The same but different

Lily Cathcart September 23, 2017 0 0

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Matthew 18: 21- 35

21 Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ 22 Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.

23 ‘For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24 When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; 25 and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. 26 So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.” 27 And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow-slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, “Pay what you owe.” 29 Then his fellow-slave fell down and pleaded with him, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you.” 30 But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow-slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. 32 Then his lord summoned him and said to him, “You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Should you not have had mercy on your fellow-slave, as I had mercy on you?” 34 And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he should pay his entire debt. 35 So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.’

The series ‘Stranger Things’ lives up to its name. As well showing life in small town 1980s America, there are glimpses of another world where things look the same but quickly become very different and unexpected. I feel like this happens several times over in this parable. The servant expecting to be thrown in jail is shown unexpected mercy. For him in that moment perhaps the world looked the same - but different.

Later though he shows that the change has not changed him as he threatens another servant over a much smaller debt. Perhaps he has not learned to see the world anew as the king might have hoped.

Throughout the TV series many people enter this strange world, some on purpose and some by force. However they enter though they are always changed. They see a new truth.

When confronted with a world which is the same but different do we change or do we remain unmoved?

Dear God,

With you our world looks the same

but is so completely different.

Help us to change our hearts and minds

to see the world as you do.

Amen.