There is a lot to unpack in the readings today. Let’s get started! St. Paul is traveling in Derbe and Lystra, which is in modern day Turkey. He meets young Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish mother and a Greek father. Timothy’s parents must have had a strong influence on their son, because he is highly recommended by the believers of that area. Paul invites Timothy to join him in his travels from city to city proclaiming the love of God for all peoples. Paul and Timothy also spread the decisions reached by the apostles and presbyters in Jerusalem, commonly known as the decrees of the Council of Jerusalem. The Council of Jerusalem basically said the following (Acts 15): that Gentile converts did not need to follow the Mosaic Law of the Jews, specifically circumcision, to be saved. It affirmed that Gentiles - and all believers - receive salvation through God’s grace alone. The Council of Jerusalem also listed four other requirements. Believing Gentiles were to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, sexual immorality, meat from strangled animals, and blood. They were also asked to continue to remember the poor within their churches, something which Paul was happy to comply. Perhaps some explanation is needed about “meat from strangled animals and blood.” Ancient pagan practices of drinking blood and cooking animals in blood was not an accepted practice in the dietary law of the Jews. It might have been a compromise to help make nonbelieving Jews more comfortable in sharing meals with believing Gentiles. The Gospel of John highlights the difference between living in the world and not being of the world. The “world” can desensitize us. When we watch a steady stream of violent programming, for example, we lose something of our basic human compassion for others. When we let ourselves be consumed by sensuality, we can lose basic respect for the other person and everyone’s uniqueness in the eyes of God. Believers know their limits. St. James (1:27) puts it this way: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James is saying that we must strive to maintain personal holiness by avoiding corrupting influences, selfish values, and the compromising sins of society while still engaging in it. We serve and honor God through our thoughts and actions. As Christians, we must make every effort to turn aside from the capital sins of pride, envy, wrath (anger), sloth, greed, gluttony, and lust. These sins are counteracted by their corresponding virtues: humility, generosity, chastity, meekness, temperance, kindness, and diligence (zeal). Overcoming laziness, for example, is the result of persistent effort and devotion to spiritual and daily duties. We cultivate all of these virtues through prayer and grace, correcting habits through small acts of charity, utilizing the sacraments to strengthen our willpower, and regularly examining our lives to keep these capital sins at bay. It is exciting to follow Paul and Timothy’s travels around Asia Minor, but God’s invitation to radical conversion and new life is just as alive today. Instead of asking, “What is God calling me to do?,” the better question might be: “Who is God calling me to be?” Easter Blessings, Fr. Kevin MacDonald, C.Ss.R.
