St. Paul appears to be addressing two particular issues that are causing some tension within the Christian community. The observance of special days and regulations regarding food. Paul has indicated on various occasions his desire to maintain a close connection to the teachings of Jesus. Perhaps this is why issues of food and things that could defile a person are a sensitive issue to Paul. First in following the Lord's teaching from Mark 7:14-21 verses 18-19 states, "And He (Jesus) said to them, "Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a man from outside cannot defile him, since it enters, not his heart but his stomach, and so passes on?" (Thus He declared all foods clean.) and secondly as it could create a rift in the blending of a new Christian community.
Perhaps the two views one of food observance and the other a more liberal community of believers has become somewhat at tension. This is not hard to understand given our modern day differences in many of our Christian denominations and groups. The various groups and denominations gives rise to this ongoing tension and division. I would venture to say that the prayer of Jesus to the Father in John 17 is still very valid today as He prayed that we would all be one as He and the Father were one. It is very easy to let our differences divide us through our pride and arrogance. During this season of Advent which is marked by generosity and giving as God gave His only begotten Son we should give of ourselves in tolerance and love for our fellow man and even our brothers and sisters who differ in view what we hold to be truth.
We all have
our individual conscience and views to uphold. While in the process we must be
true to our own self. We must also stretch forth for the common good and
integrity that is linked with the necessity and observance of unity. For the
lack of unity reveals the barrenness of our love and true identity as believers
in Christ. What a travesty this would be to the teaching, practice, and
observance of Advent. Therefore we must do whatever is possible to keep
from judging one another. While at the same time being careful, and mindful to
not place any stumbling block before those who are weak in the faith. We are
called to observe the challenge of being our brothers keeper and to identify
with the good Samaritan and his godly example.
His servants and yours,
Gerard & Yolanda Cleffi Directors
Oratory of Divine Love
My child, do not believe everything which you hear about others. Men often judge their fellow-men with prejudice. Their judgments frequently depend on their temperaments, tastes, moods, ambitions, and self-love. You will usually be right if you refuse to judge another by the criticisms which you hear about him. Many a man is condemned when he is absent and cannot defend himself.
-Anthony J. Paone, S.J. My Daily Bread, Brooklyn N.Y., Confraternity Of The Precious Blood, Pg.163-164
My Jesus, King of my heart, give me some of Your kindness, so that I may always think well about my neighbor. I do not know everything about about him. Perhaps he cannot help doing what I disapprove. There may be a hundred excusing causes for what he does. Let me leave all judgment in Your hands and try to overlook what others do. Amen.
-Anthony J. Paone, S.J. My Daily Bread, Brooklyn N.Y., Confraternity Of The Precious Blood, Pg.165