Week of 2 Advent, Wednesday

Now it starts to get personal.

In the Revelation to John, the figure of Christ starts making pointed comments about the seven churches, beginning with the Church at Ephesus. "I have this against you," he says, "that you have abandoned the love you had at first" (Rev. 2:4).

This risen Christ, "the first and the last," sounds like himself still, at least compared to the Jesus we meet in the Gospel reading as he denounces the scribes and Pharisees.

See, the scribes and Pharisees like to "do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long; they love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces" (Matt. 23:5-7).

As I said, now it starts to get personal. I freely admit to loving the vestments that come along with being a deacon in the Church -- my stoles are broad and my dalmatics are long -- and I even have twice as many ribbons in my Book of Common Prayer than is strictly necessary. My sales colleagues at work will also tell you I love being the "big guy," the presenter in the spotlight, just like my parishioners know I love to preach from the center aisle.

While these things in themselves are not necessarily a problem, but (I hope) a reflection of the joy I take in my two callings, it's important for me to remember that they are things I do at church and at work because of what and whom I love. They are not ends in themselves, but the trappings of a life of love.

This is the cautionary tale for the Ephesians and for me, that it's too easy to "abandon the love we had at first" and get caught up in demanding respect and acclaim, in believing our own press releases.

"Remember then from what you have fallen," the revealed Christ tells us, "repent, and do the works you did at first." Focus on doing what you love for the ones you love, and for goodness' sake, don't trip on your fringes.