For Sunday, March 17, 2013 (Lent 5)

Readings:  Philippians 3:4b-12 and John 12:1-8

In the reading from Philippians, Paul is writing about more than just a change in his theology (from his law-keeping version of Judaism, to the divine grace he comes to know in Christ); he is writing about a change in his whole life (from achieving and enjoying success and respect in society, to letting it all go for the sake of following and serving an alternative vision of what will make the world good). 

Some around him no doubt are saying the change is for the worse -- that it has ruined his life because it has cost him his old friends and has landed him in jail (this letter is written from a Roman jail).  But Paul says, "It's the best thing that happened to me, and I'm glad for the turn my life has taken. In fact, I hope I can continue this path; it will only get better."

Think of it this way.  If Paul were here today it would be like he gave up a tenured teaching post and position as head of the Department of Religious Observance at Hebrew U to become an unpaid missionary to migrant workers, because that's where he felt God calling him ... or like he gave up a seat on the executive of the Jerusalem International Religious Council for Preservation of the Faith where he could shape public policy for all the kingdom, in order to apply (and not even always successfully) to be one of a number of temporary teachers to a few Christian congregations because that’s where he thought God was working … or like he resigned a high-salaried, high-powered position as pastor of a mega-church, not to become a $1000/hour religious consultant or a best-selling author on the latest spiritual trends, but to become an unpaid itinerant street corner evangelist to the poor and the outcast, because that is the way of Christ. 

Like Mary in the Gospel story (pouring out her precious ointment that she had been saving for who knows how long), Paul doesn't hold back when he feels touched and moved by God in Christ.  He happily sacrifices what is necessary to follow where his heart and soul tell him God is leading, and he rejoices in the new life he finds because of it.

In worship on Sunday we'll see if this says anything to us.