Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Today’s text

1 Peter 1:6-7

This is a great joy to you, even though for a short time yet you must bear all sorts of trials; so that the worth of your faith, more valuable than gold, which is perishable even if it has been tested by fire, may be proved -- to your praise and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Reflection

The fire that tests our faith burns more slowly and secretly today. Generations before us bore scars of rejection and bitter persecution. This still happens, though usually not in Western countries.

Those who endured such trials knew that faith is perishable. It must be struggled for or one soon sinks into the great mass of mediocrity, indistinguishable from the surrounding culture. Faith no longer shapes one’s words and acts. It devolves into meaningless belief without power to shape choices or determine who we are.

Consumerism may be the most dangerous fire for North Americans. Slowly, secretly and inevitably, it erodes awareness that we are beloved children of the Beloved One, called to live the love we receive.

Consumers know the world exists for them, and they demand their way, to get what they want when and where they want it. Our culture does an excellent job forming consumers. From an early age we learn life is about consuming things, finding happiness there.

For us, the earth, other people and even the Christ’s holy Church easily become commodities to be used for one’s one purposes. We come to each situation with the attitude that it exists for me, to deliver what I want, and when it doesn’t deliver frustration and anger quickly appear.

Consumerism is the bitter enemy of communion, and it is to communion that we are called.

Christ brings us into a communion of love, life and mission, communion in his life, shared with others. Our souls are made for this. It is holy, bringing consolation and joy.

Consumerism brings anxiety and unrest. It is never truly satisfied. It worships its whims and ability to satisfy them, often at the expense of others close at hand or the great mass of humanity far away who labor for near nothing to make our lives possible. It constantly justifies its anger and frustration, and it tears at the fabric of communion in Christ’s church, treating human souls as mere objects.

It constantly misses the truth: by love and for love we are made, and in loving communion we find ourselves and God. This faith is surrendered to the logic of the marketplace that makes everything an it and nothing is a thou.

Pr. David L. Miller