During college, as a theater major, we used costumes, makeup, props and set pieces to help establish the characters and setting of particular plays. In one production (Lysistrata by Aristophanes), we used masks that we each created for our particular parts (this was my one lead part as Lysistrata). In Greek theatre, the use of masks helped to exaggerate particular characteristics in each character. They also allowed for an actor to play different roles in the same play.
While masks in these plays helped to reveal something about a character in a play, the "masks" that we wear today are more about hiding part of ourselves. Do you find that you behave differently in different situations or experiences (for instance, were you seen as a well-behaved child in school or church, but your parents didn't always experience you in the same way).
Some of our masks are more pronounced than others. In this age of the "selfie", often people will want to present the very best of themselves or at least how they want the world to see them (which can be a far cry from the reality). We don't always share our full selves with others - only that which we think might be acceptable or worthy or recognition.
Sometimes these choices of how much we share is based on what is expected in particular settings (for instance, I'm not going to wear my grubbiest clothes to worship, but save them for doing work at home). We have to discern what and when we are able to remove our masks and share more of ourselves with others. When we do remove them, it is often in relationships where we have begun to trust the other person.
No matter what our masks look like, what we try to present to the rest of the world - God sees us behind our masks. God knows what is keeping those masks in place, what lead to their creation. While we may be reluctant to remove our masks before others, we are invited to trust that God loves us for whom we are and sees us only as beautiful and beloved. God does not judge based on what the world says is acceptable or lovable. God sees God's own reflection in us....and as I often say: "God don't make no junk".
Remove your mask in the presence of God. Present your whole self to Christ, trusting that you are loved with an ever-lasting love!
No comments:
Post a Comment