Biography Martin Marty is one of the most prominent interpreters of religion and culture today. The author of more than 50 books, he is also a speaker, columnist, pastor, and teacher, having been a professor of religious history for 35 years at the University of Chicago.
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Reflection:
Calling - PG# 5212 (2008/2009) by Martin Marty
At a party we were all asked to take turns choosing one word to describe someone else in the circle, but were not to compare notes. When we revealed our choice of adjective for one of us, almost all said “kind.” Not nice, not sweet, not butter-ball-like, but kind.
This was remarkable, because in his profession he had to make decisions, was sometimes in controversy, and was so busy that he barely had time to attend the party or to notice the needs of others. Yet, he did notice the needs of others, he could participate in their lives without being a busybody. He could even admonish someone who was out of line, not in authoritarian pride but with neighborly sympathy, and the neighbor could enjoy his concern. He had a hospitable spirit, which is a fruit of the Spirit that we call kindness.
Reflection:
Gentleness - PG# 5207 (2008/2009) by Martin Marty
You are not likely to be impressed by someone who is described only as gentle. The nothing-but-gentle person is too soft to express opinions, can be pushed around, and has too narrow an emotional range to be interesting. You would not want a prophet like Amos to be gentle as he faced injustice, but you would like him more if he had a gentle side. You would not want “gentle Jesus” to be only gentle in the face of those who exploited the poor, but you are happy—aren’t you?—that his gentle side shows up when he forgives, rescues lost sheep, or has compassion on a hungry crowd. The Greek word for “gentleness” translates well as “meekness.” Fine. Jesus said that the meek shall inherit the earth. In the meantime we welcome strong people of conviction who do not browbeat others, but share their struggles and often gently convince them to receive the gifts of the Spirit.
Reflection:
God's Plan - PG# 5203 (2008/2009) by Martin Marty
A theme I used when speaking at a family-member’s wedding, I observed that a spouse who was “creatively creative” could be jumpy and irritating. A “faithfully faithful” one could be a boring drudge. When the apostle Paul spoke of the fruits of the Spirit and mentioned “faithfulness,” I think he was celebrating “creative faithfulness.”
The word “faith” tucked into “faithfulness” suggests that one trusts a worthy object of faith, who is God. Faithfulness, a product of that trust, becomes a part of life for a person of faith. You can count on her, thanks to the Spirit’s gift and fruit. And, since she knows the source of the gift, she can and will be creative in the way she relates to others, who therefore are receiving a gift as well, thanks to the Spirit.
Reflection:
Self-control- PG# 5216 (2008/2009) by Martin Marty
The impulse to control others is strong among parents, teachers, managers, and employers. They—shall I say we?—find it efficient to organize things so that others have to match our interests and satisfy us. Yielding that itch to control others is difficult, yet not as difficult as it is to control ourselves. The apostle Paul, who wrote about the virtues, was often autobiographical and sometimes revealed that he was tempted to express himself in ways that harmed others.
He would insist on his own way, before he got control of himself, repented, and mused about how hard it is to practice self-control. That he was able to get perspective on himself and provide it for others helps those who are guided by the Spirit—which we are allowed to be—both to control ourselves and then not need to control others.
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