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| A trail through MSF woods |
We instruct you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother
who walks in a disorderly way
and not according to the tradition they received from us.
Saint Paul’s First and Second Letters to the Thessalonians are considered the oldest documents in the New Testament. Written several years before the more important gospels, they give us an idea of how the first Christians coped with the challenge of their new religion. There are sketchy ideas about Jesus’s second coming, and warnings not to get carried away with anticipatory excitement; as well as remarks about some new members who seem inspired with the wrong spirit.
“If the world is ending tomorrow,” they apparently believe, “why should I work today?” It might make sense to some people but that was not Saint Paul’s intention when he announced the Lord. Nor does it conform to the Spirit’s counsel. In fact, inspired persons should work night and day, in toil and drudgery, so as not to be a burden! That is how the faithful imitate the Apostle who recommends himself as a model and example.
In the earliest days of the church we discover many of today's problems. And we see how the Holy Spirit invests certain persons with authority to preach, teach, and establish our traditions and mores. Although we welcome everyone to believe with us and worship our Lord Jesus, we shun those who act in a disorderly way.
Second Thessalonians also validates a universal experience of church: there are always useless members and we’re often confused about what we should do with them. Confident and optimistic as we are, we’re not very discriminating about who joins us. People of every race, class, or social station are welcome; and everyone contributes simply by catching the spirit of generosity, courage, and gratitude. Even persons with severe disabilities can be animated by that joyful spirit. They are no burden to anyone.
But, as the parable of the broadcast seeds tells us, some people lose the spirit and resume former disorderly ways. They have no roots and wither in the heat.
It is not easy to be Christian; it’s not supposed to be. The very first documents of our tradition assure us of that.
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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.