In 1958, David Mech was a graduate student studying wildlife ecology at Purdue University. He became deeply curious about relational behavior within the social culture of wolves. Following earlier research, in a book Mech wrote in 1980, he postulated the existence of the “alpha male” who would dominate and determine relationships in the pack, and prey upon the more vulnerable members of the group. But something did not sit well with Mech, as he observed that the behavior of the pack was much more like that of a family of guiding parents and children. Mech tried to persuade publishers to stop printing the book, a request they finally agreed to in 2022. But the phrase “alpha male” had already become engrained in human discourse. Some dominance-oriented dog trainers use the “alpha” concept to argue that the dog’s owner must become alpha in the pack. We also see influencers and others currently seek to promote the notion that healthy masculinity must be based on dominant leadership, rather than affiliative connection.
The same value laden tension exists in the Christian communities, with some arguing for alpha-like leadership, while others support a more emphatically oriented approach. So what do we see in Jesus? In the Gospel lesson for Sunday, Jesus’ disciples warn him that Herod the ruler wants to kill him. Jesus refuses to submit to the dominance behavior that would seek to frighten and intimidate him. Rather, he likens himself to a mother hen, who would gather her chicks under her wings for shelter and protection. Jesus would rather gather them all, oppressor and oppressed, under the loving wings of his care. But this power has no weaponry or political power, just empathic compassion and strong love.
During this Lenten season, we are asking how we “come alive” in our spiritual journey. In this service, we’ll note that that enlivening comes, in part, from resisting the fearful assault, and remaining true in love. The sermon is titled “Coming Alive in Resisting Evil in All Its Forms”. It arises from Psalm 121, which will be read by Marcia Lloyd, and Luke 13: 31-35, which will be read by Malcolm Webb. Stephanie Conklin will offer a Mission Moment in support of Chords for Care, a musical program on the afternoon of March 30 in support of the Cancer Support Community of South Central Indiana. Patrick Conklin will sing “A Simple Song” from Bernstein as a prelude. The Chancel Choir, directed by Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, will sing “The Weeping Tree.” We’ll have a moment for children, and Mary Beth Morgan will offer the pastoral prayer. We’d love for you to join us.