Introduction
We are gradually approaching the end of the year. For some, the reality of the end of another year has set in, giving rise to some frantic stock-taking for the year. Some are doubling the effort to catch up with the remaining plans for the year. Hence, we need more zeal and energy to fulfil and accomplish the remaining set goals for the year. Relatedly, the falling tree leaves usher us gradually into the Winter season. All these changes around us, coupled with negative political and economic news of nowadays, could bring some stress and anxiety. The paradoxes that have colored our existence on a number of issues could also be overwhelming.
I make out more time these days to look for testimonies and witnesses that speak to my convictions. On one of my expeditions in search of such testimonies, which I see as treasures, I stumbled on one of Barrack Obama’s motivational speeches to American students, as he welcomed them back to school. He harped on the importance of holding on to our roles and developing our qualities irrespective of the situation. Using his own childhood as an example of how lonely and lost one could find oneself sometimes, he reiterated the importance of roles. According to him, he grew up without a father or a father-figure to guide him. The mother tried to be a good mother on her part. The journey was rougher and tougher for both him and his mother than it would have been had he a privileged childhood. Yet both of them held onto their roles at this difficult time. The role his mother played in his life saw him through. But most importantly, it influenced his decision to play a good parental role: to be available to the wife and children and to give them a beautiful life and a future. This story informs my reflection on the readings of today (Tim 2:1-8, 11-14; Ps 37:3-4, 18 and 23, 27 and 29; Lk 17:7-10). The essence of roles.
The Importance of Having a Compass
The first reading saw the importance of roles: older women, older men, younger women, and younger men. Everyone is required to live according to some standards.
“Older men should be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love, and endurance. Similarly, older women should be reverent in their behaviour, not slanderers, not addicted to drink, teaching what is good, so that they may train younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, chaste, good homemakers, under the control of their husbands, so that the word of God may not be discredited. Urge the younger men, similarly, to control themselves, showing yourself as a model of good deeds in every respect, with integrity in your teaching, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be criticized,” (Tim 2, 1-4)
Today this reading could be faulted for some who might point out its patriarchal tone. Looking at the roles, women were apparently assigned subordinate roles such as being obedient to men or their husband. We have to point these out, while reminding ourselves of the role contexts played and still plays in the writing and interpretation of the gospel. It was written in a patriarchal society. Furthermore, the Church at that time was becoming institutionalized. As we know, the Letter to Timothy is a pastoral letter to the established Churches.
Beyond the context of the letters of the readings, one must find what is helpful for us in our world of today. We encounter God and witness to God from our own context and life situation – as a father, as a mother, as a daughter, as a son, etc. According to our profession – as a teacher, a doctor, an engineer, kindergarten care, hospital caregiver, cook, farmer, server, etc. Usurpation of roles leads to crisis and anarchy. Further, these rules and laws are for a purpose. They make for fair play, success, happiness, etc. Again, they are not unchangeable; so, the rules and laws are not for the sake of it but for a purpose. A wise way of doing things would be to pause and reflect from time to time on how far our set roles, laws and rules assist us in achieving our desired goals. This assignment is relevant for every individual, the Church, family, partner, organization, etc.
