2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Proper 25 (30) - Year C
There is some movement here from Paul's fight being the center-of-the-universe to not being able to do it without God. But on the whole it is more triumphant than not.
In some sense Paul lives and dies with the resurrection even though he talks a lot about the cross and suffering. It is this resurrection that comes off rather haughtily as a special person who has G*D on their side.
In light of glory-forever-and-ever what is it that would constitute an evil attack? Are these the thorn-in-the-flesh temptations to stop or give-up? Is any attack on one an evil one from an evil empire? By what criteria would only certain attacks perceived as evil?
At some point we need to get out of the evil-attack mentality/spirituality. A key to this is a sense of the presence of G*D and Neighbor.
http://www.kairoscomotion.org/lectionary/2004/october2004.html
Have you ever felt poured out on the altar of life? If so, was that a momentary sense or has it lasted? If not, have you wondered what you have missed and that you have played too safe.
There is a sense in which a key choice in life is that of being poured out or not. Eventually, we know, we will cease to be. There used to be an ad about only going around once and so going for all the gusto in that once and only life. Even reincarnationally there is an important understanding of not being passive in this moment because it will affect another time to come.
We know the religious right pours itself into its understandings and is willing to take almost any risk to prevail. Might the religious progressives pour themselves into their understandings to take any risk to remain faithful to their perspective?
Prevailing and perspective are here intentionally distinguished from one another. This is not a scientific or sociologic or psychologic description, but a felt experience of having been prevailed against and hoping to not return like for like.
May your pouring out your life be a joy and sustenance to you and many.
http://www.kairoscomotion.org/lectionary/2004/october2004.html
My Life as Sacramental Wine: title of Paul's latest book. The chapters are alphabetical and illustrative of the specialized lingo of oenology - austere, balanced, complex, ..., yeasty, zymurgy.
Using a glossary of wineology, how would you describe your life?
- - -
I stand alone
may it not be counted against them
you stand alone
may it not be counted against them
we stand alone
may it not be counted against them
all stand alone
may it not be counted against them
all together stand alone
may it not be counted against themI stand alone
with thanks to them
you stand alone
with thanks to them
we stand alone
with thanks to them
all stand alone
with thanks to them
all together stand alone
with thanks to themso now what
alone alone
alone together
what is proclaimed
suicide
community
anger universalized
trust focused
abiding fear of them
simple honesty with them
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html
Pharisee: (verses 6-8) As for me, I am a personification of a fast. I have lived accordingly, right to this moment, following every jot and tittle of faith. I have a crown reserved for me in eternity that will be personally handed to me by Jesus himself. Others who do it my way will also get a crown.
Tax Collector: (verses 16-18) I am deserted, unsupported by anyone except Jesus who strengthens me to forgive others before claiming a right to teach forgiveness to those most unlikely to offer it. Through forgiveness I was rescued from biting the heads off those who sneer at me. This rescue from others and myself is worth touting, always. Amen.
Like Paul, we are much ourselves - wearing our tragic and comedic masks in quick succession.
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2010/10/2-timothy-46-8-16-18.html