They strengthened the spirits of the disciples
and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, "It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God."
I have heard that the famously-Catholic coach of the Green Bay Packers, Vince Lombardi, spoke reassuring words of comfort to his players when they lost, and chewed them out when they won. Thus did he strengthened the spirit of his disciples throughout his winning career.
As long as there have been campaigns in team sports, politics and war successful leaders have found ways to rally their people as they marched toward victory. "Nothing succeeds like success" and they had to win in one way or another, but sometimes winning takes peculiar forms. As when a "losing" team triumphs by showing up and a "winning" team disappoints by failing to destroy their weaker opponents.
I suppose Saint Paul often used his own formula of "psalms, hymns and inspired songs" when he met the Christians in Lystra, Iconium and Antioch. Certainly this group of Jews and gentiles, bonded by their love of Christ and the hostility of their neighbors and former friends, needed encouragement.
Building up the spirit can take many forms. Some inept leaders know only how to abuse their people with curses and contempt. Perhaps they believe "Whatever doesn't kill you will make you stronger!" as they threaten their children, students and employees. Others can only offer words of encouragement, being conflict-averse and too timid to use strong language.
Twice a week in the VA hospital I conduct a "spirituality discussion" with men and women who suffer addictions. Most are familiar with the basic principles of building physical strength. We should eat right, not smoke, and get the necessary rest. Challenging exercises like running, swimming, and weightlifting add muscle tone and increase one's ability to lift heavier loads. Some of the Veterans, despite their abuse of alcohol, retain powerful bodies. But some have never heard of spiritual strength.
As I visit other patients in the hospital, I see many who have not maintained any strength at all, neither physical, mental nor spiritual. They may also suffer intellectual, financial, social and familial weakness. Their medical charts simply say, "failure to thrive."
My responsibility, like that of Saint Paul, is to "strengthen the spirit."
Some Veterans decline my personal visits and avoid our spiritual discussion. Perhaps they don't know their spirits --like their minds and bodies -- require strengthening. Many people suppose they have the "will power" to make the right choices and live well but, mysteriously, fail consistently because they "don't try hard enough." The analogy of the body-building can help. If you would compete in a weight-lifting contest, you'd better start planning, working, and investing time, energy and money well in advance. Saint Paul knew that when he encouraged his Corinthians, "Run as if to win!"
And Jesus instructed his disciples, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate." He promised no one an easy victory.
No one should suppose salvation comes easily, by right of entitlement. The Lord did not invite us to a cakewalk when he said, "Take up your cross daily and follow me." We must build up our spiritual strength day by day, listening to competent spiritual leaders, as we follow the Lord to Jerusalem, Calvary and Easter.
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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.