This Sunday, the Mar Thoma Syrian Church is observing as Clergy Sunday. The theme in the lectionary is “Servants in Pastoral Ministry.” According to the nature of the Mar Thoma Church, we place importance of the role of each of the faithful in participating in the ministerial and missional life of the Church. The Constitution of this Church reminds us of the role of the Church:
- Repository of the divine doctrines revealed by Jesus Christ and proclaimed by His Apostles
- To maintain these doctrines in their purity
- To promote the spiritual life of its members through the administration of the sacraments and by the ministry of the Word
- To make disciples of all nations by the proclamation of the Gospel to all the whole world
- The administration of Holy Baptism in the name of the Triune God
The Clergy and Bishops are ordained for the specific duty to nurture the faithful in discipleship and guide the Church according to the Biblical and Apostolic teachings. The laity are equally called to the ministry of the proclamation of Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Paul’s Advice to Timothy
Paul sent Timothy to the churches he established in order to help them overcome the various challenges common to growing churches. His letters to Timothy are guidance for his personal life as well as for his ministerial responsibility. What is Timothy’s task?
...what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well. (2 Timothy 2:1)
Teaching is the main duty of the Christian Church, and in turn, the duty of the faithful Christian. It may be in the home as a parent, sibling, or other relative; this is the vertical discipleship and growth in the Christian community. It may in the different places we reside in the world like the workplace, at the store, or in the friends circle; this is the horizontal discipleship focused on outward mission. The teachings of Jesus Christ and the witness of the Apostles through the centuries has been maintained within the Church for the goal of proclamation to the outside of the Church. The continuing presence of Jesus Christ establishes this in every era and season.
Soldier in Christ
Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving in the army gets entangled in everyday affairs; the soldier’s aim is to please the enlisting officer.
2 Timothy 2:3-4
The Apostle Paul calls Timothy to serve in the ministry with longsuffering. The task is difficult but a soldier knows his duty. A faithful soldier places the need to the nation or the military unity above their own needs. A soldier’s duty is to the officer who commands over them. A soldier is disciplined and focused; they have a duty to carry out. What is Christian duty? To walk with Christ and to help others walk with Christ.
Athlete in Christ
And in the case of an athlete, no one is crowned without competing according to the rules.
2 Timothy 2:5
An athlete is focused on the goal. They can only gain the prize through fair play; they have to play by the rules. Ethics is important in sports; no one likes a cheater. A Christian is to lead and teach by example. Ethics and morals are a significant teaching in the Scriptures. The one who teaches should maintain justice and integrity. All the teaching and preaching is worthless if they don’t walk the talk.
Farmer in Christ
It is the farmer who does the work who ought to have the first share of the crops.
2 Timothy 2:6
Agricultural imagery is very common in the Bible; it was a common part of life back then. The life of the farmer is not easy. The time from sowing to harvest is long and difficult, with many uncertainties and problems along the way. So it is only appropriate that the Apostle Paul tells Timothy that the farmer “ought to have the first share.” The tireless toil of the farmer will surely be rewarded with the taste of the first-fruit harvest. A Christian is called to a challenging ministry, whether that be a formal vocation or as a faithful believer. To all, Jesus Christ calls to a life of discipleship and discipling; to growing in the faith and bringing others to experience Christ.
Duty, Goal, & Toil
The Apostle Paul reminds Timothy that the ministry of Jesus Christ is not an easy one. The calling is to the challenge of presenting the living Gospel of Jesus Christ, whose continuing presence in the world brings change and transformation. The imagery of soldier, athlete, and farmer are honest images of this challenge for any faithful Christian. The duty in the ministry is focused; to walk with Christ and help others walk with Christ. The goal in Christian living is kept in sight through the practice of justice and integrity. Each Christian is called for selfless and tireless service to Christ. To be discipled and to disciple others is the life of the Christian. The Holy Spirit strengthens for this life in Christ, through the grace of God the Father.