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| Serve the Lord in fear |
Brothers and sisters,
I could not talk to you as spiritual people,
but as fleshly people, as infants in Christ.
I fed you milk, not solid food,
because you were unable to take it.
Indeed, you are still not able, even now,
for you are still of the flesh.
I could not talk to you as spiritual people,
but as fleshly people, as infants in Christ.
I fed you milk, not solid food,
because you were unable to take it.
Indeed, you are still not able, even now,
for you are still of the flesh.
Like a true evangelist, Saint Paul was willing to wait as his people absorbed the challenges and invitations of the new Christian faith. The Gospel demands so much of us. Not only are there mysterious doctrines to accept: Redemption, Resurrection, Incarnation and so forth; but there are also strict moral teachings that cannot be put off. Divorce is no longer acceptable; nor is adultery. Greed is not a virtue; but generosity to the poor and needy is. There is no excuse for sin, but there is forgiveness. We may hope for eternal life, and vindication. We may hope for deliverance from present suffering and from those who exploit us -- if we remain faithful to the New Covenant.
Saint Paul understood that it takes a lifetime to redirect one's life toward salvation, but he also insisted it must be done now. We dare not put it off till tomorrow for there may be no tomorrow.
He was hugely dismayed at their factionalism. After their initial enthusiasm for Jesus, why should they split apart into various groups? But enthusiasm is always fractious. People who care a lot quarrel a lot. They have a hard time letting go of their new investment of time, talent and treasure. If they were united at first, all pulling together for the same goal; they settled into routines that became ruts,; and, like the bow wave behind a motorboat which has stopped suddenly, their long-forgotten character defects caught up with them.
Perhaps now they are ready for the "solid food" of the Gospels. Now they are ready to dig more deeply into their inspired resources of faith and make the sacrifices that form community. Did anyone say it's easy to be Christian? He lied! It will demand everything you have and then some. It will cost more than you imagined you could pay; and you will think you don't have it in you. And you don't; but you will find it because God will provide for you.
Saint Paul chides his people, "You are still of the flesh." You must believe in the Spirit that has brought you together, taught you to pray, and insists on your surrendering everything.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.