Re-vised post

I had to edit this after re-reading it and seeing how awfully messy it was! My obsessive tendencies show. Don't feel obliged to read again.

Gospel Truth
I was struck by today's Gospel regarding authority. What set Jesus apart?

To Sir
I watched the movie, To Sir, With Love with my children the other day. I hadn't seen it in years, and found it just as inspiring as when I first saw it. Actually, I found it more inspiring as I have lived 30 more years of life that allow me see its truth in a fresh way.

I found To Sir to be a striking example of the virtuous man's capacity to influence others simply by virtue of his virtue. Mark Thackeray is hired as a teacher in the slums of London's east end at a school for 'misfits', where there is little discipline among teachers and students. Largely by the force of his stolid and stoic character - itself forged by hardship in his own life - Thackeray draws out of these young men and women their own natural desire for greatness.

Character makes an impression
The authoritative character of Christian witness lies not primarily in word or argument, but in the quality, depth, and solidity of one's character. One who has internalized the word of God becomes a living force of change just by virtue of who s/he is.

Suffering
I also reflected on the role that suffering plays in forging character, and how the praise of suffering as character-building fills the New Testament.

That reflection brought to mind an elderly Russian woman I knew in Rhode Island who once said of a young and energetic Orthodox priest that had just 'wowed' a congregation with his eloquence: "It was nice, but he does not know of what he speaks; he has not suffered enough."

Authority capable of transforming others must be forged in the fire of suffering, molded by the force of long and hard labors, and carved by the chisel of pain - though for a Christian this only succeeds if we are vivified by faith, hope and love.

Jesus' character
Jesus spoke with authority - his character was deep, teeming with virtues, solid and unmovable as a rock. But his power was only 'made perfect' in the crucible of his Passion. Such a stunning thought.

Chisel me, O Lord
Strive to become in yourself that unshakable rock that has power to give harbor to those buffeted by life's storms.