Coffee, Tea, or Christ?
There are 100 million daily coffee drinkers in America. I drink tea. My favored flavor is a piping hot pot of Earl Grey. Even when I am cold, I never drink tea in flight. Its not because I am partial to garden tea parties, it’s simply that airline tea tastes like coffee. If you brew tea in a coffee pot, like they do on airplanes, it might as well be a cup of Joe.
As we take a smidge of tea and crumpets, let’s imagine that tea is tantamount to Christians while coffee is comparable to pagans. If tea loses its flavor, what good is tea? (Matthew 5:13). God calls Christians to renew the culture, not become a product of it (Romans 12:2). If you steep long enough in something, you take on its very likeness.
We know why pagans in our culture are marrying later or not at all, but why are Christians? Are we equally engaged in promiscuity, pornography, and pills? Why are large families a rarity in the pew? Why are prayerful parishioners and faith filled friends telling mothers to stop at “two”? Why are career ambitions elevated while motherhood is deflated? Should we indulge in pagan entertainment: questionable movies, shows, or music?
Unfortunately, pagan ideals are reshaping the world, and Christians are so often caught prey. Christians need to be more careful and conscious not to submit to secular ways. St. Paul reminds us that those we spend time with shape our morale. “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Where are Christians looking to form their identity?
Pagan ways are affecting believers. Christians have been called to a higher calling, but may be falling for Eden in too many instances. St Paul declares, “You must no longer live as the Gentiles do” (Ephesians 4:17). Today, do Christians appear as Gentiles or genuine followers? Christ proclaimed, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). As Christians, it is our job to change the world, not to be catechized by the culture.
If you find that you have faltered, turn back to Christ (Hosea 14:1). Forget tea or coffee, Christ has been poured out as a libation for our sins. “Drink of it, all of you; for this is my blood the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:27). In the Eucharist, we consume the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ. In our reception of this holy sacrament, let us take on the likeness of Christ. Let us go out and renew the culture, not become unrecognizably Christian.
Whether you drink your morning coffee or tea keep it Christian with blends by Mystic Monk, and be sure to read my book, The Princess Guide, while you enjoy your brew.
