Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter
“How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop?” That is a question we are familiar with, but I want to ask “How many reflections can one draw from one passage?” My guess; far more than the number of licks it takes. That is what I want to do today, I want to provide three mini-reflections; reflection pops, if you will. All three are brought together in how we view others, ourselves, and both together. Also, all three come from our first reading from Acts.
Pastoral Spirit:
First, Paul shows us a healthy use of pastoral judgment. When we are not in a position of authority it is easy for us to look at those who are and either accuse them of legalism or too much laxity, when in all reality we might be the one that is overly lax or legalistic. We find Luke making neither of those accusations when Paul chooses to circumcise Timothy. Even though just one chapter earlier it was made abundantly clear that circumcision is not necessary for salvation. On top of that, Paul, in his writings, asserts that circumcision after coming to faith is actually a hindrance. So what gives? Paul is making a pastoral decision. For Timothy’s comfort? I doubt it, especially not his physical comfort. No, he is making a pastoral decision for the good of the gospel and those they are evangelizing. Does this mean that we throw out everything that could possibly make someone uncomfortable? Of course not. But Paul sets the standard that we should not forget to consider the human element when proclaiming Christ.
Every No Provides for a Later Yes:
Second, it is interesting that Luke describes Paul and Timothy’s prevention as coming from the Spirit. This reminds me of three things. One, God is in charge and He knows the plan, I don’t. For all we know Paul would have gotten killed in Asia and there goes most of the New Testament, right out the window. Two, every no allows for a new yes. Sometimes I say yes to so many things that I’m forced to say no when it really counts because I’m too busy or burnt out. In this case though, the Spirit prevented them so they could go to say yes Macedonia. Three, I’m reminded of humility. Not only can I not do everything that I want to say yes to, but I also might not be the best person for the job, and that is ok. At least, that should be ok, but that is where humility needs to come in and conquer my pride.
Remember the We:
Third, my study Bible points out that verse 10 is the first time in 16 Chapters that Luke uses the word “we.” This has historical significance for sure, but I want to talk instead about the concept of “us” in relation to the Church. There is a temptation to make Christianity competitive. Now, competition is not inherently bad, but I think it can be dangerous as we try to work together as the Church. My body does not compete with itself, and yet we can desire to make Christ’s body do just that. Luke builds up the early Church in the way that he writes Acts. Despite being honest about some issues in the Early Church he identifies himself with the Church as a whole. Can we follow his non-competitive example? I saw a wonderful picture of Dorothy Day and Mother Teresa sitting together, one reaching out holding the other’s hand. Now I don’t know the content of their conversation, but I doubt they were criticizing one another, arguing about whether Paul VI or John XXIII was a better Pope, vying against each other in the work they did, or trying to convince to other to live out their faith through their particular spirituality. No, I imagine that they were sharing the beauty in their different vocations, building each other up in the way they took the Gospel to Heart, praising the Lord for allowing them to serve the poor, and for the fact that God called both of them so that each could be more intensely focused on serving as God had called each uniquely.
So, reflection pops… I hope you followed them all, and I want to share this in closing. The call to share the Gospel in truth and love compels us to consider the human element, even to make pastoral decisions that can be hard. Before, we write up our own “Flaws of the Apostles” we should make sure we understand the why of that pastoral decision. Pastoral decision or not, as decisions come our way we need to seek out God’s will. We also need to be prepared for His answer to be no, and our humility helps us accept that answer. Finally, the world can sometimes reduce life to a competition that you only win by others losing. But the call of a disciple is to see the world differently, and especially the Church. The Church is not an international business we are trying to get ahead in, but rather a body that supports itself.
We pray, “Lord, please help us to avoid legalism or hyper laxity as we practically live out the Spirit of Your Law. Help us to be open to Your will and grow in humility. And You are not a God of disorder, but of peace. Help us to be peacemakers as we avoid campsim and tearing each other down in a form of competitive Christianity. We love you, and we pray all of this through Christ our Lord.”
-Spencer Hargadon