How Not to Trip Each Other Up

“If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me…” (Mk 9:42)

Today, Jesus speaks to us about becoming a cause of sin for others.  More literally, the text means to place a stumbling block before another, to cause them to trip.  The Greek word is to scandalize, which carries a very serious implication.  The person who would be better off at the bottom of the sea is one who interrupts the progress toward God of one who is well-intentioned.  How do we trip one another up?  By discouragement, poor example, hypocrisy, cynicism, or the normalization of selfishness.

Our life as a Christian and monastic community has meaning, it has purpose.  The goal that we set for ourselves is to draw closer to Christ by following him in a life of self-giving love.  We are here to help one another do this, to support one another in our intention so that we all walk together on the narrow way to the kingdom.  To be scandalized, to stumble, to trip up happens when this communal mission is disrupted, and the solidity of its witness is undermined.

The little one who believes in Jesus could be anyone who is particularly vulnerable to falling.  A young person with high ideals.  Someone who really needs help.  Someone who is easily led astray by a poor or ambivalent example.  But ultimately, we are all together in this.  Notice that in the verses about cutting off those body parts, the scandalized person has gone from being the object of someone else’s action, to the subject.  “If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off” (Mk 9:43).  All of us can be discouraged or drawn away from our life goal by the difficulty of the road and the failures of those around us, just as we fail others.  While there are some in community who are more in need of our good example, each of us has within us that little one who needs to be encouraged and given hope so as not to fall. 

St Benedict alludes to this part of the gospel in Chapter 31 of the Rule.  He urges the Cellarer not to let pride or delay impede his service lest any of those in his care be led astray, or scandalized.  In the same chapter he advises the one asking the Cellarer for help to do so appropriately and at the proper times: “That no-one may be saddened in the household of God” (RB 31.19).  Trying not to trip one another up is a service we can all render in daily life.  Let’s look at some examples:

The deeds by which we trip one another up include letting someone down when I didn’t have to.  Not doing my part.  Avoiding self-exertion.  Seeking my own comfort and convenience.  Choosing the “important” tasks I prefer to the humble ones that need to be done.  Presuming upon another’s patience and good will by asking more than I should.  Not taking the time to help.  Leaving behind a mess for the next person.  Little things matter, not because we are perfectionists, or it’s someone’s pet peeve, but because failing to take care creates an atmosphere of neglect rather than of mutual support.  It may cause a little one to stumble, in Paul’s words: “one for whom Christ died” (Rom 14:15).

Words by which we trip one another up include grumbling, gossip and general negativity.  Benedict is strong in the evil of grumbling.  What does he mean?  Speech that focuses on the negative: faults and failings of individuals and the community, without addressing the right person or the issue constructively.  It’s just hot air.  There is another word for this kind of destructive speech: gossip.  Pope Francis has been clear that gossip divides the Church and destroys peace and hope:
“Please brothers and sisters, let’s try to not gossip,” he said. “Gossip is a plague worse than COVID. Worse. Let’s make a big effort: No gossiping!”  Even when we are direct in our speech, we can be overly negative, judgmental.  When we fail to open ourselves to the good intention of the other, we misunderstand them.  As we know from painful experience, this can be a real stumbling block. 

We all know the roots of these deeds and words that undermine community are our thoughts.  When we allow ourselves to forget why we are here or lose hope in reaching the goal.  When our thoughts circle around problems and shortcomings.  Nothing is done right here.  In choir, at work, in the refectory.  Everything is a mess.  No-one cares.  None of this will ever come to any good.  So why bother to try?  I may as well do my own thing.  These are the thoughts that kill our vocation and our community.  Jesus’ words about cutting off hand or foot or tearing out an eye shock us, and we wonder how they can be applicable to our gentle, non-violent selves.  But when it comes to something that is killing us and those around us, we can afford to give no quarter.  Perhaps Jesus is saying to us: Do not allow yourself to get caught in an inner litany of self-absorbed negativity.  Cut it off!

So much for cutting and tearing out.  So much for not tripping one another up or tripping ourselves up.  As Jeremiah tells us, we are not only to tear up and tear down, but to build and to plant.  What is the positive word offered to us today?  Neither the gospel not the Rule fail in offering us a positive channel in which to direct our energy.  Immediately after today’s pericope, we read:
“For everyone will be salted with fire.  Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it?  Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” (Mk 9:49-50)
Salt is fidelity, salt is authenticity that gives flavor to our life and that of others.  As St Benedict puts it: “the good zeal which separates from evil and leads to God and everlasting life” – that is, fervent love, mutual respect, the greatest patience with weaknesses, and a willingness to drop my preferences and pursue what is better for others (RB 72.2-7).

By channeling our thoughts toward the positive possibilities in any situation, we build up the community.  How can I choose to be a part of the solution, rather than the problem?  How can I contribute a good spirit at this moment?  How can I make her life easier?  I make a point of noticing the good intentions of others.  I do my part.  I make an effort.

Our words, too, can build up those around us, when we choose to speak with gratitude, encouragement, cheerfulness, and good humor.  When I am asked to do or to give or to allow: to try and say “yes” gladly and “no” gently and reasonably.

Our deeds speak louder than our words.  They contribute to the solidity of the community’s witness.  Being there for prayer and lectio.  Giving voice in choir.  Participating in a community activity.  Doing our work faithfully, quietly and collaborating willingly with others.  Doing our part to clean up messes without drama, whether in the kitchen or in choir or anywhere else.

Salt.  Good zeal.  Building up the community.  May Jesus grant us special love and care for the little ones, ourselves included, so that all of us may make our way along the road to the kingdom without tripping up.  And if we do trip, may we be blessed with someone to lift us up.