Sermon for June 1, 2008

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-29

Rev. Christopher Fazel

One of the things I love to do is study ancient writings -- especially of a religious or philosophical nature. In that vein, I like to read the Bible, I like to read Plato, I like to read the Egyptian Book of the Dead -- anything that's really old and deals with the issues of ultimate concern. So, I guess I'm in the right line of work. And I particularly enjoy discovering lines of convergence that connect these different bodies of literature. I guess my thinking goes something like this: Wherever the great minds of human history connect and find common ground, I become more confident that they have succeeded in approaching what may be called a "universal truth." I guess that's what I'm really after -- the closest thing to foundational truth that we can comprehend in this mortal coil.

Now, I think we approach one of these foundational truths in our scripture readings today. And that foundational truth might be described this way: At every moment, life confronts us with choices. And the very fact that we have the power to choose is born from a divinely given spiritual attribute called "free will."

Now, free will is a tremendous gift. For in the very act of choosing, we define ourselves as individuals. You might even say that the soul itself is the record of our choices, moment by moment. Our choices literally define who we are, physically, mentally and spiritually.
Now, from a religious angle, this perpetual action of choosing is usually defined as a good choice and a bad choice. And much of religious instruction is about teaching the seeker how to recognize which is which. And so, most religions include in their teachings the concept of what might be called, "The Two Ways -- the way of life, and the way of destruction." And then, of course, they also include the encouragement to choose the way of life." Deuteronomy 30:19 says, "...today ... I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live." And our parable from Jesus today carries the same theme, "All who hear my words and act on them are like the wise who build their houses on rock. Those who do not act on them are like fools who build their houses on sand. When the storms come, they fall, and great is their fall." See -- the two ways.

Now, in reading these passages this week, I was reminded of one of my favorite ancient documents, and I would like to take a moment this morning and introduce it to you. It is called the "Didache", which is merely the Greek word for "Teaching." Its full title is as follows: "The Teaching of the Lord to the Gentiles, through the Twelve Apostles." It was discovered in 1873 in a library of a Constantinople monastery. Many scholars believe that it represents some of the oldest extant Christian writing we have, after the New Testament, parts of it dating to the end of the first century.

Now, the Didache is not a long composition, easily read in about 15 minutes. But it's really interesting. It's kind of an early time capsule -- a window on the beliefs and activities of the early early church. There are teachings on baptism and communion. There is guidance on determining the integrity of wandering prophets, who taught by going into trances. There are instructions on how to choose local church leaders, and more. But the Didache begins with a set of ethical instructions that is titled, "The Two Ways." And I'd like to read to you the opening sentences of that section. It starts this way:"There are two Ways: a Way of Life and a Way of Death, and the difference between these two Ways is great. The Way of Life is this: (And here it quotes scripture) Thou shalt love the Lord thy Creator, and secondly thy neighbor as thyself; and thou shalt do nothing to anyone that thou wouldst not wish to be done to thyself." And then it goes on to comment on this quote saying: (and this is also a paraphrase of scripture)"What you may learn from those words is to bless them that curse you, to pray for your enemies, and to fast for your persecutors. For where is the merit of loving only those who return your love? Even the heathen do as much as that. But if you love those who hate you, you will have nobody to be your enemy."

Now, this instruction in the Way of Life proceeds into practical advice encouraging the virtues of generosity, sexual fidelity, honesty, and humility. One of my favorite paragraphs reads, "School yourself in forbearance, compassion, guilelessness, calmness, and goodness...Do not parade your own merits, or allow yourself to behave presumptuously, and do not make a point of associating with persons of eminence, but choose the companionship of honest and humble folk."

Now, the section on the Way of Death is much shorter, but it is very thorough, warning against such evils as murders, lusts, malice, and arrogance to name a few. But at the conclusion of "The Two Ways”, the Didache says this very practical thing. It says, "If you can shoulder the Lord's yoke in its entirety, then you will be perfect; but if that is too much for you, do as much as you can." I really appreciate that.

Now, if I accept this document for what it claims to be -- the essential teachings of the first apostles, what do I learn about this earliest strata of Christian Ethics? Well, I learn lots. But the thing that impresses me most is how it starts. What is the first thing they want me to know? What is the essence of the Way of Life, as understood by the first followers of Christ. It is this, "Love God your Creator, love your neighbor as your self, practice the Golden Rule, love even those who hate you."

Now, I have two responses to this. My first response is to say, "Man! That seems impossible." But my second response is, "These commandments are the foundation stones of my Christian Faith. I have to try at least. And I must say I am heartened by the encouraging words that conclude this section of the Didache. "If you can't do it all, do as much as you can." So, as the writer of Hebrews tells us, "Let's run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Christ, the author and finisher of our faith." For Christ has shown us the way of life. Our job is to follow, as best we can day by day. Let us pray.

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