St. Paul uses this comparison and and contrasting of our nature with the world around us. Paul wants us to remember that not only are we made for the spirit, but that through the Paschal Mystery we we participate in the spiritual realm. This is what separates us from the plants and other animals. St. Paul's morality will be based on this premise. That is because we belong to what is above, we cannot respond to the basic bodily urges and desires any time they present themselves.
In our post-modern culture stuff like ethics and natural law is a hard sell. Morality becomes a very subjective issue. For many today what it comes down to is if my action or desire does not hurt others, then whatever I do does not matter. Our morality, as a Christian people, would suggest that there are basic truths and values by which we form our lives. Even if I go out and become drunk, and then lock myself in a room, it is wrong based on the fact that it devalues my integrity and dignity.
Our traditional morality looks at the whole person and their relationship with others. Christian morality would see us as sacred and holy beings who are meant to live in common with each other. We work and respond for the commonality of all people. All people have worth and value and are deserving of respect. More so, and this is where people begin to cringe, we are responsible for each other. "Am I my brother's keeper?" Yes you are. This is a hard truth to live with.
We have become comfortable with brokenness and violence so that we no longer flinch when we see it. Again in our society there is the notion that if it is not a problem for me, then why should I be concerned. A first step need to be in re-connecting peoples into real communities and groups. Not some Facebook thing-y whereas we collect virtual friends, but the meeting of flesh and blood people. Too often we are distanced from our families and fail to make friendships, this is would be a major undertaking.
Just as in today's Gospel Jesus responds to a human need, when we can encounter each other we might begin to respond to others as brother and sister. We have to meet them first. Maybe we should return to the garden, and meet our first parents again. Or sit with Jesus and really listen to the hurts, pains, and confusion, of others. Maybe then we can begin to discover community.
This is very good. Of particular insight is your mention of Facebook. I like how you use the word collect. People brag about having 300 friends, but call them Facebook friends. So now we divide our relationships between the virtual and the actual? I think it is better to have one good intimate friend than fifty Facebook friends.
ReplyDeleteActually I had not considered Loyola University. My thought would be that if we are a university, then let's debate Augustine vs Karl Rahner, or take a look some of the more radical ideals of the Church Fathers. I appreciate your thoughts.
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