Truth and Beauty

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. (Phil 4:8-9)

Paul writes to the Philippians at a time when they needed to hear a ‘word’ of instruction about ‘right thinking.’  Paul knows, as do we, that our actions proceed from our thinking.  Orienting our thinking toward the truth and beauty of God’s vision inspires actions that are worthy of the faith that is in us.

Some of our actions find their way into our speech.  Our discourse, both secular and religious, has taken a turn toward the negative.  We are not hesitant to criticize each other, or to assume the harshest motivations for behaviors we may not understand.  We don’t take time to understand one another because that would involve opening to the heart of the other. 

Paul proposes a different kind of interaction to the small church in Philippi and to us.  Think on whatever is true, whatever is pleasing.  In other words those old hallmarks of philosophy and poetry, which are here presented as Christian virtues.   These virtues emphasize hope and serve as counterpoints to the despair that appears to be a strong theme in modern secular discourse. 

Paul is not talking about MY truth or MY beauty, but the truth that comes from a beloved community who are in the body of Christ.  Together we can discern truth and beauty in each other, in the community and in the world.

What would our discourse sound like if we left alone these negative, critical postures and stood together in a posture of love and consideration?

I believe that discourse would be a hymn to the Living Lord; with a beat no one could resist moving to.  We would sing and we would dance.  We would care for one another and we would love each other, without a requirement of perfection.  The people would be free, and the children would not have to wonder why the adults were so angry.

  

Learning From Christ

For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.

John 13:15

It often happens that as I read scripture I am stopped suddenly by one image or phrase.  Verse 15 in John’s 13^th chapter had that effect on me this morning. 
The setting is familiar—the disciples are gathered and Jesus is teaching through example.  He is washing their dusty, and probably tired, feet.  He is serving them and showing them both the beauty and necessity of service.

But this one sentence-you should do as I have done to you-sums up the whole Christian life.

Thomas a Kempis wrote a book about this way of following Jesus called The Imitation of Christ.

If we wish to be truly enlightened and free from all blindness of heart let our chief effort, therefore, be to study the life of Jesus Christ.

It is natural for us to imitate or desire to be like those we admire, and those we love.  Human beings learn through watching and practicing the behaviors of others.

Because we are social creatures; we are community creatures.  We flourish most when we allow the scriptures and sacraments and members of the Body of Christ to teach us about Christ.

In order to learn, though, we have to be teachable.  We have to be willing to listen humbly and generously to others.

It is hard to learn when you are sure of your own knowledge.

So as we walk toward the Cross and Resurrection this week, let’s suspend all that we think we know about this journey and let God teach us anew.  God’s saving love will reach even the darkest corners of our sorrow, and make them shine with Resurrection light!