The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
1 Corinthians 4: 9-16
St. Matthew 17: 14-23
Saint Paul sacrificed his health, liberty, reputation, and prosperity to follow Christ. Now he challenges us to do the same. What is holding you back?
What is it that the world respects in a man? What is it that the world respects in a woman? Think for a second what it is that impresses you the most about the people you admire – perhaps even makes you jealous, wishing that you had managed to obtain the same things.
I cannot read your minds, but if you are like most Americans, the list would certainly include:
A long, healthy life, without chronic pain or major physical injury
A life free of indictment, arrest, or imprisonment
The respect, admiration, and popularity of their peers
Money, a big house, a vacation house, no debt, and the ability to retire
comfortably (and early)
comfortably (and early)
These are some of the things that many of you are either pleased to enjoy, regret not having obtained, or, if you are young, are currently striving for.
The Apostle Paul gave up the possibility for all these things to follow Christ. Not because he wanted to; not because God made him; he gave up the life of worldly comfort and respect because – in a culture and time as messed up as his was – this is the only Way to live a life of grace and to grow in love and perfection.
A long, healthy life, without chronic pain or major physical injury?
Nope – gave it up.
Nope – gave it up.
A life free of indictment, arrest, or imprisonment?
Nope – gave it up.
Nope – gave it up.
The respect, admiration, and popularity of their peers?
No again.
No again.
Money, a big house, a vacation house, no debt, and the ability to retire
comfortably (and early)
I don’t think so (unless a prison in Rome and martyrdom count!).
comfortably (and early)
I don’t think so (unless a prison in Rome and martyrdom count!).
Because St. Paul is writing as an Apostle, instructing a parish that he was called to lead, it is tempting to put his sacrifices into the category of “things that clergy do”. You know that I gave up a life of wealth, admiration, and the possibility of a comfortable retirement so that I could come here and simply serve you and this community.
And while I am a pale shadow of him (and he of Christ), I, like the Apostle Paul, did these things not because I wanted to (I liked my life then!) and not because God made me, but because in a culture and time as messed up as ours is, such a life of simplicity and complete service to others is the only Way to live a life of grace and to grow in love and perfection.
And like St. Paul, I have to tell you that – while few of you may be called to priestly or monastic service – all of you are called to reject those things that the world has led you to value (health, wealth, the popularity of the world, a comfortable retirement), because all of these things are like a barrier between you and the eternal joy and perfection you were called to enjoy.
Listen to me, my brothers and sisters.
For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me.
Give up your attachment to this world. Give up everything you love, follow Christ, and gain the things that are really worth your love and admiration.
