We speak a wisdom to those who are mature,
not a wisdom of this age...
Is it just me or is life getting more mysterious by the day? Our readings invite us to consider Law: God's law and human law. But the distinction is not at all clear for both sets of law demand respect. They spell the limits of our freedom but they also protect our freedom.
I have heard that children spend as much time quarreling about the rules of a game as they do playing the game. You can't play a game without rules, but they're often arbitrary. When I play eight ball with my brothers we wonder what are the penalties for a "scratch." Are there universal rules or do we play by "house rules?" We're pretty sure God has no eternal decrees for playing billiards, but it might be simpler for everyone if he did.
As we witness contempt for laws and established customs in high offices of the government we realize how fragile and tenuous laws are. Unlike the fabled "Ten Commandments," they are written only on paper, like marriage certificates. When enough people flout the law, it goes away with no one to mourn its memory.
The Jewish religion begins with overwhelming gratitude for the Law of God, that God would give direction and purpose to misguided, confused, and mischievous human society. No philosophical vision leads infallibly to wisdom; much less to peace, prosperity, or the flourishing of human potential. No nation, society, or culture can create a utopia in this world. Every attempt is is sabotaged by its inner demons even as it is overwhelmed by the turbulence of neighboring societies. God's gift of the Law to the Jews showed them not only a better way to live; it proved our inability to govern ourselves.
Our Jewish heritage celebrates the divine gift of the law especially with Psalm 119, the longest of the psalms. Every one of its 176 verses uses a synonym for law; including ways, commands, statutes, judgement, and so forth. These many different words point to the undefinable mystery of this thing we call law. There is no one word for it.
Historically, the nascent Christian Church called it The Way. You'll remember Saint Paul set out to persecute those in the Way. And then he preached the Gospel, especially of "Jesus Christ and him crucified." Later generations would develop Rules, especially the Benedictine, Augustinian, and Franciscan Rules. In the last century, we saw the Twelve Step Program develop, with innumerable modifications for alcoholics, drug addicts, gamblers, shoppers, and so forth. Still more recent is the Charismatic movement among Protestants and Catholics. All of these inspired codes from the Law of Moses to the Azusa Street Revival attempt to describe the external practices and the interior attitudes of living in God's presence.
Each one has inspired millions of people for many generations, and each one has been subject to misunderstandings, abuse, and contempt. The Law of God remains mysterious, fluid, and ineffable.
Observing the Law of God, however we might understand it -- as the Law of Moses or the Franciscan Rule or the daily ten-ten of Marriage Encounter -- requires a willing, docile alertness to the Holy Spirit. We walk by faith and not by sight.
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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.