Titus 3:1-15 (NRSV)

Saturday after Ash Wednesday - Reflections on the Epistle Letters during Lent

"Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is sure. I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. After a first and second admonition, have nothing more to do with anyone who causes divisions, since you know that such a person is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned. When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Make every effort to send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way, and see that they lack nothing. And let people learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive. All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you."

The first thing that jumps out at me is the phrase "have nothing more to do with anyone who causes divisions." I am distraught by those who want to break apart the body of Christ. I am heartbroken over folks who say, "I have no need of you because you... don't think like I do... or worship like I do... or read scripture like I do." Those that are causing divisions or schisms in the community over things that none of us understand. 

The letter of Paul to Titus seems like a lot of behavioral instructions, almost seeming to say, "make sure you walk the walk" not just "talk the talk." If we are worried about how we are walking the walk then the stupid controversies and quarrels about the law are no longer a reason for schism. If we are worried about devoting ourselves to good works (in response to the grace and salvation that we have received in Jesus through water and rebirth) then there is no time for condemning each other. We are in a relationship with each other because we occupying the same planet, so I'm not sure the phrase means literally have nothing to do with them, but rather do not let them affect your faith. 

In this passage, I feel that we are called to unity in Christ Jesus. To be the hands and feet of the body of Christ... I feel that we are called to the action of being ambassadors for Christ in the way we live our lives... the way that we walk the walk.

Hebrews 12:1-14 (NRSV)

Hebrews 12:1-14 (NRSV) - Reflections on the Letters during Lent.
Ash Wednesday - March 6, 2019

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as children —“My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, or lose heart when you are punished by him; for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves, and chastises every child whom he accepts.” Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children; for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline? If you do not have that discipline in which all children share, then you are illegitimate and not his children. Moreover, we had human parents to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not be even more willing to be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share his holiness. Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord."

I've got to admit... The one thing that jumps out to me in the passage is "RUN." Not only run but run with perseverance the race that is set before us. It's like telling us to "power through" the chances and challenges of our life. There is only one issue. I don't like to run. I did run pretty regularly in one period in my life, but I don't enjoy it. I have many friends and colleagues that love to run. It's just never been one of my passions. That may be the issue, but I think it has bearing on the reflection and why "RUN" screamed in my head when I read the passage.

To me, this section of the letter to the Hebrews almost seems like a locker-room pep talk, either before a track meet or the big game. We are told to be disciplined and endure trials, to train for the ultimate test of our agility and strength. Train so that we may RUN with endurance and RUN with perseverance. I may not like to run, but I do know how to train. It seems that the writer of this letter wants us to train like we would for a long race. A long race that will take its toll on our weary spirits.

On this Ash Wednesday, this first day of lent, we get to settle into a 40 day training period. Training both for our physical and our spiritual health. Training to meet the obstacles in the life that laid before us. Training so that we can enjoy fully the rewards that are prepared for us.

Part of that training may be to go on a diet of sorts. We may abstain from things of this world that are frivolous or extravagant, to help us focus on those things of God that nurture our relationship with God and each other. Also, in training, we need to take on healthy behaviors. Maybe behaviors like prayer and study, helping in the soup kitchen or food bank, or maybe just checking in on someone who is confined. 

I appreciate the traditions of the Episcopal Church and the prayers of the Daily Office (Lauds, Matins, Vespers, and Compline) that have been preserved in our Book of Common Prayer for daily use. I have known folks to call the practice of a regimen of praying the daily office "calisthenics for Christians." The sort of training that helps shape our faith which in turn informs our belief and provides us with a strong faith to help us through the troubles of our life.

For me, running has always been difficult. However, I pray that I maintain the discipline needed in order to keep the faith in me strong and bubbling over.