Getting It Straight
Sermon
Sermons on the Second Readings
Series II, Cycle B
What a colorful figure Paul must have been in flesh and blood! His individuality shows a man who refuses to be dominated by anything. For us to be able to experience his ministry, as he went about, would have been something that would have made an indelible imprint on us.
As he wove his life and ministry into his day and time the enemies were many. This was especially true among his Jewish brothers and sisters. Only by the grace of God was he able to fulfill what he had been called to do. The hatred could be intense and his very life was at stake. Nevertheless, as his letters say, he went about in a thankful mood.
One wonders how the Christian movement could ever have gotten off the ground without him. Much of the New Testament reflects his power, personality, and pen. His churches sometimes were battlegrounds but he stayed the course. He wanted his people to get things straight and gave himself totally to see this happen.
Our calling to the pastorate is much like that. We want our people to get things straight. Perhaps the momentous question that is always before us deals with our willingness to give our all. So much real success deals with exactly that matter, which invariably depends upon a deeply personal decision.
Focus
We cannot live our lives well in fragmentation.
Body
1. No one can indefinitely live a morally fractured life.
Sometimes in high places, especially in politics and religion, we watch in dismay and even disillusionment as our icons crumble. The list is long and there is nothing new, that is, if we survey the history of nations and the world. There is no need to name names. They are frequently in the news. Of course, we must be shrewd and perceptive enough to determine the reliability of the various forms of media. This is not easy. In fact, it can be downright difficult! Our temptation may be to point the finger at someone, who has betrayed some of the most basic criteria for living a healthy life. I believe this is only helpful after we take personal inventory.
We view and often experience morally fractured lives all about us. Appearances mislead us and we can be devastated. Never judge a book by its cover is long-standing and sound advice. To be honest, this state of affairs can also work in an opposite manner. Someone may have allegedly fallen and we learn this is only an allegation and is not provable. People deserve the benefit of the doubt -- at least, the first or second time. If we don't like someone, it is easy to find him/her guilty and spread the word with glee. It is a quagmire in today's world. Sometimes we know so much and yet we know so little! We all tend to be morally fractured in some way.
To live one's life personally in one way and publicly quite another, certainly and simply calls for correction. We may like to think fornication and adultery are excusable between two consenting adults. It seems fashionable to seal off one's infidelities to a restricted area and claim they have no bearing on our public and vocational lives. I believe this trend increases our illness as a nation and jeopardizes the general welfare. We are intended to be whole human beings with morality at work in every sector of our precious lives. The dear Lord did not come to save us in fragments, leaving some untouched, especially those of our own choosing. We must be brave and brazen like Saint Paul.
Some say early on in their lives, either directly or indirectly, "This part of my life belongs to the Lord, this part belongs to me." In other words, lordship is denied in certain areas. Again, we must not be too judgmental. We all have the same tendency at work in us. It is as though humankind was born with it. Perhaps it illustrates the affliction of original sin! Such fragmentation always and eventually shows itself. The wounds come to the surface. The unforgiven sins become noticeable. The out and out hypocrisy exudes an odor that hardly anyone can miss. It is a sad and very trying time. Of course, the remedy is found in repentance and forgiveness with the promise to live a new life. Then, all aspects of our coming, going, and staying show wholeness. The world, believe it or not, is always looking for just such a person.
2. We are called to live in Christ as a distinctive human being.
To live in him is to be formed by him and that is not to make everyone look, more or less, exactly the same. To get things straight means we become human beings who stand out in the Lord. Yes, the body has many parts, and each of us is a special part. More in Pauline language, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Think what a magnificent quilt we are throughout the world! There are too many shades and sizes to count. We were all bought with a price and that adds immensely to our image. Christ died and arose for us. Now, we die and arise with him. We are a witness to the world.
Billions of dollars are spent each year in our country on our appearances. Let's ask a rather embarrassing question. Does that have anything to do with showing others we belong to Christ and he belongs to us? Suppose we shut down the industry for a year, except for certain basics like soap and water. Would this greatly hinder the cause of the Christian faith? Perhaps the chief argument would be that such a move would put numerous people out of work. Well, that becomes quite a dilemma, doesn't it? In complete seriousness, I wonder why it is essential for many Christians to do what they do in order to appear attractive. You may want to ask me what rock I crawled out from under, but hear me out. There is a requirement that we be sincerely holy people. In our depths, we know this is true and we are not bad people. Perhaps we have not yet gone far enough.
Our bodies are temples and that is awesomely spiritual. Each of us lives in a different body but we are all in temples. It is questionable if most Christians accept that and yet I do not want to be critical. My personal experience tells me quickly, and more directly than I like, there is much in my life -- past and present -- that needs to be washed by the blood of the Lamb of God. Those of us who have been given good health for many years can be too proud and ungrateful. Have you seriously thanked God today for health and financial resources? Always what we have is from God. Yes, what did you and I earn or create? Once in a while our singular greatness can blind us! If we are to be successfully retrieved, we are to remember we were bought with a price.
In the United States of America we are blessed with opportunities beyond the imaginations of millions living in other countries. Often they see our standard of living as something to acquire. In our inadequacy we tend to allow them to measure us in material success. How wrong this is! Perhaps this is where solid media emphasizing Christian unity and inter-religious dialogue come into play. Don't misunderstand me, some really good things are being done. More -- much more -- needs to be done. Christians flaunting their good fortune in terms of material success just isn't right! Getting things straight, really, is to trim the fat and live more healthy lives that exalt the Christ. Fractured moral lives that tend toward immorality then can be placed where they belong: the local trash heap. God is faithful to lead us to less meaning more for him.
3. Chastity may be unwelcome but it is the Christian's call.
Misuse of the body, especially in sexual activity, is one of the most pressing issues of our day and time. There are those who insist it ranks number one because it influences every area of society. Where can we begin with such a gargantuan problem? Good people who practice the Christian faith say they don't have the slightest idea! It is so complicated, and what is chastity anyway? Is it a simple refraining from actual intercourse between a man and a woman? May God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit mercifully aid us as we attempt to work our way through this labyrinth of definitions. How can we teach our children and youth that sex is sacred?
Two becoming one flesh in a deeply religious sense is fodder for the late night comedians and comediennes. Shunning fornication would likely bring the biggest laugh! Saint Paul is deeply serious, as usual, and in tune with values that have consistently been a part of the Judeo-Christian tradition. I suspect many of us would be hard-pressed to come up with a person(s) who is prudish as we commonly understand it. Of course, that may not be all bad in view of the fact human nature after all is sinful and allowances for repentance and forgiveness are absolutely necessary. Surely we don't have to be caught between a rigid moral code that lacks compassion and a licentious lifestyle that preaches anything goes. We must pray daily for our young people to abstain from sexual activity until marriage becomes realizable.
In a Christian sense, how can the prospective bride and bridegroom prepare for the wedding vows, promising until death do they part? We might suggest for them to begin as new teenagers to promise to be chaste until they are married. Would the great bulk of those in our churches consider this a doable way of maturing? Those that I know would be serious and concerned but they would not go that far. Our Catholic friends can be of help here. They have a long-standing teaching of chastity and virginity. It has been there since the very early centuries and in a way is underlined by speaking of Jesus' mother as the blessed Virgin Mary. In addition, marriage is considered a sacrament. Yes, all of us can learn a great deal of practical idealism from them!
Then, there is this business of all situations being relative. This has been with us now officially for more than two generations. In reality I believe you can make a case for it beginning with Adam and Eve! Paul is not speaking of relativity in sexual matters as a way to live victoriously under the banner of Christ. Assuredly, he recognizes the curse of our first two parents and understands the tremendous harm that is done by sexual activity outside of the marriage vows. With all the relationships, divorces, and remarriages in our society how can we put Humpty Dumpty back together again? First, we must decide to practice total faithfulness in marriage with one wife or husband. Then, we must teach our children by precept and examples this way of life. Temptations are many and subtle today. In our weakness God's power is available.
4. Our bodies need our ongoing and loving attention.
It would be a mistake to spiritualize Paul's understanding of our bodies into making them ghostlike and non-biological in function. He is instructing us about what we can see and touch. Our arms, heads, hands, lungs, livers, feet, and all parts are his consideration. We are made in the image of God and therefore are to be stewards of what God, not ourselves, have created. To accept Christ as Savior and Lord does not mean we forsake or belittle our bodies for superior spiritual reasons! True, we eventually die and our bodies become dust but in the meantime we are to be good stewards. This means we neither abuse nor misuse what is entrusted to us.
The longer I live the more I am convinced there is an art to caring for our bodies. This art begins by our recognition of the gift coupled with the responsibility for it. Regardless of our sizes and shapes, beauty or lack of it, and physical prowess, it is ours and we are supposed to take care of it. That is not only a spiritual directive but common sense. Most of what is needed to apply this art can be learned, unless we run into major health problems or accidents. There is no need to make something difficult when, for the most part, it isn't. Money may or may not be needed. Physicians and other professionals may or may not be needed. God's gift is to be handled with tender loving care and at times that may mean strong medicines of discipline. Give thanks for our mortal bodies.
To be fruitful is to take good care of yourself. This is a reasonable expectation and has no bearing on a vain spirit, unless we make it so. Clergy too often try to go seven days and seven nights each week only to learn that is not the way we are made. We are guilty of attempts to please others that jeopardizes our health and in time it will show in our bodies, unless we make needed adjustments. We can feel good about ourselves -- in the best and highest sense -- provided we heed Paul's marvelous instruction. Every Christian is expected to produce fruit and the way we generally do this the best is by taking good care of ourselves. If we are excessively smoking and drinking alcohol, how can we be in top shape to do the Lord's work?
When our lives become fragments, especially the misuse of our bodies in a sexual way, look out! Case after case shows the apostle is on target. Someone rather elderly said to me that life is much more than sex and, of course, that is true. Yet, note the part it has played in our lives. What have we done about the devastating hurt that can potentially come from supposedly little missteps? Yes, Paul is right. We need to get it straight from the inspired rabbi. In our entirety, we are meant for the Lord. Anything short of that is not good enough. Ask God to save you from the misconception we can do his will and pay little attention to our bodies. Of course, the worst, unhealthy fiasco is to be caught in an adulterous relationship and to believe you can continue it and serve God. Likewise, prostitution is more than a lark. It is two becoming one flesh.
Summary And Conclusion
Saint Paul is the man of the hour in his instructive words to us. The world and especially those who claim Christ as Savior and Lord are to pay close attention. Living our lives in fragments is more than wrong; it is destructive to the brink of disaster. Our bodies, here and now, are created to be in full union with the Lord. Every part and portion is to belong to him. Stewardship is imperative. Sexual misdeeds, whatever form they take, must be labeled for what they are: a means to send our immortal souls to hell. Our bodies are not merely flesh and blood; they are temples of the Holy Spirit. Praises be to God for our precious bodies!
The sharpness and transparency of the text gives us reason to pause in silence and ponder its magnificent simplicity. In short, many of us will say these are difficult words out of step with our times but they bear a full gift of truth. The crux of the matter is at hand for those who profess the Father's Son. Will we believe wholeheartedly in the apostle's strong and firm advice or will we accommodate the pressures of living in a mostly secularized society? While many Christians must work in environments not at all conducive to such teaching being implemented, what shall we give in exchange for our immortal souls? Let us always allow for compassion and mercy. However, let us always be faithful to the revealed word of the living God. If we are now living our precious lives in morally destructive fragments, plead with God for help!
As he wove his life and ministry into his day and time the enemies were many. This was especially true among his Jewish brothers and sisters. Only by the grace of God was he able to fulfill what he had been called to do. The hatred could be intense and his very life was at stake. Nevertheless, as his letters say, he went about in a thankful mood.
One wonders how the Christian movement could ever have gotten off the ground without him. Much of the New Testament reflects his power, personality, and pen. His churches sometimes were battlegrounds but he stayed the course. He wanted his people to get things straight and gave himself totally to see this happen.
Our calling to the pastorate is much like that. We want our people to get things straight. Perhaps the momentous question that is always before us deals with our willingness to give our all. So much real success deals with exactly that matter, which invariably depends upon a deeply personal decision.
Focus
We cannot live our lives well in fragmentation.
Body
1. No one can indefinitely live a morally fractured life.
Sometimes in high places, especially in politics and religion, we watch in dismay and even disillusionment as our icons crumble. The list is long and there is nothing new, that is, if we survey the history of nations and the world. There is no need to name names. They are frequently in the news. Of course, we must be shrewd and perceptive enough to determine the reliability of the various forms of media. This is not easy. In fact, it can be downright difficult! Our temptation may be to point the finger at someone, who has betrayed some of the most basic criteria for living a healthy life. I believe this is only helpful after we take personal inventory.
We view and often experience morally fractured lives all about us. Appearances mislead us and we can be devastated. Never judge a book by its cover is long-standing and sound advice. To be honest, this state of affairs can also work in an opposite manner. Someone may have allegedly fallen and we learn this is only an allegation and is not provable. People deserve the benefit of the doubt -- at least, the first or second time. If we don't like someone, it is easy to find him/her guilty and spread the word with glee. It is a quagmire in today's world. Sometimes we know so much and yet we know so little! We all tend to be morally fractured in some way.
To live one's life personally in one way and publicly quite another, certainly and simply calls for correction. We may like to think fornication and adultery are excusable between two consenting adults. It seems fashionable to seal off one's infidelities to a restricted area and claim they have no bearing on our public and vocational lives. I believe this trend increases our illness as a nation and jeopardizes the general welfare. We are intended to be whole human beings with morality at work in every sector of our precious lives. The dear Lord did not come to save us in fragments, leaving some untouched, especially those of our own choosing. We must be brave and brazen like Saint Paul.
Some say early on in their lives, either directly or indirectly, "This part of my life belongs to the Lord, this part belongs to me." In other words, lordship is denied in certain areas. Again, we must not be too judgmental. We all have the same tendency at work in us. It is as though humankind was born with it. Perhaps it illustrates the affliction of original sin! Such fragmentation always and eventually shows itself. The wounds come to the surface. The unforgiven sins become noticeable. The out and out hypocrisy exudes an odor that hardly anyone can miss. It is a sad and very trying time. Of course, the remedy is found in repentance and forgiveness with the promise to live a new life. Then, all aspects of our coming, going, and staying show wholeness. The world, believe it or not, is always looking for just such a person.
2. We are called to live in Christ as a distinctive human being.
To live in him is to be formed by him and that is not to make everyone look, more or less, exactly the same. To get things straight means we become human beings who stand out in the Lord. Yes, the body has many parts, and each of us is a special part. More in Pauline language, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Think what a magnificent quilt we are throughout the world! There are too many shades and sizes to count. We were all bought with a price and that adds immensely to our image. Christ died and arose for us. Now, we die and arise with him. We are a witness to the world.
Billions of dollars are spent each year in our country on our appearances. Let's ask a rather embarrassing question. Does that have anything to do with showing others we belong to Christ and he belongs to us? Suppose we shut down the industry for a year, except for certain basics like soap and water. Would this greatly hinder the cause of the Christian faith? Perhaps the chief argument would be that such a move would put numerous people out of work. Well, that becomes quite a dilemma, doesn't it? In complete seriousness, I wonder why it is essential for many Christians to do what they do in order to appear attractive. You may want to ask me what rock I crawled out from under, but hear me out. There is a requirement that we be sincerely holy people. In our depths, we know this is true and we are not bad people. Perhaps we have not yet gone far enough.
Our bodies are temples and that is awesomely spiritual. Each of us lives in a different body but we are all in temples. It is questionable if most Christians accept that and yet I do not want to be critical. My personal experience tells me quickly, and more directly than I like, there is much in my life -- past and present -- that needs to be washed by the blood of the Lamb of God. Those of us who have been given good health for many years can be too proud and ungrateful. Have you seriously thanked God today for health and financial resources? Always what we have is from God. Yes, what did you and I earn or create? Once in a while our singular greatness can blind us! If we are to be successfully retrieved, we are to remember we were bought with a price.
In the United States of America we are blessed with opportunities beyond the imaginations of millions living in other countries. Often they see our standard of living as something to acquire. In our inadequacy we tend to allow them to measure us in material success. How wrong this is! Perhaps this is where solid media emphasizing Christian unity and inter-religious dialogue come into play. Don't misunderstand me, some really good things are being done. More -- much more -- needs to be done. Christians flaunting their good fortune in terms of material success just isn't right! Getting things straight, really, is to trim the fat and live more healthy lives that exalt the Christ. Fractured moral lives that tend toward immorality then can be placed where they belong: the local trash heap. God is faithful to lead us to less meaning more for him.
3. Chastity may be unwelcome but it is the Christian's call.
Misuse of the body, especially in sexual activity, is one of the most pressing issues of our day and time. There are those who insist it ranks number one because it influences every area of society. Where can we begin with such a gargantuan problem? Good people who practice the Christian faith say they don't have the slightest idea! It is so complicated, and what is chastity anyway? Is it a simple refraining from actual intercourse between a man and a woman? May God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit mercifully aid us as we attempt to work our way through this labyrinth of definitions. How can we teach our children and youth that sex is sacred?
Two becoming one flesh in a deeply religious sense is fodder for the late night comedians and comediennes. Shunning fornication would likely bring the biggest laugh! Saint Paul is deeply serious, as usual, and in tune with values that have consistently been a part of the Judeo-Christian tradition. I suspect many of us would be hard-pressed to come up with a person(s) who is prudish as we commonly understand it. Of course, that may not be all bad in view of the fact human nature after all is sinful and allowances for repentance and forgiveness are absolutely necessary. Surely we don't have to be caught between a rigid moral code that lacks compassion and a licentious lifestyle that preaches anything goes. We must pray daily for our young people to abstain from sexual activity until marriage becomes realizable.
In a Christian sense, how can the prospective bride and bridegroom prepare for the wedding vows, promising until death do they part? We might suggest for them to begin as new teenagers to promise to be chaste until they are married. Would the great bulk of those in our churches consider this a doable way of maturing? Those that I know would be serious and concerned but they would not go that far. Our Catholic friends can be of help here. They have a long-standing teaching of chastity and virginity. It has been there since the very early centuries and in a way is underlined by speaking of Jesus' mother as the blessed Virgin Mary. In addition, marriage is considered a sacrament. Yes, all of us can learn a great deal of practical idealism from them!
Then, there is this business of all situations being relative. This has been with us now officially for more than two generations. In reality I believe you can make a case for it beginning with Adam and Eve! Paul is not speaking of relativity in sexual matters as a way to live victoriously under the banner of Christ. Assuredly, he recognizes the curse of our first two parents and understands the tremendous harm that is done by sexual activity outside of the marriage vows. With all the relationships, divorces, and remarriages in our society how can we put Humpty Dumpty back together again? First, we must decide to practice total faithfulness in marriage with one wife or husband. Then, we must teach our children by precept and examples this way of life. Temptations are many and subtle today. In our weakness God's power is available.
4. Our bodies need our ongoing and loving attention.
It would be a mistake to spiritualize Paul's understanding of our bodies into making them ghostlike and non-biological in function. He is instructing us about what we can see and touch. Our arms, heads, hands, lungs, livers, feet, and all parts are his consideration. We are made in the image of God and therefore are to be stewards of what God, not ourselves, have created. To accept Christ as Savior and Lord does not mean we forsake or belittle our bodies for superior spiritual reasons! True, we eventually die and our bodies become dust but in the meantime we are to be good stewards. This means we neither abuse nor misuse what is entrusted to us.
The longer I live the more I am convinced there is an art to caring for our bodies. This art begins by our recognition of the gift coupled with the responsibility for it. Regardless of our sizes and shapes, beauty or lack of it, and physical prowess, it is ours and we are supposed to take care of it. That is not only a spiritual directive but common sense. Most of what is needed to apply this art can be learned, unless we run into major health problems or accidents. There is no need to make something difficult when, for the most part, it isn't. Money may or may not be needed. Physicians and other professionals may or may not be needed. God's gift is to be handled with tender loving care and at times that may mean strong medicines of discipline. Give thanks for our mortal bodies.
To be fruitful is to take good care of yourself. This is a reasonable expectation and has no bearing on a vain spirit, unless we make it so. Clergy too often try to go seven days and seven nights each week only to learn that is not the way we are made. We are guilty of attempts to please others that jeopardizes our health and in time it will show in our bodies, unless we make needed adjustments. We can feel good about ourselves -- in the best and highest sense -- provided we heed Paul's marvelous instruction. Every Christian is expected to produce fruit and the way we generally do this the best is by taking good care of ourselves. If we are excessively smoking and drinking alcohol, how can we be in top shape to do the Lord's work?
When our lives become fragments, especially the misuse of our bodies in a sexual way, look out! Case after case shows the apostle is on target. Someone rather elderly said to me that life is much more than sex and, of course, that is true. Yet, note the part it has played in our lives. What have we done about the devastating hurt that can potentially come from supposedly little missteps? Yes, Paul is right. We need to get it straight from the inspired rabbi. In our entirety, we are meant for the Lord. Anything short of that is not good enough. Ask God to save you from the misconception we can do his will and pay little attention to our bodies. Of course, the worst, unhealthy fiasco is to be caught in an adulterous relationship and to believe you can continue it and serve God. Likewise, prostitution is more than a lark. It is two becoming one flesh.
Summary And Conclusion
Saint Paul is the man of the hour in his instructive words to us. The world and especially those who claim Christ as Savior and Lord are to pay close attention. Living our lives in fragments is more than wrong; it is destructive to the brink of disaster. Our bodies, here and now, are created to be in full union with the Lord. Every part and portion is to belong to him. Stewardship is imperative. Sexual misdeeds, whatever form they take, must be labeled for what they are: a means to send our immortal souls to hell. Our bodies are not merely flesh and blood; they are temples of the Holy Spirit. Praises be to God for our precious bodies!
The sharpness and transparency of the text gives us reason to pause in silence and ponder its magnificent simplicity. In short, many of us will say these are difficult words out of step with our times but they bear a full gift of truth. The crux of the matter is at hand for those who profess the Father's Son. Will we believe wholeheartedly in the apostle's strong and firm advice or will we accommodate the pressures of living in a mostly secularized society? While many Christians must work in environments not at all conducive to such teaching being implemented, what shall we give in exchange for our immortal souls? Let us always allow for compassion and mercy. However, let us always be faithful to the revealed word of the living God. If we are now living our precious lives in morally destructive fragments, plead with God for help!
