Chotard Doll

Dear Friends,

All the scripture readings appointed for today proclaim one strong message; my Bible (NRSV) even headlines the passage from Romans (12:9-21) ” Marks of the True Christian.” And the Beatitudes in Matthew’s reading also lists those who are blessed.

Together they name the attributes to strive for: purity of heart, meekness, love, hope, patience, humility, prayer, hospitality…and more. A formidable list.

So I was in agreement when the Psalmist asked the question that rose in my heart, crying: “Oh, Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill?”

Reading all these “marks of the true Christian” makes me feel discouraged, focusing on my actions. How do I measure up?

Fortunately, Romans ends with the admonition: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21). I can relate to that.

It helps me focus not on myself, but on those in the world around me. How can I do good in those relationships, balancing the evil in the world in any way I can?

I don’t believe it’s a matter of fulfilling all those injunctions by my own effort. I think it means, rather, responding in love with the love bestowed on me.

The only antidote to evil in the world is God, working through us, as we allow him to touch all other lives through our actions. That is a blessing, not a standard.

Faithfully,

—Chotard