The Danger is Real

Gospel: John 15: 26-16: 4

Today's Gospel portion describes the very real life setting of the original audience.  Christians were being expelled from the synagogue rolls throughout the region.  This took place after the failed revolt against the Roman Empire in which Christians did not participate.  Once removed from synagogue rosters, they lacked the legal protection afforded to the Jewish community exempting them from required cult of the Roman Emperor.  Christians now were required to offer worship and tribute to Caesar as a god.

Christians refused to do so and consequently faced a number of punishments for this crime, including execution.  Such punishments began right around the time the Gospel of John was composed.  What is described here is historical and real.  So, too is the consolation the Gospel writer offers.  The presence of the Holy Spirit confirms us in truth and provides us with peace and consolation to face such punishments with the same serenity and acceptance as Jesus did in his arrest, trial, and execution.

Christians of today are out of practice in refusing to give honors to emperors.  Since the time of official recognition as the state religion of empire, the currying of favor with empires has been all too popular with Christians, even to the point of mocking other Christians like Oscar Romero who would stand opposed to the earthly powers.  They are content with golden statuary and feigned piety of the showman.  The authentic Christian follows the way of the Lord Jesus, led by the Holy Spirit of truth and consolation.