Libating In My Youth

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

I will be the first to admit that I made very bad decisions in my youth. I will also be the first to say that I wouldn't change a thing about those decisions I made, mostly because they've made me who I am today. Also, changing any of those decisions would have altered the path I was on enough so that it might be possible I would be in a different place in my life. I am very happy with who I am and where I am and can't imagine being anywhere or anyone else.

After reading today's passage a great memory about the rituals of my past came to mind; a ritual I had almost forgotten. If you'll allow it I want to tell you a story which best symbolizes this ritual.

As a senior in high school, not too far away from graduating, a group of my friends and I went to the library. Mind you, "going to the library" meant more than going to a building filled with books to study. It meant we were going to see if we could acquire alcohol and drink a little, not too much as it was a school night.

We were a respectable group of young men and didn't like lying to our parents, so when we told them we were going to the library, we actually did. I would usually drive and after a trip to the liquor store, where we were usually successful in buying a bottle of cheap wine, we would all ride together to the local community college's library parking lot.

The first thing we would always do after opening the bottle was to pour a little out and say the words, "For our brothers and sisters not with us tonight." This simple act, done with sincere reverence, somehow brought all of our friends together with us in that time and space. It was as though while only 2 or 3 of us were gathered, our entire community was with us.

This ritual continued throughout my youth and into adulthood. As I was finally able to quit the addictions which held me prisoner, I somehow still found a way to continue the ritual of libating; the ritual of pouring out a part of that which I was involved so as to include all of the people who were not there. The major difference between now and then is that what I pour out does not come from a bottle, but from my heart. I now choose to share my love with everyone.

Today's passage is found at the end of 2 Timothy. In this reading we are invited to hear Paul's voice remind us that as his life ends, he can rest in the knowledge that he did his best in being a vassal for Christ. The author of this letter shows Paul as someone who has had his heart, soul, and mind - that which is the vassal he has become - emptied in the hope that through his teachings, Paul's followers will do their best to do the same.

As Christians we are called to give everything we have in order to bring God's vision of a world filled with unconditional acceptance while ensuring that all people are taken care of. We should find as many ways as possible to guarantee that those who have been pushed to the outsides of society are once again brought in. My friends, we are asked to pour out just a little of what you have to include those who are not there.

As you pour it out, remember that all of your brothers and sisters are right there with you.