2 Corinthians 13: 11-13
As a recent settler of Texas I find various things about this state and its people interesting. One aspect of Texas that I find fascinating is it language, particularly the sayings of the largely white/Anglo farming and ranching communities. Rather than saying for example, it's a hot day, someone could say: it's "hotter than a fur coat in Marfa" or "it's hotter than a stolen tamale." Or if it's dusty, someone may say that it's "so dusty the rabbits are digging holes six feet in the air."
These sayings or phrases are not just limited to the weather, they also can describe feelings, for example, for someone who is nervous, one can say they are as "jumpy as spit on a hot skillet" or "He'd worry the warts off a frog." Also, at times the roots of these sayings or phrases are obvious to their farm or ranch communities; if someone is happy, one can say, that they are as "happy as a hog in slops." But occasionally, these sayings are not only unique but are difficult to translate to northerners like me. For example, to explain someone who seems to be lucky one can say, "He's riding a gravy train with biscuit wheels."
Sayings, phrases and what they mean is important to think about it as Christians in community. Perhaps that is why today's second lesson from 2 Corinthians is important to review, particularly for us at Good Shepherd going through transition.
Having visited the house church or churches in Corinth at least twice and hoping to return for another sojourn, Paul is seeking to pave the way for his possible future return with this letter. Our lesson today is situated at the end of the message where Paul is naturally trying to say, "Good-bye!"
But how does one say, "farewell," particularly when the past circumstances are so varied? The history of the relationship between the Corinthians and Paul had been convoluted - one of great spiritual closeness but also sharply painful separation. These disagreements were not only between Paul and the church but in the church itself. The church in Corinth was also known by its decisive schisms. You might say, as some white Texas farmer might, those Christians in Corinth made "hornets look cuddly."
We see those feelings in the whole of 2nd Corinthians. As some of you may be aware, there is some disagreement among biblical scholars about the structure and nature of the book of Second Corinthians. Some contend that Second Corinthians is actually a set of two separate letters of completely different natures addressed to Corinth upon different occasions. The reason for this thinking is because Chapters 1-10 comprise what is generally known as the "thankful" letter, full of joy and gratitude for the young congregation and for their mutual relationship. But with chapters 10-13, Paul's language changes severely. This is known as the "stern" letter written by Paul possibly from Ephesus when his relationship with the Corinthian church was strained, and it may reflect his response to some who were very critical of him.
Yet the question remains regardless - if 2 Corinthians is two letters merged into one or one letter - how does one say "Good-bye" when the air is filled with joy and gratitude at the same time when there is contention and controversy between the two parties both of whom are aware of the possibility that they may never again meet?
Surprisingly, Paul says that it does not matter! In the Christian faith and fellowship, one says, "farewell," in the same way. It does not matter if we are saying, "Good-bye," to someone with whom we share gratitude or to someone with whom we share hostility. It does not matter if we are hugging or fussing! We say, "Good-bye," in the same fashion because what we have in common is far greater than anything we can ever have in difference.
Furthermore, as Paul bids the Corinthians farewell, he leaves them with a to-do list of last-minute reminders, almost like a parent walking out the door and calling back to children over his shoulder, "Now remember to feed the dog and don't hit your sister." I think us parents might do well to quote Paul when organizing our family relations: "Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace." Or, in the words of The Message, the informal translation of the Bible written by Pastor Eugene Peterson, "Think in harmony and be agreeable."
Paul emphasizes what's important: Let's all pull together. Let's be mindful of one another. Let's consider how to wrestle with the conflicts that will inevitably occur - arguments, misunderstandings, and jealousies - whenever two or three gather, in the name of Jesus or for any other purpose.
In other words, living as Christians together in ministry is much like driving on busy, crowded highways. Paul presents some rules for these roads. At times, it will be necessary to yield, slow down or use extreme caution. Just like careful drivers, we are urged to keep our eyes on the road, not allow ourselves to become distracted by multiple influences and to pay attention to people who are also on the journey. Paul's instructions could be compared to a useful driving manual.
Farewell, brothers and sisters. Remember that we are all traveling in the same direction, although at differing speeds. At times, a fellow traveler may need to exit, people leave. They may leave our conversation, the church or life itself. Paul suggests that we trust each other enough to allow that freedom. In those times we are to keep our eyes on the road and wish people well in their travels.
If we continue to use the image further, Paul suggests that we do not be so focused on our destination that we forget to enjoy the scenery along the way. As we continue in our journeys, let us make an effort to agree on the general direction we are traveling. We can work through our differences. At times, we may bump into one another, but because we are all traveling together, we can handle the collisions easily. Acknowledge and be aware of the differences that exist, but celebrate the larger agreements we share.
Paul concludes his letter knowing that if the Corinthians follow his advice, not only will they be better off, but he will receive fewer letters of complaint, and Paul will have to deal with less strife during a future visit. It is now up to these young arguing, Christians to take Paul's instructions to heart as they embark on this new challenge of forming community in the name of Jesus.
No one can argue with the vision Paul paints for his young churches; every community or for that matter every organization desires to be positive and to live in peace with one another. The challenge is more in the process. One wonders if the readers of Paul's letter looked on the backside of the parchment to search for some further instructions or additional insights. The early Corinthians might have wondered, "Is that it?" Are no more details to be given? The questions abound: Now that we have the goal of agreeing with one another and living in peace, just how do we get there? How do we obtain that ideal balance of working, serving and believing while living in harmony with one another? What does the "grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit" look like?
I wonder why those Texas white/Anglo farmers and ranchers developed these unique ways of describing the world and people around them. Why say that something is "catty whompus" instead of it doesn't fit together nicely? I have not found any reasonable explanations, but I have to wonder if these phrases and sayings developed as way for the community to live and work together in harmony.
Let us take Paul's goodbye words to heart because they are more than nice sayings or phrases but words of guidance to be and live in community. Amen.
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