Why do you submit to regulations? - May 1

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 105:1–22; PM Psalm 105:23–45: Exod. 24:1–18; Col 2:8–23; Matt. 4:12–17

Is it overreaching to always apply the lens of what we are experiencing to the daily readings? I almost had to laugh when Paul asks the reader, “why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why do you submit to regulations, ‘Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch’?” I keep waiting to hear Paul say, “Do not go into Jefferson county without a face covering.”

Paul is writing to Christians who have been criticized for doing things outside of the norms of their religious boundaries. He is trying to be encouraging by saying do not let these criticisms weigh you down, but check what is the underlying motivation. In many ways, I hear Paul’s words as the freedom to try new things in a new era. Many of us come to church with a pretty heavy attachment to the faith traditions that we come from. Maybe you are mourning being able to participate in the Eucharist on Sundays, or the old language Bible or prayers, or the pew that your grandparents sat in, and when these are not accessible we find it unsettling or unraveling for our faith.

However, I would suggest that what we are finding is a spirit of innovation in this new age. People are trying to have small groups and studies online (or write reflections) or gather in new virtual ways. Sometimes these programs work, and sometimes they don’t. And I suspect, it should be expected that we will create our own regulations and refuse to participate fully because of our own grief over how things are changing. I don’t want to suggest that there is anything wrong with grieving the loss of what we used to believe was normal, but I do think that the freedom to try something new can be a helpful tool to deepen our spirituality. I mean, Paul does say that we are not of this world. So things are always going to be a little bit out of what is familiar and comfortable when we dig into the faith. Maybe this isn’t such a bad thing.

- John+

Questions for Self-Reflection

  • What are the practices of the faith that you miss the most? Why? Is there something new you are trying or participating in that is providing meaning and hope?

Daily Challenge

  • Consider participating in an online worship service, book study, small group, or worship service. Do something different that you haven’t done before. Here are some ideas.

John Burruss