If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
Of the four most powerful forces in the physical universe, gravity is the weakest. And yet, because its range is infinite, it dominates the universe. I don’t understand that kind of physics that but that’s what I’m told.
Spiritually, there is nothing stronger than the Word of God. And yet those empowered by God’s word appeared so weak as they were led into the coliseum to face a pride of hungry lions. Like gravity, their strength persisted and grew even as they died. Many who watched and mocked them from the nosebleed sections surrendered to their gravitational force. They flowed down into the staging area where they joined, and died with, the martyrs.
But it didn’t always work that well for the Gospel. The Church, like every human and all organization, is tempted by power. It promises to get quick results and, in the face of a looming crisis, we sometimes want quick results.
Also, finding ourselves dominant in society, we are attempted to corral everyone into the congregation. Sometimes we use military force, economic influence, or social pressure. We have occasionally used the power of food and charity to win impoverished converts, only to be disappointed. When the rice ran out the “rice Christians” returned to their old religions.
The Pauline principle of sola fides teaches us to trust the Word of God. Like gravity, it is more powerful and more persuasive than all the coercive methods humans can create. God’s love, as Saint Augustine said, draws hearts as a magnet draws iron. We have only to accept and share the Word of God to see how others are drawn to it. It is more powerful when we don’t try to hurry it along.
The great missionary Saint Paul knew this as well as anyone. His opponents gave him the opportunity to demonstrate the persuasive power of love as they harassed, arrested, and beat him on many occasions. The more the religious and civil authorities opposed him, the more the people flocked to him. If he boasted of his success, he had to do it by showing his weakness.
During our troubled age good people are again tempted to resort to force. As Saint Ignatius of Loyola said, "The devil tempts good people with good things." Seeing unexpected and unpredictable social developments in society -- things like abortion, gay marriage, recreational drugs, and suicide -- they feel uneasy and frightened. And fear often turns to violence. Even as it tries to head off trouble, it generates more.
Sola Fides (Faith Alone) reminds us that Jesus alone is our savior. We cannot save ourselves. We practice our faith with religious zeal and apostolic charity, and let God be God.
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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.