Proper 25

This week I want to share with you a reflection written in October 1998. The slain young man was, of course. Matthew Shepard, who died on October 12, 1998.

You may wish to visit the web site for the Matthew Shepard foundation at www.matthewshepard.org.

Preparation

Please begin by reading 2 Timothy 4:6-8 and 16-18 in your Bible. If you do not have one at hand, we have provided that text for you at the end of this reflection.

Reflection--Where Is The Hope?

I write this on a sunny, crisp October day, but the spiritual air is heavy. A week ago a young man, physically small and ill equipped to defend himself, was viciously beaten to death just for being gay. Tonight there will be a candlelight vigil to honor his memory. The news has come through that a “pastor” who preaches a twisted mockery of Christian faith plans to attend the young man’s funeral later this week to spread his venomous hatred even in the middle of others’ sorrow. A well-known televangelist pleads for political action to protect persecuted Christians in another part of the world, but almost in the same breath cautions that the death of this young man should not be the vehicle for upsetting his well-financed opposition to hate crimes legislation that might protect our people. Where is the hope in the middle of such blindness and evil?

The Apostle Paul also knew the effects of persecution. He wrote this letter to Timothy knowing that his life was rapidly growing to a close. He was in prison and soon would be executed for spreading the good news of God’s love revealed in Jesus, the Christ. Paul certainly had reason to be gloomy, but he wasn’t. Rather, he felt that he had “fought the good fight” and was ready for his life to be poured out as an offering for his faith. He had known many troubles, but God had stood by him though it all and given him the strength to do what needed to be done. His faith was so solid that he knew that his impending death was but a doorway to a place of joy in God’s presence.

There are many questions about the why of human suffering that can’t be answered in this life. I am filing them away to ask Jesus some day. Yet, like Paul, I have hope in the middle of it all. My hope lies in God’s faithfulness and in the gift of genuine Christian community.

With Paul, we can say “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption.” (Romans 8:14-15)

We also know how to sort out those who falsely claim to act on behalf of Christ from true disciples. The test that Jesus left for us is simple. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35) Leave the false prophets to the eventual ruin that will be their fate. Allowing them to distract us only keeps us from the life-affirming work that God has given us to do. Rather, give thanks to God for those in our lives whose gentleness and love tells of their genuine relationship with Christ.

As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.