Friday, March 15, 2013

Philippians 3:4a-14


Lent 5 - Year C 


Distinguishing between a bark and a bite is important data. Knowing the situation raises our confidence of being able to respond appropriately. When these basics are confused or are intermittently so we find ourselves in Kafkaesque scenes.

It is, of course, important to know about ourselves as well as others. Sometimes we confuse our intentions with our behaviors. Since “I” know “Christ” and “Christ” can be counted on, you can count on me to let “you” know what “Christ” wants you to do. Our personal assurance too often leads to our privileged arrogance toward others.

Rather than looking at Christ or our striving (having put so much effort into faith beyond my experience, I need to have it be truer than true for me and you) it is probably worth spending a little more time with our “not having reached the goal of resurrection”. Without careful analysis of our situation, we are likely to strive overmuch, over-function, and miss a subtle call or beckoning to a next step.

Our temptation is to achieve spiritual, resurrectional, success right now. It’s the right thing. Pressing on without reflecting on what leads us to press on, quite quickly gets to be counter-productive.

During Lent we may need to move more slowly in order to move more at all toward what yet lies ahead.


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