Michael T. Bush
“Jesus asked his disciples, ‘What were you arguing about on the way?’ But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest” – Mark 9:33-34
This has been such a trying and confusing time as we deal with a deadly virus, the ease of spread, contradictory governmental directives, nonstop breaking news, and the ensuing fear that has gripped people.
In addition, many are debating who is worth saving and who is worth sacrificing, which has multiplied the stress and challenge. Such assessment of human worth is not a new issue, as we are often jostling for position, competing against one another, and otherwise claiming or clamoring to be greater than someone else.
Have you ever been the greatest in some category? Thought you were? Wanted to be? Perhaps that desire comes from a drive to survive.
If we are perceived as having greater value, then we will more likely obtain plentiful resources and maybe have a longer life.
On the other hand, perhaps this nudge toward greatness is a drive to live the truth of who we really are.
**Explicit language can be heard in this video** Late Friday police officers in riot gear formed a line near the Tucson Convention Center, facing off with hundreds of protesters.
In the Scriptures of my spiritual tradition, we are made in the image of God; we are the great and beautiful children of the creator of the cosmos. Perhaps something within us remembers this oft-buried reality and yearns to live into the greatness that God intends.
And the truth about greatness in the spiritual path I follow, the way of Jesus, is this: God made us not to be greater than others, but greater for and with others.
The disciples of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark were concerned about their own greatness. We, too, might seek to be the greatest gymnasts or professors or health-care providers or plumbers or corporate officers or parents or activists or nation. But without the spirit’s power that heals, transforms, and brings justice, love, and light within us to the world, we often focus on being greater than others and can then do harm to others — which is not great at all.
Jesus reminded his disciples that we follow the one who leads us in the path of humility, the path of making room for the spirit who empowers true greatness in us. On this path, we live lives not greater than others, but greater for and with others, a greatness that does not raise me above you, but a greatness in which we raise up one another.
True greatness is not shoving others aside, sacrificing the marginalized, or making sure we have more than our neighbor. True greatness is living centered in the abundant love, justice, and hope of the divine so we can live as our best selves, our greatest selves, to bring more of the fullness of love, life, healing and justice for and with our neighbors.
Tucson, I believe and pray that we can be truly great in this difficult time.
Photos: Peaceful protests and violent clashes in downtown Tucson
Floyd protests
A person throws an object towards the Tucson Police Department line near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
A protestor in a wheelchair tries to get away from tear gas near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Protests in downtown Tucson
A pedestrian walks past closed and covered locally owned business Flash in the Past Studio and Shop, 43 S. 6th. Ave., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson. In response, businesses placed signs on doors informing the public that businesses were locally owned.
Protests in downtown Tucson
Pieces of wood, decorated with Ben's Bells be kind symbol, cover up windows at Cartel Coffee Lab, 210 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson. In response, businesses placed signs on doors informing the public that businesses were locally owned.
Day two Floyd protests
A person reacts after getting hit with pepper bullets fired on a crowd confronting Tucson Police on 7th Street near 6th Avenue after a peaceful demonstration turned violent on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
Day two Floyd protests
A person dares Tucson Police to hit him with pepper bullets as a few hundred confront law enforcement along 7th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues as things turn violent on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
Day two Floyd protests
A protestor grabs a selfie with a line of Tucson Police officers in riot gear holding a line against a several dozen protestors at the underpass on 4th Avenue on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
Day two Floyd protests
A woman stands in the spotlights from Tucson Police holding a line against a hundred or so protestors along 7th Street as the night's demonstration turned violent on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
Day two Floyd protests
A man sprays an accelerant onto a fire in trash container dragged onto 6th Street by dozens of protestors moving through the streets on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
Day two Floyd protests
A man gets water poured onto his face after Tucson Police fired tear gas onto a line of protestors shielding behind several vehicles on 7th Street and 5th Avenue on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
Day two Floyd protests
Several protestors advance through the haze of expended pepper bullets on the line of Tucson Police holding them at bay on 7th Street near 6th Avenue on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
Day two Floyd protests
A dumpster burns along 7th Street besides Miller's Surplus after protestors set in on fire and wheeled it toward a line of Tucson Police on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
Day two Floyd protests
Two men advancing on a line of Tucson Police try to shelter behind a paper sign as they are pelted with dozens of pepper bullets on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
Day two Floyd protests
Protestors hurl construction signage and barriers onto 6th Street as they retreat from Tucson Police on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
Floyd protests
Tucson Police Department officers approach a dumpster lit on fire by people near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
A man tries to set fire to a small branch near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
A dumpster set on fire by people scene next to Miller's Surplus near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
People move a segment of fencing to a make shift barricade near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
A police officer uncuffs a person following during a traffic stop following the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
An officer talks with a cuffed person following the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
A person is put in cuffs by a police officer following the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
People ride on the back of a car as they leave 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
A man steps away from tear gas fumes set off near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
Two men hold street signs to block projectiles shot by police officers near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
Tucson Police Department officers clear an alley of people near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
A man reacts after trying to light a branch on fire multiple times while protesting near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
About 500 gather outside along Stone Avenue at the Tucson Police headquarters on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
Floyd protests
A motorist stuck on 5th Avenue by the 500 or so protestors streaming east on Broadway gets cell phone video of the crowd flowing by on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
Floyd protests
Approximately 500 protestors head north on Stone Avenue after gathering briefly in front of the Tucson Police headquarters on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
Floyd protests
Protestors sit in the middle of 6th Avenue at 14th Street, briefly blocking traffic on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
Floyd protests
A handful of protestors sit on the curb outside the Tucson Police Department headquarters early on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
Floyd protests
Danitza Hernandez paints Be Kind in Spanish on the window of Scented Lear on East Congress Saturday, preparing on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020. A loose group of local neighbors and residents were painting the symbols on the windows of downtown buildings hoping it would help to keep roving bands of protestors from smashing the glass.
Floyd protests
LeCaire Whitfield, left, Patrick Swartz and John Krikawa board the windows on their Krikawa Master Jewelers preparing for the worst on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
Floyd protests
A woman walks down the line of riot gear clad officers guarding the Tucson Police headquarters as about 500 protestors gather briefly in the street on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
Floyd protests
A woman passively confronts a row of Tucson, Ariz., Police as they advance their line a few yards at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, during a protest in the wake of nationwide anger following the death earlier in the week of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
A man attempts to talk to the line of Tucson, Ariz., Police at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, during a large protest of the death earlier in the week of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
A dozen protestors take seats in front of a line Tucson, Ariz., Police at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, during a large scale protest in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
A protestor uses a construction barrel he dragged in as an easy chair to face off with Tucson, Ariz., Police at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, in the wake of nationwide anger following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
A man attempts to talk with Tucson, Ariz., Police at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, during a large scale protest in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
A woman sits in front of one of two lines of Tucson, Ariz., Police at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, in the wake of nationwide anger following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
A woman raises her hands as she approaches a line of Tucson, Ariz., Police, at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, during a protest in the wake of nationwide anger following the death earlier in the week of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
A couple of people sit in the windows of homes sprayed with protest graffiti as a few hundred protestors face off with Tucson, Ariz., Police at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020.
Floyd protests
A man pours water at the feet of Tucson, Ariz., Police as a few hundred protestors at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, show their anger following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
A woman asks for a hug from the line of Tucson, Ariz., Police confronting protestors at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, during a demonstration in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Protest
A protester vents at a line of Tucson Police Officers in riot gear at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
A protester holds a sign up in remembrance of George Floyd during a demonstration at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
A protester raises hands in the air while turning away from a line of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
A line of Tucson Police Officers in riot gear at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
Protesters stand off against a line of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
Tucson Police Officers in riot gear stand at Cushing Street and Church Ave. while facing off against a group of about 300 protesters, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
Officers from the Tucson Police Department dressed in riot gear stand at Cushing Street and Church Ave. as the face off against a group of about 300 protesters, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
Protestors stand off against a line of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
Two officers from the Tucson Police Department whisper to one another while a group of roughly 300 protestors stands in front of them at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
Protesters stand off against a line of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
A protester tries to talk with an officer from the Tucson Police Department while demonstrating at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
A protester tears up while facing off against police officers at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
Shattered windows on the TEP building in downtown Tucson from a protest that took place on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
People photograph dumpsters set ablaze on Broadway during a protest in downtown Tucson, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
A man looks out a broken window of Charro Steak after the several windows were broken during a demonstration in downtown Tucson, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
Hotel staff sweep up broken glass after several windows of the AC Hotel were damaged during a protest in downtown Tucson, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
People board up Charro Steak's windows after they were broken during a demonstration, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
Protesters stand off against a line of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
Protesters stand off against a line of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
Officers from the Tucson Police Department dressed in riot gear stand at Cushing Street and Church Ave. as the face off against a group of about 300 protesters, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
A protester vents at a line of Tucson Police Officers in riot gear at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
Officers from the Tucson Police Department dressed in riot gear stand at Cushing Street and Church Ave. as the face off against a group of about 300 protesters, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
Officers from the Tucson Police Department dressed in riot gear stand at Cushing Street and Church Ave. as the face off against a group of about 300 protesters, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
A protester tries to talk with an officer from the Tucson Police Department while demonstrating at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
A protester tries to talk with an officer from the Tucson Police Department while demonstrating at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
Officers from the Tucson Police Department dressed in riot gear stand at Cushing Street and Church Ave. as the face off against a group of about 300 protesters, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
George Floyd Protest
A protester yells at officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
George Floyd Protest
A protester keeps her hands raised in a peaceful manner in front of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. Close to 300 people took part in a protest that was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
George Floyd Protest
A protester takes a photo of an officer from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. Close to 300 people took part in a protest that was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
George Floyd Protest
Protesters stand in silence with their arms raised in front of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
George Floyd Protest
A protester lit and threw a firecracker in front of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. Close to 300 people took part in a protest that was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
George Floyd Protest
A protester holds up her sign in front of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. Close to 300 people took part in a protest that was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
George Floyd Protest
A protester yells at officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
George Floyd Protest
A protester lights a bundle of sage during a protest near the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. Close to 300 people took part in a protest that was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
George Floyd Protest
Officers from the Tucson Police Department stand shoulder to shoulder to form a line and face off with about 300 protesters near the depatment's headquarters at 270 S Stone Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
George Floyd Protest
The Tucson Police Department headquarters at 270 S Stone Ave. was tagged during a protest on May 29, 2020, in Tucson, Ariz. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protests in downtown Tucson
A pedestrian walks their bike past the Fox Theater, 17 W. Congress St., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson. In response, businesses placed signs on doors informing the public that businesses were locally owned.
Protests in downtown Tucson
Broken glass remains in front of a broken window at One West Broadway, 1 W. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson.
Protests in downtown Tucson
The refection of a Tucson Police Department vehicle shows in the decorated doors of The Rialto Theater, 318 E. Congress St., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson. In response, businesses placed signs on doors informing the public that businesses were locally owned.
Protests in downtown Tucson
Pedestrians walk past covered windows of Charro Steak, 188 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson. In response, businesses placed signs on doors informing the public that businesses were locally owned.
Protests in downtown Tucson
A pedestrians walks past covered and decorated windows of Charro Steak, 188 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson. In response, businesses placed signs on doors informing the public that businesses were locally owned.
Protests in downtown Tucson
A sign informing the public about Club Congress is taped on a door at Hotel Congress, 311 Congress St., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson. In response, businesses placed signs on doors informing the public that businesses were locally owned.
