It’s all about choices. I would like to distinguish between two ways of making choices. For the purpose of this article I’m taking ‘selection’ to mean choosing one or more out of several possibilities; in other words, ‘to choose from’. On the other hand I’ll take ‘election’ to mean choosing for a creative purpose; in other words, ‘to choose for’.
Jesus is asking us to make an election, not a selection
In this sense, ‘selection’ would mean choosing from possibilities that already exist. It is choosing from what is available, without any power to produce or create what you choose. From a fruit basket, I choose either an apple, an orange or a banana. It all depends on what is in the basket.
Our democratic, progressive society prides itself in promoting and ensuring ‘freedom of choice’. This is indeed laudable and commendable. Too often, however, freedom of choice is understood as having access to an increasing number of options. We end up with what I call a ‘supermarket culture’.
The increasing variety of ‘goodies’ available on the shelves gives us the illusion that we are enjoying freedom of choice – a well-stocked supermarket shelf with a myriad of cereals to choose from; a satellite TV reception which offers a thousand channels to view; a discussion table where a hundred values may be accepted or rejected at will. The supreme value of a super-market is its ‘pluralism’.
Reality, however, is not this simple. By themselves, variety and pluralism do not guarantee freedom of choice. Choosing from what ‘already exists’ or what is ‘realistically possible’, carries the risk that both chooser and choices remain locked up in a mediocrity that defeats the ‘progressive’ nature of humanity.
I take the cue from Jesus in the Gospel to say that the realm of the possible can indeed beget the kingdom of the (im)possible. When humans have the courage to go beyond ‘selection’ and venture into a real ‘election’ process, new and wonderful worlds can be discovered and created.
Jesus says: “You have heard, hate your enemies… But I tell you, love those who hate you”; “If someone hits you on the cheek, tend to him the other cheek…”; “The great ones of this world seek power. Let it not be so with you…”; “Those who love their life will lose it.”
Jesus is not asking us to pick and choose from what is available. He is asking us to choose the supreme freedom of life over death, love over hatred, forgiveness over revenge. He is asking us to make an election, not a selection.
“Do not be like the Pharisees…” They seek their false security by following the way traced out for them. They abide by what is already programmed – tradition, religion, society, culture, money, power. These become secure prisons offering a sham refuge from the risk of living. “Not so with you...” says Jesus. Listen to the Spirit. It blows freely where it wills.
There is nothing (im)possible for God. The ‘im’ is and remains within brackets – just a temporary and partial limitation. Love is able to commit itself to unconditional faithfulness because it knows no bounds.
Giving can be limitless because it is the ability to receive. Freedom can bear all burdens because it is loving creativeness. Dying is a life-giving experience for those who let go and believe.
This is the ‘election’ that Jesus proposes. It is a life-giving and freely embraced choice, not just a fatalistic capitulation in front of ‘reality’. Choosing Jesus is choosing life. Only those who have the courage to soar above any ‘selection’ process to experience the inner freedom of a real ‘election’ have a real choice.
Even in the midst of an election fever, may we find time and courage to make a personal and more radical election. May each one choose and embrace the Spirit of inner freedom within us.
A free heart will ensure that any power will be and remain a real service, making ours a more just and humane society. By itself, no elected government can build this kind of society. Each citizen must freely choose to build it.
pchetcuti@gmail.com
Fr Chetcuti is a member of the Society of Jesus.