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One tunic
instead of two? If you always wear the same few things,
something other than the clothes you wear begins to
define you. In the case of the disciples, it was the
gospel that they wanted people to see — not the nice new
suit or the stylish new sofa — the gospel, given to them
to preach despite their personal inadequacies.
The
accumulation of stuff easily masks who we really are and
clouds our ability to shine God’s love into the world.
With less stuff, we discover more of ourselves to love
and to offer.
3. It’s good
for your relationship with the rest of creation.
Everything we consume has an impact on other living
things. We can’t help that, but we can choose to limit
the extent of that impact. Most of us are so far removed
from the environmental impact of our consumption that it
is hard to factor the effects on the earth into our
decisions. If I were to discover that my favorite plot
of land was going to be bulldozed to make a cotton field
so I can have another dress, I’m betting my desire for
that dress would disappear.
One tunic
instead of two? By only wearing one tunic the disciples
were “living green,” even if at that time in history
over-consumption of the earth’s resources wasn’t on
anyone’s mind yet. They also had less to worry about.
The disciples weren’t preoccupied with taking care of
their stuff, and that allowed them time to build
relationships with their hosts.
The earth is
our host. If we get to know and love the ground that
provides our food and clothing and receives our waste,
we might be less inclined to consume without care. You
want to go to the mall because you’re bored? Go for a
walk outside instead. See what happens.
4. It’s good
for your relationship with God.
Throughout the Bible,
sages and prophets and Jesus himself recommend fasting
as a way to deepen our relationship with God. You can’t
fast and consume at the same time. There is something
about breaking the chain of intake that allows us to tap
into that great source of all being, God.
One tunic
instead of two? The one tunic was a constant reminder to
the disciples of their real source and ground, their
mission and their message. With only one tunic, they
became vulnerable not only to the graces of their hosts
but to the power of God at work in their lives.
Only one
tunic? It’s a challenge to someone like me. If buying a
new dress will really make me happy and free me from
worrying about how I look so I can enjoy my family and
friends, then I’m going to buy it and get on with the
day. But then for the next wedding, I’m going to try to
let go of the need for another dress and spend time with
the people I love rather than shopping. I’d rather have
an outdated tunic, a beautiful set of relationships, a
healthy earth, and the deep knowledge of God’s power
than the other way around. Wouldn’t you?
The Rev.
Sarah Scherschligt is associate pastor of Prince of
Peace Lutheran Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
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