Rivalry in Redemption
Dearly beloved of God, on this most holy of days, I wish to discuss with you the broader theological implications of this apostolic drama, and what it all means in terms of virtue. Immediately recognisable, the dynamics between the other apostles and Paulus are reflective of the ongoing tension between our basic human frailty and divine grace. As stated before, none of these men were perfect, but they were all inspired. God’s plans are bigger than us and much more complicated than our simple understandings could even begin to comprehend.
Consider Patience through which steadfast endurance enables us to bear our crosses with dignity and fortitude. In Paulus’s sufferings, we see this virtue embodied. Here was this man who, despite his chains, remained unshakeable in his faith. His patience was not passive resignation but active trust in our glorious God.
Honesty in our actual identity in God allows for genuine humility in Magnanimity. This is the grace reflecting divinity and allowing us to acknowledge our own failings, easing our granting of forgiveness to one another. In jealousies, we see the stark contrast between human pride and God’s humbling love, even if it is jealousy over God’s love which is above all natural, though unnecessary if we can keep reflecting it. The point here is not to get so caught up in jealousy that we stop reflecting God’s love. Each of those men was very capable of doing so, and they selectively chose not to based upon this para-righteous envy.
And what of Courage? The virtue that enables us to stand firm in the face of adversity, to speak truth to power, and to embrace our calling, especially when it leads us through those valleys of shadows. In Paulus’s ministry, we find this courage personified. This was a man who, despite repeated imprisonments, continued to proclaim the gospel to all would hear. Proclaim! Find those who have not been proclaimed to and find new ways of proclaiming to them! Win! You were destined to!
Merry Christmas!