William of Saint-Thierry: Deeper

“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:22-24

“When in your life of faith you are confronted with the deeper mysteries it is natural to become a little frightened. When this happens, take heart, faithful Christian. Do not raise objections, but ask with loving submission, “How can these things be?” Let your question be a prayer, and expression of love and self-surrender to God.”

William of Saint-Thierry (1085-1148) in Mirror of Faith as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 185.

Notice how Jesus meets the boy’s father in today’s Scripture with grace. And yet, see also how He challenges Him to grow. Then look at the humble response of the boy’s father. He believes but acknowledges that He needs help with his unbelief.

I think Jesus meets us this same way related to generosity. He wants us to realize that everything is possible if we believe. And also, He stands ready to help us in our areas of unbelief. But only if we ask Him. To live generously requires us to grow deeper in faith.

For another example of a question with loving submission, see Luke 1:34. Here the angel has told Mary that she will conceive a son. Consider her reply: “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 

Then we she receives the angel’s gracious explanation she replies Luke 1:38 with self-surrender to God: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it happen to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.

In what areas do you lack faith and need help in your unbelief? Form at least one question in loving submission. Ask Him to help you. The potential gain here is limitless. Don’t let fear hold you back from going deeper.

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:1-12

“Now even though we may have faith, hope, and love, none of us can attain this state of blessedness by ourselves… He alone can be said to come to true blessedness who, having resolved in his heart to rise to this state of happiness by the many stages of the virtues and good works, receives the help of your grace… God does help the blessed. For our lawgiver Christ, who gave us the law, gives now and will continue to give His blessings, the abundant gifts of grace, by which He will bless His own, that is, raise them to beatitude.”

Bruno of Cologne (c. 1030-1101) in Psalm 83 as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 566.

Today, let’s focus on the generosity of Jesus Christ. He raises us to beatitude.

When we follow Jesus, it guides us to be be poor in spirit. We often mourn. We walk the path of meekness. We hunger and thirst for righteousness. We are merciful in a merciless world. We aim at purity of heart (not just our actions, but our thoughts and motivations). We bring peace and we will get persecuted.

Hearing all this may cause many to find the Christian journey too hard to make.

But Bruno reminds us as he reminded so many Christ followers in the middle ages: “God does help the blessed” and “He gives abundant gifts of grace” in the most unlikely places. So, as we think about generosity today, revel in the fact that the narrow way raises us to beatitude. It causes us to grasp true happiness.

It’s priceless and a gift we can only share with others once we have taken hold of it ourselves.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:18-19

“If a person loves himself he seeks his own glory, but the man who loves God loves the glory of his Creator. Anyone alive to the love of God can be recognized by the way he constantly strives to glorify Him by fulfilling all His commandments and by delighting in his own abasement… Anyone who loves God in the depths of his heart has already been loved by God. In fact, the measure of a man’s love for God depends on how deeply aware he is of God’s love for him.”

Diadochus of Photice (c. 401-500) in Spiritual Perfection as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 577.

Diadochus contributed to the famous work, the Philokalia, and his writings influenced many of the saints in the dark and middle ages to today.

Consider the power of his point today.

The reason people look after themselves, build an earthly kingdom, store up treasures on earth, is that they seek their own glory. It proclaims, “Look what I have done!”

Alternatively, anyone alive to the love of God aims at his or her own abasement. That person knows they are loved by God and has no fear.

Fear is the leading obstacle to our Christian obedience.

So, related to our generosity. Let’s revel in the love of God today and everyday, which drives out fear and helps us live in a way that announces, “Look what God has done!”

Abasement is the pathway to fulfilling Christ’s commands.

People who choose this path love God, have no fear because they know God loves them, and constantly strive (because it never gets any easier) for God’s glory.

Jenni and I head home from our time of rest this week in Western Colorado. Thanks for your prayers. It’s been refreshing.

This evening, I have a governance training with the Evangelical Alliance of the Caribbean. Pray for Spirit-filled teaching and receptive hearts. Thanks.

I urge you, as I did when I was on my way to Macedonia, to remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach different teachings and not to occupy themselves with myths and endless genealogies that promote speculations rather than the divine training that is known by faith. But the aim of such instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:3-5

“From the beginning God created man out of His own generosity. He chose the patriarchs to give them salvation. He took his people in hand, teaching them, unteachable as they were, to follow Him. He gave them prophets, accustoming man to bear His Spirit and to have communion with God on earth… In so many ways He was training the human race to take part in the harmonious song of salvation… He kept calling them to what was primary by means of what was secondary, that is, through foreshadowings, to the reality, through things of time to the things of eternity, through things of the flesh to things of the Spirit, through earthly things to the heavenly things.”

Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130-202) in Against Heresies as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 188.

There is so much in this reading from Irenaeus, who was discipled by Polycarp, who was discipled by the Apostle John. Let’s unpack it section by section.

God’s generosity to humankind goes all the way back to creation. He took His people by the hand and taught them, though they (like us today) were unteachable. Why teach and train them then or teach and train people now.

This is the part that relates to our generosity. God teaches and trains us for a purpose. It is to “take part in the harmonious song of salvation” both then and now. We are blessed to be a blessing.

Think about this in light of the person saying it, a disciple of Polycarp, who was a disciple of John.

God shows His glory by what we can see, by what is secondary. We see His gifts everywhere. But the gifts are not the end. The Giver is the primary and the One that the secondary gifts point us to. So John taught Polycarp who taught Irenaeus, who teaches us to take part.

Let us use the secondary things as good stewards and take part in the song of salvation so people come to know and love the primary. The God of creation and the One who accomplished our redemption.

Don’t be unteachable. Take part in the harmonious song of salvation with what you have.

Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4

“Since the very name you bear as Christians is a profession of love for men, imitate the love of Christ. Reflect for a moment on the wealth of his kindness. Before He came as a man to be among men, he sent John the Baptist to preach repentance and lead men to practice it. John himself was preceded by the prophets, who were to teach the people to repent, to return to God, and to amend their lives. The Christ came Himself… How did He receive those who listened to His call? He readily forgave them their sins; he freed them instantly from all that troubled them.”

Asterius of Amasea (c.350-410) in Homily 13 as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 271.

I am having a week of resting with my wife, reflecting on God, examining myself, and thankful for the wealth, the riches, the generosity of God’s kindness toward me.

I don’t deserve it, yet it abounds toward me.

It inspires me to learn and to discern how I might be a better person. Today it nudges me in ways I an be a better husband and father as today our daughter turns 26.

Show me areas for growth today, Lord.

Sophie’s a beautiful and living imitation of the love of Christ. She has platinum blonde hair so we always encourage her to shine for Jesus like that hair shines.

I have two final thoughts as a result.

Firstly, Happy Birthday Sophie, wherever you are today. And secondly, let’s all reflect, soak up God’s kindness and discern areas for growth so we too shine for Jesus.

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35

Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli’s description of Martin de Porres.

“He was tireless in his efforts to reform the criminal, and he would sit up with the sick to bring them comfort. For the poor he would provide food, clothing, and medicine. He did all he could to care for poor farmhands, blacks, and mulattoes who were looked down upon as slaves, the dregs of society in their time. Common people responded by calling him “Martin the charitable.”

Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli (1881-1963) in Martin de Porres as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 558.

Roncalli’s description of Martin de Porres, a Peruvian lay brother of the Dominican order, caught my attention when reading Witness of the Saints. My favorite part links to the assessment of common people.

For his tireless efforts he was labeled as “charitable” by ordinary folk.

The Dominicans have devoted themselves to preaching the gospel and opposing heresy for centuries. As this must be done in actions and words, Roncalli believed that Martin provided a model for us in his day.

Serve the sick, care for the poor, and lift up the dregs of society.

I posted this today because in reflecting on my day off, I what common people would say about me. What words would those who are looked down upon use to describe you?

Let’s live the words we want the common and outcast people to say about us.

If we do, we will follow in the footsteps of the Paul who modeled the way for the Ephesian elders and for us in tirelessly helping the weak and living generously.

Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:6-10

“If only mortals would learn how great it is to possess divine grace, how beautiful, how noble, how precious. How many riches it hides within itself, how many joys and delights! Without doubt they would devote all their care and concern to winning for themselves pain and afflictions. All men throughout the world would seek trouble, infirmities, and torments, instead of good fortune, in order to attain the unfathomable treasure of grace.”

Rose of Lima (1586-1617) in Ascent as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 526.

If this post sounds crazy, then maybe read today’s Scripture and soak in the gift of pain and afflictions. As I rest from my work, I report an attitude adjustment. It’s humbling to admit.

I think I have tried to avoid weaknesses, insults, pain, and hardships to remain strong, and the Lord is teaching me to delight in them for only when I am weak and receive His grace am I strong.

And as I ponder what generosity looks like, I feel the Lord whisper to me that the world needs to see this. It saw Paul and needs to see each of us to set an example of delighting in pain and afflictions.

This is not some weird, warped, or sadistic mindset, but rather, it is one that has tasted and want to share with others what Rose of Lima speaks of, namely, “the unfathomable treasure of grace.”

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

“In his first coming, our Lord came in our flesh and in our weakness; in this middle coming, He comes in Spirit and power; in the final coming He will be seen in glory and majesty…

In the first, Christ was our Redemption; in the last, He will appear as our Life; in this middle coming, He is our Rest and Consolation.”

Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) in Advent 5 as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 320.

Bernard sketches with remarkable simplicity the generous gifts from our Lord in His first coming, second coming, and what we experience in the middle.

As I take this week off, I am thankful that Jesus is our Rest and Consolation. He richly and generously supplies what we need in service to Him.

That He is our rest means that He restores us from our labor. And that He is our consolation means that He comforts us and cares for our needs.

If you have not taken a break lately, perhaps plan one. I am learning to rest if even just for a few days each quarter of the year.

We have a saying at GTP. We go slow to go fast. I pray this break this week helps restore my physical body and renew my spirit. Praying this for you too when you take your next break.

And Happy Mother’s Day to my Mom, my wife, and my daughter in law! I pray today your day is a day when you experience Jesus as our Rest and Consolation.

I pray this for all Mothers reading this too. Make it so, Lord Jesus.

I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Revelation 3:11

“Remember how the crown was attained by those whose sufferings gave new radiance to their faith. The whole company of saints bears witness to the unfailing truth that without real effort no one wins the crown.”

Thomas Becket (1118-1170) in Letter 74 as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 618.

Becket speaks with strength because he himself engaged real effort and experienced martyrdom while serving as Archbishop of Canterbury. While I won’t elaborate on his story, which is interesting, let us ponder the idea of “real effort.”

As we do, what comes into view is that “holding fast” appears for each of us as the “real effort” that leads to the reward of a crown from our Lord. The evil one aims to divide, defeat, depress, and discourage us in our service to God. He wants to steal our reward.

We must hold fast. In his day, Becket realized that his generous contribution was holding fast trusting in our Lord despite difficulties or opposition. That’s what we get to do while waiting for His deliverance or His return.

So, whether you are waiting on the Lord for something or laboring for Him, know that your real effort, your generous service is holding fast. Do it no matter the cost because this assures your eternal reward.

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:14-17

“So the man who does not love his neighbor does not obey God’s command. But one who does not obey His command cannot love God. A man is blessed if he can love all men equally… Such a man cannot hoard wealth. Rather, like God Himself, he generously gives from his own resources to each man according to His needs… A charitable mind is not displayed simply in giving money; it is manifested still more by personal service as well as by the communication of God’s Word to others… By itself faith accomplishes nothing. For even the devils believe and shudder. No, faith must be joined to an active love of God which is expressed in good works.”

Maximus the Confessor (c. 580-662) in Chapters as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 559-560.

Maximus calls us to love all men equally and to show it my our generous sharing. I want to give you an opportunity display your faith in good works in a way that helps love all men equally.

God has opened doors for GTP to do program work in Laos, Honduras, Cambodia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Ukraine in the next 8 weeks. Much of this work represents new opportunities in new countries not in the current budget.

We call this “serving the underserved” at GTP. This gets at the heart of what it means to “love all men equally.” We’ve never done work in new places like Laos, Cambodia, and Slovakia.

And will have meetings in Lviv, Kyiv, and Kharkiv, Ukraine where the needs are huge. And top Christian workers have asked GTP to join a strategic alliance to shape the future of ministry in the county.

Message me if you want to learn more or click here to give generously. We have staff and volunteers waiting to play roles in these efforts and praying for $156,000 to activate them.

Display your faith with deeds. And if you lack resources at this time, and want to offer personal service, reply and I will let you know how you can pray daily for these efforts.