Knowing tomorrow we will go with Jesus into the wilderness of his temptation and his clarification, I find myself thinking on the contrast of virtue and reality. It seems to me these are often held in contrast. I must admit I do not long watch "reality TV" or angry TV as both seem to me not reality but the proclamation of our lowest selves.
What are the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness but the offering to him of his lower human self and his recall of the depth of God's word and his orientation to virtue. Do I want less for me? Is this not why we each read scripture, to reinvigorate virtue, good daily?
Today we read Titus 3:1-15. Below are verses 3-8 and are a help to me.
What are the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness but the offering to him of his lower human self and his recall of the depth of God's word and his orientation to virtue. Do I want less for me? Is this not why we each read scripture, to reinvigorate virtue, good daily?
Today we read Titus 3:1-15. Below are verses 3-8 and are a help to me.
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is sure. I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone.
Reality TV does not devote itself often to good works nor do the angry talking heads. Too often they reach for our lowest nature and show us again how visceral and unkind we can be. And when we are least aware we may yield to this unkindness.
We invigorate the best in self and others when we seek to build kindness, when we recognize the new neighbor, when we stop to be pleasant or give a gift as small as a congratulation. We help self and others when we curb our tongue, make a call, tithe to God's work as we understand it, let the person with one item go before us in the store. Then perhaps when greater wrongs and goods stand in contrast in our lives or others we have the 'authority' to offer a pratice, wisdom and direction.
Kindness looked for and practiced, like forgiveness or hospitality, or the blush of care in our eyes and heart, this is the more true reality if what we want is the blush of God in our daily life.
Let me think on this today. Want to join me?
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