as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us
as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma.
Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you,
as is fitting among holy ones....
Saint Paul describes a new way of life which is entirely plausible, and even realistic; and yet unimaginable, alarming, and repellant to many people.
Invited to give a homily to contemplative sisters, I assumed these holy women, with their experience of self-examination and penance, were wise to the ways of evil. I wanted to avoid speaking to them like overgrown naifs, as if they had never lived outside the convent. No one objected to my brief remarks but I learned much later that some regarded me as too rough. I did not understand that immorality, impurity and greed were not even be mentioned among them.
They were not amused by the sitcoms most of us have watched. Though some of them were familiar with classical Greek and Shakespearean tragedies, which are often violent, the women did not offer these films to the community for their common entertainment or enlightenment. They routinely avoided gossip and did not conspire against one another. Such things were not even mentioned.
I have learned from that and similar experiences, and from friars in my community who live that way. They might have much to say about other friars, but they don't say it. Some, perhaps, address these difficult personal issues with their counselors, confessors, and spiritual directors; but they don't gossip. When problems arise that threaten harm to others, they address them; but talking trash about others is neither helpful nor honest.
Saint Paul urges us to "Be imitators of God." Sometimes we must act honestly, as if we are honest people, until it becomes natural. We can learn good habits although we don't feel like it. It's usually better to just ignore the feelings until we get used to this new, better way of life. Until, as beloved children, we live in love.
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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.