“For Freedom Christ has set us free.”  St. Paul

“Martha, Martha, you are distracted by many things.  One thing is needed.”  Jesus

Slavery vs. Freedom.  Sin vs. Salvation.  Bondage vs. Blessing.  All pertinent and relevant topics not only on this Fourth of July weekend, but throughout the history of humanity. 

When considering these topics in the context of the faith life, over and above one’s country and current cultural conditions, one must be cognizant of what the “fall” into sin entailed. 

Far too frequently, at least in my experience, the focus has been on the complete corruption of human beings and the natural condition that creates conditions for committing specific sins.  These sins are most clearly set forth in the Ten Commandments, and become the barometer by which people of this faith measure themselves and others. Certainly these commandments are pertinent, especially when converted from prohibitions into admonitions to love, which is what both Jesus and St. Paul say is the fulfillment of the Law (Romans 13:9), to love God and neighbor.  “How have I NOT loved Thee, let me count the ways. . .” is a question that here arises.   But there is a more foundational effect of sin that in my opinion has far greater consequences than any that can be captured by comprising a laundry list of one’s personal failures, foibles and faithless thoughts and actions;  this might be called the Sin of Distraction.

To love God is to be focused on God and adore God.  It means that one is to live in communion with God by loving God in self, others, nature and all creation.  The consequence of the Fall is Distraction from the desire to do exactly that.  Distraction from God who IS Love is the main consequence of the fall as well as the cause of all the other sins.

We see distraction from love for God and others in the extreme examples that are recounted in the Scriptures.  The first is the murder of one brother by another.  This is the un-divine domino that sets the others to falling, as forever after we witness loveless acts portrayed in the pages of the Bible and also played out in human experience.  The story of Martha and Jesus referred to above is an example of the Sin of Distraction,  as Martha is distracted by all the work she has to do and becomes resentful of her sister.  This scene has been played out far too frequently in Christian churches when the emphasis is placed upon numerical growth—a poor indicator of true spiritual growth if ever there was one—building projects or other programs that primarily serve to assuage the ego of pastor and people alike.  We see it on the culture in which we live—and other cultures as well.  And most important we see it in ourselves.  We are distracted by many things when only one thing is needful!

It reminds me of the old movie City Slickers in which Curly responds to the inquiry by Billy Crystal on what the meaning of life is by holding up his index finger.  One thing.  One thing.  One thing.

On this Fourth of July weekend a person who lives in the United States is reminded, hopefully, of the efforts to throw off the shackles of a tyrannical government for the sake of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”.  Included in this document was the assertion that all people are created equal, a statement true in theory if not in practice. But what does that mean in the context of the Christian Faith?  What does it mean in the context of your faith?  What does it mean in terms of truly loving others as ourselves, without being distracted?