#a humbling truth
From the very beginning of Christianity the followers of Christ lived under threat [from both religious and secular powers], as the Acts of the Apostles makes clear. The martyrdom of Stephen and the floggings of Paul show the danger from the [misguidedly zealous] Jews. The refusal of Christians to proclaim that ‘Caesar is Lord’, [yet] their obstinacy at proclaiming, ‘Christ is Lord’ soon brought whippings to Paul and martyrdom to the Apostles [at the hands of the Roman Empire]. In many lands [even today,] Christianophobia– the hatred of Christians– is rife to the point of death or flight. In more sophisticated lands, [where blatant violence is largely disdained], there is a muted derision for those ‘soft enough in the head’ to believe the story of Christianity, building on a deserved contempt for the real failures of Christians to live out our ideals. [We tragically fail to truly imitate our Master, Who meekly endured far more persecution than we ever will, and Who was completely innocent of their charges. Nevertheless,] yes, 'they will persecute you too;’ [and so we should humbly accept our rightful crosses in return. This has been, and shall remain, our paradoxically blessed lot from the beginning].
Dom Henry Wansbrough; Commentary on John 15:20
The prophet Samuel tells the people of Israel that sacrifices and burnt offerings are not what God desires most. What God is really looking for from His people is obedience, not showing off with public spectacles of religion. [Centuries later,] God [still] asks us simply to obey Him, [except now He has also given us,] to follow, Jesus’ model of love, mercy and humility. [His example of obedience is perfect; we need only imitate Him through love. We couldn’t have simpler directions! Nevertheless,] we live in a time when churches can get sidetracked [from simplicity, becoming preoccupied] with putting on events or running programmes that are focused ‘inwards’– [prioritizing their own immediate needs over any acts of mercy]. Perhaps these are the bold 'burnt offerings’ of today? [After all, no matter how impressive the architecture, financial resources, public image, or social life of our church may be, if these things are not being used to actively obey God’s person-focused commandments, they mean nothing to Him.]
[Today, consider God’s true wants from us and ask:] How do we live out our faith in a practical way that pleases God most? [Have we done so today?] How do we become outward-facing churches and Christians, [making the service of God and His people the ultimate motive and end goal of all our choices?] God is looking for Christians who are willing to reach out to those in need [whenever we encounter their needs, not just when it’s 'convenient’]. How do you respond when you see those who are a pariah, [someone rejected or ridiculed even by fellow members of the faith? How do you meet the sick, the imprisoned, the homeless, the addict, the refugee? How do you act to soothe those who are afraid, lost, hopeless, disabled,] poor or in pain? [Do you see them all as people, or as projects for your pride? We cannot please God if we are thinking about what will make us look good.] What would it look like for you to look outwards and [selflessly] serve those who are in need of God’s love? After all, how we serve the poor and follow the example of Jesus is the real litmus test for churches and for us as individual Christians. [God’s commandments are to love and serve one another, not to help ourselves].
Mercy Ships
