The American golf pro Tiger Woods once said “Sensationalism sells; don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story.” It seems our modern age is awash in “storytelling” and narrative all too often at the expense of a sober look at the reality of the situation.
But sensationalism does sell. We humans seem to be easily manipulated by the emotional candy and experiential “sugar rush” of easy answers and conspiracy theories.
But the Faith calls me to a more sober mind and heart. The Faith invites me to see reality rather than the delusion of prideful jumping to conclusions. The Faith empowers me to develop a discerning heart so that I can see when the darkness of narcissism is attempting to make me a slave to my passions! This is especially true when it comes to my perspective on God and His Church and all the theology given to me through Jesus Christ!
Look at our lesson today in 2 Thessalonians 1:10-12; 2:1-2:
Brethren, our testimony to you was believed. To this end, we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his call and may fulfill every good resolve and work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling to meet him, we beg you, brethren, not to be quickly shaken in mind or excited, either by spirit or by word, or by letter purporting to be from us to the effect that the day of Christ has come.
St. Paul is having to write the Church in Thessaloniki for the second time because of some sensational claims others had been making about the Parousia, the Second Coming of Christ. By the way, Thessaloniki is one of my most favorite places in Greece. If you get the chance to go there, do it!
This vibrant group of Orthodox Christians in this beautiful northern Greek area was experiencing what we often experience in our own day. They were so gripped by gossip and speculation that all this chaos had distracted them from the central wisdom of the Faith. Of course, that’s the plan of the evil one to keep us intoxicated by fear, or anger, or even elation. This slavery to the undisciplined passions has real and damaging consequences for our everyday lives and relationships.
There were people who were saying the Lord had already returned and those still alive had missed it! Then there were others who were proclaiming that the Lord was going to return any day now and we should all stop everything and wait on Him. St. Paul had to write these precious believers and admonish them saying “we beg you, brethren, not to be quickly shaken in mind or excited, either by spirit or by word.” In other words, Sober Up!
The whole of the Orthodox Faith is designed by the God Who loves us to form in us a sober internal life SO THAT we are not captured by the undisciplined passions that intoxicate us and hinder us in discerning the godly path of life. All of the Faith is meant to keep us from being “shaken” in mind and soul by the temporary events of our lives that threaten to distract us from keeping our focus, and confidence in Jesus Christ and His loving guidance.
The Faith insists that my focus is on Christ and that focused attentiveness builds within me the ability to be undisturbed by this or that false teaching or disappointing event. It is the purposeful attentiveness that has to be practiced and cultivated in my life that sets me free from falling into either despondency or even elation and being trapped in either delusion. The sober and focused life of the Orthodox Way creates inside you the ability to have a sharp perception as to the true nature of a moment, or person, or even my own heart and intentions. This singular focus on Jesus Christ puts every aspect of my life, internally and externally, in proper perspective. In other words, a life without panic, fear, or knee-jerk reactions! Grant this, O Lord!
So, today, in a time when chaos seems to be the norm and disputes and anger and tribalism seem to prevail, your life and my life desperately need this sober mindset that offers all around me a sense of peace and stability. This is the natural result of being Orthodox on Purpose!
P.S. Dear Lord, as we prepare to celebrate the mystery of Your Incarnation, let us hear with joy the promise of Your glorious Second Coming! But grant us, O Lord, peace of mind and heart as we are so very tempted to fear and anger when we focus on the turmoil around our lives. We are easily drunken by what we see around us and what we imagine in our minds. Help us to so focus on You and Your strength and love that all that surrounds us becomes opportunities to be at peace regardless of our circumstances. Amen.
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