Syncretism

Homily for Friday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time

St. Paul speaks of people who regard their stomach as their God and their shame as their key to glory. In our context, we might immediately think of people who are gluttonous or who take pride in their lustful ways. However, St. Paul is actually referring to the Jewish people who insist that Christian converts must follow the dietary laws of Judaism and also continue the practice of male circumcision. This particular group of people is referred to as the syncretists. Throughout his missionary act, St. Paul was constantly being contradicted by this group of people who believed that the Law was the key to salvation rather than faith in Jesus.

One of the most prominent groups of syncretists where the Gnostics who fused the religious practices of Judaism, Christianity, and Greek religious philosophy. They would usually follow St. Paul after he had moved on to a new community. They would then go into the newly formed Christian communities and begin contradicting the Gospel that was preached by St. Paul; namely, that everything else was to be considered loss in the light of the death and resurrection of Jesus through which we have been saved from our sins.

Putting too much importance on food, clothing, shelter, all the comforts of life, can be a too worldly emphasis. However, Paul reminds us here of another type of worldliness, putting excessive trust in the performance of certain actions and the carrying out of regulations. This is not to say that there is something wrong with observing religious customs or practices. However, when the customs or practices become more important than the virtues of faith, hope, and charity, we have certainly missed the mark.

All of our customs and religious practices should point to and reinforce our trust in the Lord and not limit our help to the needy and sorrowing. We shift the emphasis from Christ’s sacrifice not simply by being preoccupied with our comfort but also by turning our religious life into time-consuming concern about externals, how or how often something is done. Daily, at this altar, the central action of our life in Christ is celebrated.