Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Lectionary: 287

Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers,
"Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice,
you cannot be saved."
Because there arose no little dissension and debate
by Paul and Barnabas with them,
it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others
should go up to Jerusalem to the Apostles and presbyters
about this question.

 T he nascent Church, enthused with the Holy Spirit, eagerly studying its traditions and historical roots, naturally generated excitement, confusion, and arguments about what it all meant. Left unchecked and without competent, trustworthy leadership, the fire would have exhausted the disciples, inspired criminal, and burned itself out. 

Despite the Gospel stories about their foolishness, the Apostles were well trained by the Lord himself. They relied not only on the guidance of the Holy Spirit after his Ascension, but also on the formation they had received during their apprenticeship. When they met unexpected dilemmas they knew what to do: support one another, listen to the Holy Spirit, study the tradition, consult with one another, decide, and act decisively. They were not plagued with doubt about their authority.

"Leave room for other opinions!" some people like to say when their speculations about religion are challenged, and especially when they would introduce or reintroduce alien ideas into the tradition. While the Church is not uncomfortable with discussions, disagreements, and questions yet to be resolved; we're not always so patient with strange ideas that were tried and discarded centuries ago, Many heresies, rooted in human sin, persist. They were recognized as dangerous and silly a long time ago. 

The skeptic's diversity is usually rooted not in an honest search for truth but in their unwillingness to accept human authority. Officers of the law hear it often from reckless drivers who challenge their authority to pull them over. The same fools challenge judges and jailers as they dig themselves deeper into holes of their own making. 

Realizing that their skepticism is rooted in childhood trauma, troubled persons may find help in long, difficult conversations with counselors -- if they want to be helped and changed. But counseling only works with YASR persons: the Young, Anxious, Sensitive, and Articulate. Being young at heart helps. 

Reasons and persuasive arguments can bring us to the antechamber of truth but will not force us through the door. I have had many long, tedious discussions with people who did not want to decide. No amount of probing, reasoning, and analysis added up to a decision. We may search for, and discover, the origins of their fearful unwillingness, but that discovery will not make it happen. 

Alcoholics Anonymous finally say, KISS -- Keep It Simple, Stupid! We become wise by obedience. 

See, I am teaching you the statutes and ordinances as the LORD, my God, has commanded me, that you may observe them in the land you are entering to possess.

Observe them carefully, for this is your wisdom and discernment in the sight of the peoples, who will hear of all these statutes and say, “This great nation is truly a wise and discerning people.”

For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him?

Or what great nation has statutes and ordinances that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today? Deuteronomy 4: 5-8