Today's Scripture Reading (June 14, 2024): 2 Timothy 1
There
should be nothing we are afraid to communicate to each other in the community
of God. We need to be talking frankly and openly to each other. This idea of
communication is central to all of Paul's letters. Let me tell you, let me communicate God with
you. And Paul sets an example for us in communicating about complicated issues.
Paul
and Timothy have a relationship with each other. Paul clarified that he
understands Timothy and loves and remembers him daily in his prayers. To be
honest, we might learn some things by talking to each other about the complex
issues. However, the critical thing we need to communicate is how what we
believe relates to our relationship with God. Too often, we end the discussion
by saying this is how it is, period. Follow my rules or get out. Too often, we
memorize the rules of the faith without understanding them or allow the
prevailing culture in our society or the church to override what God might be
telling us. It is hard, and part of the problem is that we sometimes speak
different languages.
I
spoke with a friend about Paul's assertion that we are neither male nor female
in Christ. I said it was a comment that seemed filled with meaning in our
contemporary world, where we follow gender rules with less strictness. Little
boys sometimes play with dolls, and young girls can play with cars and trucks. Is
it possible that Paul's instructions meant that maybe women could also pray in
church and that sometimes women "wear the pants" in the family, just
as men might become the moms of their families? Maybe it was beyond what Paul
could imagine in his male-dominated society, but did he open the door a crack
for us? I think that might be possible, but for my friend, it was like I spoke
a different language.
In the days when you couldn't count on a
public facility to have indoor plumbing, an English woman was planning a trip
to Germany. She was registered to stay
in a small guest house owned by a local schoolmaster and his wife. However, The traveler was concerned about
whether the guest house contained a W. C. (the common name for a Bathroom in
England, a Water Closet.) She wrote the
schoolmaster a letter, inquiring into the location of the W. C. The schoolmaster, not a fluent speaker of
English, asked the local parish priest if he knew the meaning of "W. C.". Together, they pondered the possible meanings
of the letters and finally decided they must refer to a wayside chapel. They concluded that the lady wanted to know
if there was a wayside chapel somewhere near the house. Just a reminder, the
woman wanted to know where the bathroom was. The schoolmaster wrote the
following reply to the English Lady.
My Dear Madam
I take great
pleasure in informing you that the W. C. is situated nine miles from the house
in the center of a beautiful grove of pine trees surrounded by lovely grounds. It
is capable of holding up to 229 people, and it is open on Sundays and Thursdays
only. As there are a great number of
people expected during the summer months, I suggest that you come early,
although there is plenty of standing room.
This is an unfortunate situation, especially if you are in the habit of
going regularly. It may be of some interest to you that my daughter was married
in the W. C. and it was there that she met her husband. I can remember the rush for seats. Why there were ten people to every seat
usually occupied by only one. It was
wonderful to see the expressions on their faces.
You will be glad
to hear that a good number of people bring their lunch and make a day of it,
while others wait until the last minute and arrive just on time. I would
especially recommend your ladyship to go on Thursdays when there is an organ
accompaniment. The acoustics are
excellent, and even the most delicate sound can be heard everywhere.
The newest
addition is a bell, which rings every time a person enters. A bazaar is to be held to provide plush seats
for all, since the people feel it is long needed. My wife has been ill, so she hasn't been able
to go recently. It has been almost a
year since she went last, which naturally pains her very much.
I shall be
delighted to reserve the best seat for you, where you shall be seen by
all. In fact, I look forward to
escorting you there myself.
With
kindest regards
The
Schoolmaster
Paul wants to
make his message clear and without misunderstanding. He constantly reminded
himself of Timothy's situation so that he understood what was needed. He wrote
to the young pastor, and Timothy likely wrote back to ensure they were still on
the same page. It was necessary so that the Gospel could go forward in their
lives and the lives of the people who listened to them, reminding each other
that they served the same God.
Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: 2
Timothy 2
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