Saturday 25 April 2009

Background

There is something moving about what might well be the words ofan old Saint Paul who is "poured out as a libation". He has seen itall: the triumphant moments where people listened to his joyfulnews, responded, and became eager followers of Jesus - thecrucified and risen one; the times of failure where his words fellon deaf ears - where Christians squabbled, followed morecharismatic speakers who scratched 'itchy ears'; and other times -of beatings, danger, horrid fear and mortal perils when he was allbut defeated.

Now he looks back and must wonder, 'Was it all worth it?' Themoving words of an old man bring encouragement: 'I have fought thegood fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith'. Whatbetter epitaph can anyone really crave? We may, on our way to thatpoint, wonder at other success and other pleasure, questioning thecost inherent in seeking to follow the extraordinary way of Jesus -the 'crucified risen' Lord.

Best of all though is verse 11. Paul has pondered his journey,declared it finished then asked for reinforcements. His ministry,of course, hasn't really ended at all. In one way it never will. Weare called into eternity to love and serve, to know and enjoy Godforever.

And so we are encouraged by Paul to keep on keeping on, and notonly to live the life we know in Christ, but to be bold to proclaimit. It is far too easy to say "We'll let our lives do the talking".It's unlikely that our lives are that good, and besides, Jesus wasa talker if nothing else! Proclaiming faith takes boldness andcourage. Of course, we must know that of which we speak, and ofcourse, we must live out what we know. But we must also be generousand not 'slight my Father's love ... by hiding it within my heart'(from the hymn, Where shall my wondering soul begin?)

To Ponder

In the tradition of St Francis of Assisi, withhis focus on action, love, praise, beauty, and delight in creation,you might like to ask these questions of this passage of Scripture.They are sometimes called the 'fivefold questions'.

What does this passage say about:

• God's nature?
• Human nature?
• How God relates to people?
• How I might pray?
• How I might act?