what I believe and how I live ... 7th week easter tuesday

Today in our first reading Paul gives his last farewell to the elders of the Church of Ephesus.  Paul at the outset speaks of his dedication to his work in the church.  He speaks of what he has done, what he has undergone for the sake of the gospel, what he went through, including the suffering and trials because of his service to the gospel.  Paul is one person who is never embarrassed in pointing to himself and his life as an example in serving God.   “You know how I lived among you the whole time,” he said in this his last farewell.  In his first letter to the Corinthians he was even clearer when he said, “be imitators of me.” 

Who among us here can say that in the presence of people who know us, who of us can say that without batting an eye, without feeling embarrassed?  And yet Paul can say this because it is true and he has his life to show for it.

Paul speaks of repentance and faith.  These are for him inseparable elements in the new life in Jesus.  One cannot separate repentance form faith or faith from repentance – they go together in our life in Jesus.

Faith refers to our whole-hearted belief, our trust and love for God.  Repentance refers to our conduct, the virtues we try to live out in our lives and the vices we need to weed out of our lives.  Both are needed.  How can one be so dedicated to God and yet so harsh and evil to the people around him?   How can one be faithful to God and yet remain unconcerned about others.  How can a daily mass goer be so uncharitable?

The opposite can also be asked, how can somebody so good be so far from God?  How can a charitable person remain not prayerful?

If Paul can point to himself as an example probably because there is less and less dichotomy between believing and doing, there exist a narrow gap between worship and conduct, and between what I believe and how I live.  Repentance and faith – for Paul these are inseparable.