Articulating Hope
  • Home
  • Deacon Vernon's Blog
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Book Discussion Guide

Faithfulness or Rigidity?  It Seems to Be the Question

2/19/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
These definitions of faithful and rigid are from www.dictionary.com.

FAITHFUL
 
adjective
  1. true to one's word, promises, vows, etc.
  2. steady in allegiance or affection; loyal; constant: faithful friends.
  3. reliable, trusted, or believed.
  4. strict or thorough in the performance of duty: a faithful worker.
  5. adhering or true to fact, a standard, or an original; accurate:
a faithful account;
a faithful copy.
  
RIGID
 
adjective
  1. stiff or unyielding; not pliant or flexible; hard: a rigid strip of metal.
  2. firmly fixed or set.
  3. inflexible, strict, or severe: a rigid disciplinarian; rigid rules of social behavior.
  4. exacting; thorough; rigorous: a rigid examination.
  5. so as to meet precise standards; stringent: lenses ground to rigid specifications.
 
Look at the similarities in the definitions.  Particular words are used in the same numerical sequence for each word being defined. Numbers 4 and 5 correspond in an uncanny way.  Number 4 uses the word "thorough" under both words.  Number 5 refers to "standards" under both words.  Definition number 2 uses the word "steady" for faithful, and the words "firmly fixed" for rigid.

Is it possible that the individual who is striving to be faithful to Christ and His Church could be mischaracterized as being rigid?  Would we label some of the canonized saints as being rigid because of their austere practices of penance?

Let me combine each of the definitions in five statements.

1. For each of you striving to be true to your baptismal promises, thank you for being unyielding to the temptation to sin.

2. For each of you who are steady in allegiance and affection to Christ, thank you for staying firmly fixed and set on your desire for sanctity.

3. For each of you desiring to be reliable, trusted, and believed, thank you for your strict adherence to the teachings of Christ and His Church.

4. For each of you who are strict and thorough in the performance of your duties, thank you for your rigorous and exacting example.

5. For those of you adhering to the standards (teachings of the Church), thank you for demonstrating the stringent measures we can take to maintain purity of heart, mind, and soul.

"Go, and sin no more."  This is a very precise admonition from our Lord. Would "avoiding the near occasion of sin" ever possibly cause others to label someone as rigid? 

"Well done my good and faithful servant."  It definitely sounds better than, "Well done my good and rigid servant."  However, I still have to wonder how many times being "rigid" served a person well in remaining "faithful." 
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013

    Author

    This is my personal blog.  The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers.  This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.