SURVEILLANCE

SURVEILLANCE

We all live with an awareness that in an instant we can become a victim of road rage, false accusations, conflict over parking spaces or a few inches of a property line. Some brides are beyond rude in their self-centered expectations of the bridal party and even of guests. Giving no thought to the burdens they impose on family and friends. Division is created by the self-rightous, self-centered demands laid on the people who are closest to us.  Even the precious freedoms we enjoy as US citizens are distorted and twisted to permit people to do whatever they want while disregarding the fact that rights also carry responsibilities. Focusing on self generates an inner downward spiral that quickly separates us from others. But when the focus is away from self the spiral opens outward with attention to what is good for everyone. This was the vision of St. Paul when he wrote to the Ephesians “Watch carefully how you live.” Engage in personal surveillance versus checking up on others. Yes, watch carefully how you live and who you associate with. You can learn a lot about people by noting their relationships. That’s why parents know it is important to meet their children’s friends.

You must wonder what St. Paul had observed in Ephesus if he was warning them about bitterness, fury, anger, shouting and reviling one another. Sounds like a brawl. He tells them you MUST remove these behaviors. That does not sound like a suggestion or an option. It is a requirement for Christians. Christians must remove such things from their life and separate themselves from those who conduct themselves is such a manner. Because of our Baptism we have been incorporated into the Body of Christ and so must imitate His behavior. Live in love, Paul told them. He is referring to the sacrificial love that Jesus lived. In other words, love means to put the good of others before our own good. That is as much a counter cultural exhortation today as it was for the Ephesians.

Furious, angry, reviling, and shouting behavior indicate a lack of respect for others. It seems we are trying to force compliance and conformity through intimidation. Never was this Jesus’ mode of operation. Rather we should respond with gentle but firm words when tempers escalate. When shouting begins, lower your own voice a few notches. Drop your arms to your sides in a non-defensive stance and ask what can be done to diffuse the conflict. Love and gentleness usually prevail. Be imitators of Christ not of the attacker.

Paul continues to counsel the Ephesians to watch carefully how they live, be wise, make lemonade from lemons whenever possible. Why? Because these times are evil. Satan is always seeking an opening to create discord. It makes me think of that guy in the All STATE commercial that says you never know when mayhem will catch you unaware and arouse dissension.

          Paul warns his audience not to continue in ignorance but to try to understand God’s will. Certainly, it is not drunkenness which can easily lead to debauchery, but rather be filled with the Holy Spirit. Surround yourself with people whose lives challenge you to become a better version of yourself.

            The first century in the Mediterranean world was a cesspool of pagan rituals, male domination, crude behaviors and absolute dominion over their wives and children. Th along with slaves were viewed as property to be disposed of at will. Jesus turned that upside down by saying that spouses were equals and should be lovingly submissive to one another. That is why pagans were in awe of the strange ways of Christians and how they showed love and respect toward everyone, and that started in the family. Equality of spouses was radical.

           The evil we observe today really isn’t much different. Despite the feminist movement, women still are treated with less respect than ever, paid less, promoted less often and penalized for maternity leave. Thus arises the temptation to utilize contraceptives in order to maintain their position in the workplace. As well as allowing for carnal indulgence without consequence.

           sssSt Paul is often painted as a chauvinist but in reality, he is calling for both husbands and wives to put their spouse’s needs above their own, being submissive in the sense of mutual respect versus acting as ruler over the other. Paul is teaching these new Christians to be imitators of Christ versus the leaders in the pagan world. Previously they had emulated the violence and prejudices of the dominant Roman culture. They were now a new creation in Christ. Jesus came to build a new Kingdom on earth and only those who live by his word and example will enter the heavenly kingdom. Watch carefully then, how you live.