Pentecost 2

And so we come to the long season of Pentecost, Sundays in ordinary time
shortened considerably this year by the lateness of Easter.
Traditionally a time of reflection on the true nature of the Christian
Life and Mission.

With the passage of the Easter Season we return to Lessons from the Old
Testament.

And so we begin the season with a discussion of the true nature of
Discipleship.

Many on the Conservative Christian Right preach a Gospel highlighting
the rewards of righteous living. Being a Christian does not confer on
one earthly rewards such as financial security, a successful career, a
happy marriage, or good health. Jeremiah complains that preaching the
message God has given him has made him a pariah among his peers.

The tune Lilies to which Psalm 69 was to be sung appears to be lost to
posterity. The Psalmist feels abandoned by God and beset by his enemies.

In Romans we get a lecture that many may not find comforting. Conversion
does not lead to a happily ever after fairytale existence. Repentance
means turning away from sin and leads to a life-long struggle against
our baser instincts. It is not a one-time act that allows us to revert
to business as usual.

And so to the Gospel which strictly speaking is not Good News:

Mat 10:34 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the world.
No, I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Mat 10:35 I came to set sons against their fathers, daughters against
their mothers, daughters-in-law against their mothers-in-law;
Mat 10:36 your worst enemies will be the members of your own family.
Mat 10:37 "Those who love their father or mother more than me are not
fit to be my disciples; those who love their son or daughter more than
me are not fit to be my disciples.
Mat 10:38 Those who do not take up their cross and follow in my steps
are not fit to be my disciples.
Mat 10:39 Those who try to gain their own life will lose it; but those
who lose their life for my sake will gain it.

Once more we are told that living the Christian Life is not a popularity
contest. There are costs. We may not face the kind of persecution that
early Christians suffered but there may be a price to pay for making
right decisions rather than taking the easy way out. The right decision
may not always be the popular choice and may pit us against our friends,
neighbours, and even our families.

All in all not a feel good message. What does come through in all cases
is that our God will always be there to guide, keep, and protect us even
amid out doubts. Ours is a God of infinite strength who can be
challenged, doubted, face blame, rejection, and guilt without suffering
harm or meting out recriminations. He is a God of Love. Nothing can
separate us from the Love of God.