we piped you a dirge, but you did not wail

At one of several points throughout the Gospels, the Pharisees and Sadducees confront Jesus in regards to his lifestyle.  At one time they compare him to his contemporary, John the Baptist.  Jesus counters by observing their contradicting nature.  Jesus comments that they had complained about John's ascetic life and his own more social and interactive life.  Jesus essentially calls them out indicating how childish their arguments are.

Every once in a while I will run into a person who has left the Church, or changed parishes, because the pastor was stern or demanding.  In listening to the person I am always intrigued by the lack of depth their faith has.  More often than not their consideration is not about some great theological or spiritual chasm, but a personal convenience.

I like to point to the Advent people whose lives were changed forever because they had said 'Yes" to God.  It look all very easy, clean, and nice, in he Gospels, but we have to stand by their side, where they were, and realize how difficult their choices really were.  Remember they had not read the end of the Gospels.  Or yet, the Christian men and women who throughout history, stood in the face of evil, harm, who decried Sin and injustice, because of their faith stance.  They did not get up one morning and consider how nice it would be if they could suffer for their beliefs that day.

It is sometimes hard to remain patient with folks who complain about a parents meeting or service project, when I know of men and women who 'do without' for the sake of their children, who visit a parent who does not recognize them, or deal with addictions or emotional difficulties.  In celebrating the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord tomorrow, the question which seems to be most important is, 'what does our profession look like in real life?"

There really does have to be a depth to our faith.  Otherwise we a re simply processing through various rituals and actions.  Especially today where it seems that vulgarity is the norm and truth and righteousness are tossed aside - we have to act on our belief.