Hunny! 40 Days in the 100 Aker Wood – Day 36 – Tuesday in Holy Week

Pooh’s side of the room was slowly tilting upwards and his chair began sliding down on Piglet’s.  The clock slithered gently along the mantelpiece, collecting vases on the way, until they all crashed together on to what had once been the floor, but was now trying to see what it looked like as a wall.  Uncle Robert, who was going to be the new hearthrug, and was bringing the rest of his wall with him as carpet, met Piglet’s chair just as Piglet was expecting to leave it, and for a little while it became very difficult to remember which was really the north.  Then there was another loud crack…  Owl’s room collected itself feverishly…  and there was silence.

…………..

“If it was the wind,” said Owl, considering the matter, “then it wasn’t Pooh’s fault.  No blame can be attached to him.”  With these kind words he flew up to look at his new ceiling.

“Piglet!” called Pooh in a loud whisper.

Piglet leant down to him.

“Yes, Pooh?”

“What did he say was attached to me?”

“He said he didn’t blame you.”

“Oh! I thought he meant — Oh, I see.”

“Owl,” said Piglet, “come down and help Pooh.”

Owl, who was admiring his letter-box, flew down again.  Together they pushed and pulled at the arm-chair, and in a little while Pooh came out from  underneath, and was able to look round him again.

“Well!” said Owl.  “This is a nice state of things!”

“What are we going to do, Pooh?  Can you think of anything?” asked Piglet.

(The House at Pooh Corner – In Which Piglet Does a Very Grand Thing)

(Luke 13v14-16)

In the United Kingdom, so that we may build a better society, we use the tools of Royal Commissions  and Public Inquiries after major events that have affected our common life.  Their names and causes, Grenfell, Covid, Stephen Lawrence, IICSA, become bywords in which we acknowledge our corporate failures and commit ourselves, by changing regulations and the law of the land, to prevent history repeating itself.  Because they arise from events in which people have died and have life altering injuries there is always a temptation to make them about apportioning blame rather than preventing reoccurrence.  This is understandable and can, when done well, bring deep healing.  In South Africa the Truth and Reconciliation Commission led by my beloved friend Desmond Tutu is one such. 

Today in the 100 Aker Wood, Owl holds a public enquiry.  His house is topsy- turvy, the tree it sits in has fallen over and immediately he wants to know who to blame for it.  He rounds on that well-known trouble maker (for he does seem to always be at the centre of most scrapes) Pooh Bear.  Having been reassured that this was not the case, instead of apologising he flies off to see how things are with his letterbox.  In the meantime poor Pooh remains trapped under the chair and it takes some pleading from Piglet before Owl helps the bear he has just falsely accused!

Imagine if there was a natural disaster – a wildfire, a flood, an earthquake.  All the Emergency service, with blue lights flashing and sirens blaring, arrive at the scene of the disaster and, instead of going about rescuing people they sit down around a table and call a formal inquiry as to who to blame for the wildfire, flood or earthquake?  Ludicrous isn’t it?  But this can too easily be the response of faithful people to human need. 

Often, when presented with the challenges brought to us by the anawim, the little poor ones, of God we hesitate to help.  We can be tempted to question their motives in the middle of their distress.  How many times have the words, ‘But do they really need it’ been spoken about those who queue for food and other help outside churches?  How many times does is it seem that an official investigation is the most urgent response to the healing of those who have been let down and even abused by people of faith?   Why are we not quick to apologise?  Why are we not eager to provide succour?  Yes, as Desmond Tutu said, ‘There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river.  We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.’  But that doesn’t mean we let people carry on drowning in the meantime!

When our Beloved, tired and hungry, tried to escape the crowds by sea they followed by land and instead of a place of rest he was faced with a multitude in need.  He did not blame them for forgetting to bring food.  He did not send them away as some suggested.  He had them sit down and told his followers, (that’s you and I), to give them something to eat. (Matthew 14v13-21).  Our first response to any human need must be to offer help.  Or do we want our Beloved to look upon us as if we were the One Talent slave who has buried the gift we have been given which we were supposed to use to bear fruit…. 

In this Holy Week there is much blaming going on.  Mary at Bethany for ‘wasting’ ointment.  Judas for betraying Jesus.  Peter for denying our Beloved. The Jewish authorities for stirring up the crowd.  Pilate for ordering the crucifixion, (his final words in this song from Jesus Christ Superstar are poignant)

When it comes to the Blame Game the Letter to the Romans says it all;

There is no one who is righteous, not even one; there is no one who has understanding; there is no one who seeks God. ¹² All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; there is no one who shows kindness; there is not even one.

(Romans 3v10-12)

(Romans 5v6-10)

God goes further and in Christ takes all the blame and restores us for service.  How can we ever close our hands to those who cry for help?  Why do we weigh up our desire for order and protocol over the needs of others?  All we can do is open our hands for we dare no longer blame others whilst our own blame is carried by our Beloved on the Cross…

(Søren Kierkegaard)

To Do: 

1. List the groups in your own community who are frequently blamed and pray for them.
2. The next time you are unjustly blamed for something try to leave your feelings and hurt at the foot of the cross.