Because we all have passions we ought not to have, complete faith in our own goodness of heart is impossible; a crooked rule makes the crooked straight and the straight crooked.

One of the most compelling characteristics of Dorotheos of Gaza is his absolute commitment not to harshly judge anyone. He doesn’t fixate on the fallen, sinful nature of human beings; he acknowledges that we are all less than perfect. He doesn’t berate, insult, assault, attack, condemn, humiliate, accuse, lash out, or shame. He doesn’t even defend himself when he is mistreated or abused. He simply sees people as people possessing some good qualities, some bad qualities, some strengths, some weaknesses, some virtues, some room for growth and improvement. I wish, I pray, I desire, I hunger for such a spirit of patience, tolerance, generosity, and peace. Thanks a lot, Dorotheos.

Are there absolute standards of conduct that should apply to all people? What about the 10 Commandments? Most Christians would say, “oh, yeah, you gotta keep the Big 10. No brainers. Don’t murder, don’t steal, don’t fool around. Yep, these are good for everyone; no question!” But we kill and find ways not to call it murder. We gossip, stealing someone’s good name and reputation, and don’t give it a second thought. You want a giggle? Ask Google how many Christians are committing adultery, see what AI says first, then check out the top five-to-ten entries below. Shame on us!

And what about keeping the Sabbath? Having no “gods” (idols, obsessions, pursuits) but God? Not coveting? Bringing honor to your parents by everything you think, say, and do (which is the literal meaning of the commandment).

See, Jesus tried to tell us that God understood that “we all have passions we ought not to have,” and that personal purity and perfection is impossible. He also assured us that what is impossible for us is well within God’s wheelhouse. Goodness of heart is not something you or I can accomplish alone, but it is a gift God desperately wants us to have! Our best efforts, our best intentions, our most sincere New Year’s resolutions will. not. cut. it. Not because we are bad, but because we are incomplete. We lack all the tools and resources needed to be perfect on our own. But Dorotheos’s good buddy, John Wesley*, understood that God is working within each of us to “perfect us in love in this life.”**

*I have no idea whether Wesley knew of Dorotheos, and I am 99% certain that 6th century Dorotheos wasn’t aware of 18th century Wesley. **Note that Wesley said, “in this life,” not “in this lifetime.” He wasn’t referring to a period of time, but in the life devoted to Christ.

The season of Advent is a reminder that we NEED a Savior. Centuries of faithful Hebrew and Jewish devotion occurred under the dominance and hegemony of conquering oppressors. Without God, the Jewish faith could not have survived. Yet, holding fast in trust and faith was never easy, exemplified by the devastation of the Babylonian exile and the diaspora under the Roman Empire. It was in this period of desolation and despair that an infant was born in humble surroundings in an out-of-the-way village. Even with the birth of the Messiah, nothing of significance changed for the residents of the first decade of the Common Era.

We have had more than adequate evidence that human beings are incapable of creating heaven on earth. “A crooked rule makes the crooked straight and the straight crooked,” but not because we are bad or fundamentally flawed.

Okay, I know I am running on at this point, but I want to add one more idea at this point that Dorotheos will come back to later on. One of God’s greatest gifts to God’s children is us. Yes, we are the problem, but we are also part of the divine solution. God intends that we live together in communities of faith. Maybe not “the church” the way we have ill-defined it in our day, but in real, authentic, affective relationships of people seeking to love God and neighbor with all heart, soul, mind, and strength. So, for reflection:

What relationships strengthen you in your faith and in your relationship with God? How honestly and openly can you admit and name your “passions?” Where do you find the greatest hope for your own “goodness of heart?”