeed, many have taken it this way. I will leave it to another time and place to debate, if this indeed be true, whether this applies to merely to the Jewish people—as the heirs of God’s promises and covenants—or to the modern secular nation state of Israel.

Either way, I would argue that the same notion applies here as to the idea of ‘white privilege’—or however that idea is constructed and described—namely that this so-called ‘privilege’ isn’t something for us simply sit upon and enjoy, but is a God-given opportunity, an occasion, to bless others and serve the common good. And, I would allege that this is all the more so for those who call themselves Christians, who know, love and follow our Lord Jesus. We have thereby been given incredible and highly desirable privileges and it is incumbent upon us to share them with others.

Forward notes: “He covers the heaven with clouds and prepares rain for the earth” (verse 8).

“I live in New England where the weather often changes hourly and complaining about the weather is something of a public sport. This particular landscape perches at the edge of storm-movement cataclysm. Despite the inclement weather, people try to adhere to rigid schedules; commuters race at unsafe speeds as if they can pretend the roads aren’t slick with ice or snow.

“But the weather—the sun, wind, rain, snow, sleet, high winds, and heat waves—is life itself rather than a backdrop for human activities. God’s ways with the earth operate on a different set of priorities, especially in this time of accelerated climate change. God prepares rain for the earth because the earth needs it. Human survival depends on rain and snow. Today I will try to turn discomfort into prayer. I will be thankful for the atmosphere and pay attention to how humans can care best for it.”

Moving Forward: “Whatever the weather, wherever you are, give thanks.”