Reformation Renovation?
Soul Snack 199/13 ... Reformation Renovation?
Was as much of Christian truth locked at the Reformation as was unlocked?
This questioning and now tiring mind lurches at more lucid moments across the 600 year old Christian divide of the Reformation.
The story is told of the desert father Besarion who lived over a millennia prior to the Reformation.
Besarion had successfully renounced the trinkets of the world. His possessions were three in number - a cloak, an undergarment and a Gospel. Upon a journey he chanced to see a dead man exposed on the road side, so threw his cloak over the corpse. Continuing the sojourn he passed a naked beggar and donated his inner garment. Finally moved by the Lord's words, 'Give to him that asketh thee', he sold the Gospel and gave his remaining wealth to the poor.
Where are the contemporary appeals to war with the flesh, to be vigorous against a covetous spirit or to do violence to self-seeking vainglory?
Western Christian's are awash in knowledge and soaked in prosperity. We are a fortress that prevents the spirit invading the flesh.
Have we too long lived in the comforting wealth of grace to recognize our true poverty?
Then Jesus said to them all: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, takeup their cross daily and follow me." (Lk 9:23)
Today's Soul Snippet:
Eyes of faith see victory where the eyes of fear see defeat.
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ENJO ~ Prophet or non- Prophet from MyParable