Daily Retreat 10/27/07
2007 Oct 27 Sat/ BVM
Rom 8: 1-11/ Ps 23(24): 1b-2. 3-4ab. 5-6/ Lk 13: 1-9
From today’s readings: “Those who live according to the flesh are concerned with the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit with the things of the spirit.... Lord, this is the people that longs to see Your face.... I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!”
Flesh vs. Spirit
Almost every word has more than one meaning, depending on context. For example, note how the definitions of the word “cleave” are virtual opposites, meaning either “to separate,” or “to cling to.” It’s unfortunate whenever one overlooks clues of context and thereby misconstrue the meaning of words. That’s why scripture must always be read in context – it’s too easy to be led astray by just a solitary verse here and there. Remember, outside of proper context, even the Devil has been known to quote scripture for his own purposes!
This is important, for example, when we consider what scripture says about “flesh” - in much of the New Testament (such as these verses from chapter 8 of Romans), the word “flesh” has, in context, a decidedly negative connotation: all that is corruptible, mortal, subject to sin. “Flesh,” in this context, is diametrically opposed to “spirit,” i.e. all that is incorruptible, immortal, subject to grace. An appreciation of this dichotomy, of course, is fundamental to our faith.
But it would be wrong to unequivocally identify this connotation of “flesh” with the entire material dimension of human existence. Some have done just that, and as a result, they see matter in itself is something evil (that’s a heresy, since God Himself created matter and saw that it was good!). Remember, the Word Himself became flesh (John 1:14), He has opened the way for us through His flesh (Hebrews 10:20) and gives us His own flesh as the Bread of Life (John 6), etc.
So here and elsewhere, Paul is not using the word “flesh” to decry the material dimension of life in itself, but he does condemn carnal, worldly desires and secular mindsets - anything that shows “hostility toward God.”
Rom 8: 1-11/ Ps 23(24): 1b-2. 3-4ab. 5-6/ Lk 13: 1-9
From today’s readings: “Those who live according to the flesh are concerned with the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit with the things of the spirit.... Lord, this is the people that longs to see Your face.... I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!”
Flesh vs. Spirit
Almost every word has more than one meaning, depending on context. For example, note how the definitions of the word “cleave” are virtual opposites, meaning either “to separate,” or “to cling to.” It’s unfortunate whenever one overlooks clues of context and thereby misconstrue the meaning of words. That’s why scripture must always be read in context – it’s too easy to be led astray by just a solitary verse here and there. Remember, outside of proper context, even the Devil has been known to quote scripture for his own purposes!
This is important, for example, when we consider what scripture says about “flesh” - in much of the New Testament (such as these verses from chapter 8 of Romans), the word “flesh” has, in context, a decidedly negative connotation: all that is corruptible, mortal, subject to sin. “Flesh,” in this context, is diametrically opposed to “spirit,” i.e. all that is incorruptible, immortal, subject to grace. An appreciation of this dichotomy, of course, is fundamental to our faith.
But it would be wrong to unequivocally identify this connotation of “flesh” with the entire material dimension of human existence. Some have done just that, and as a result, they see matter in itself is something evil (that’s a heresy, since God Himself created matter and saw that it was good!). Remember, the Word Himself became flesh (John 1:14), He has opened the way for us through His flesh (Hebrews 10:20) and gives us His own flesh as the Bread of Life (John 6), etc.
So here and elsewhere, Paul is not using the word “flesh” to decry the material dimension of life in itself, but he does condemn carnal, worldly desires and secular mindsets - anything that shows “hostility toward God.”
posted by FrPitstick | 10/26/2007
<< Home