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Epistle
Dear fellow pilgrims,
It was great to celebrate the 125th anniversary of C.S. Lewis’s birth with you last week and to participate in the first-ever C.S. Lewis Reading Day, organized by my friends at the Pints with Jack podcast!I am looking forward to being with you for class tomorrow night as we continue our marvelous journey together through Lewis’s The Last Battle. Please come to St. Philip’s early if you like and join us for our informal Eucharist at 5:30 in the church and a delicious dinner in the Parish Hall starting around 6:30 p.m.If you cannot join us in person, we will be livestreaming the class at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@StPhilipsChurch/streams
I have pasted in below the links from last week’s class, as well as the video Pints with Jack shared of our reading, Hope to see you tomorrow–come and bring a friend!
Further up and further in,
Brian+
The Rev’d Brian K. McGreevy, J.D.
Assistant to the Rector
St. Philip’s Church
142 Church Street
Charleston, SC 29401
www.saintphilips.church
Supporting Files
Video link for last class: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu-AcD40rkM
Podcast link for last class: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-10-mainly-about-dwarfs/id1707060670?i=1000637283475Music link from last week:
SUMMARY OF LAST WEEK’S TEACHINGChapter 7: Mainly About Dwarfs
—Tirian and company encounter a group of Dwarfs, whom they liberate from their Calormene captors
—Tirian reveals Puzzle and the lion skin to the Dwarfs, showing how the Ape tricked them
–Rather than rejoice at the news and commit to serving the true Aslan by fighting back against the Ape and the Calormenes, the Dwarfs instead choose cynicism and disbelief, shocking Tirian, and they march away
–One loyal Narnian dwarf, Poggin, makes his way back to join Tirian, and shares new information about the plots of the Enemy, now being directed by Ginger the Cat and Rishda Tarkaan
Themes in Chapter 7:
Clear evidence of the Truth may fail to convince skeptics whose hearts are hardened
Kindness and sacrifice may be met with indifference rather than gratitude
Cynicism and self-centeredness can blind people to the Truth
The physical presence of a friend in time of trial is a more important comfort than mere words
One convert who sees the Truth can bring great joy and encouragement
Lies can take on a life of their own and become the dominant narrative, changing behavior as a result
Unbelief and self-interest lead to regarding other creatures as only means to an end
Clear evidence of the Truth may fail to convince skeptics whose hearts are hardened
“Look!” said Tirian, pulling Puzzle forward into the light. “It has all been a lie. Aslan has not come to Narnia at all. You have been cheated by the Ape. This is the thing he brought out of the stable to show you. Look at it.”What the Dwarfs saw, now that they could see it close, was certainly enough to make them wonder how they had ever been taken in. The lionskin had got pretty untidy already during Puzzle’s long imprisonment in the stable and it had been knocked crooked during his journey through the dark wood. Most of it was in a big lump on one shoulder. The head, besides being pushed sidewise, had somehow got very far back so that anyone could now see his silly, gentle, donkey face gazing out of it… “This is my password,” said the King as he drew his sword. “The light is dawning, the lie broken. Now guard thee, miscreant, for I am Tirian of Narnia.” “Now, Dwarfs, you are free. Tomorrow I will lead you to free all Narnia. Three cheers for Aslan!” But the result which followed was simply wretched. There was a feeble attempt from a few Dwarfs (about five) which died away all at once: from several others there were sulky growls. Many said nothing at all. “Don’t they understand?” said Jill impatiently. “What’s wrong with all you Dwarfs? Don’t you hear what the King says? It’s all over. The Ape isn’t going to rule Narnia any longer. Everyone can go back to ordinary life. You can have fun again. Aren’t you glad?” “Well,” said the Black Dwarf (whose name was Griffle), “I don’t know how all you chaps feel, but I feel I’ve heard as much about Aslan as I want to for the rest of my life.” “That’s right, that’s right,” growled the other Dwarfs. “It’s all a trick, all a blooming trick.” “What do you mean?” said Tirian. He had not been pale when he was fighting but he was pale now. He had thought this was going to be a beautiful moment, but it was turning out more like a bad dream.
“You must think we’re blooming soft in the head, that you must,” said Griffle. “We’ve been taken in once and now you expect us to be taken in again the next minute. We’ve no more use for stories about Aslan, see! Look at him! An old moke with long ears!”
In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Cor. 4:4 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:18-20 An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies. Prov. 14:5 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 1 Tim. 4:2 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them —bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. 2 Peter 2:1-2
Kindness and sacrifice may be met with indifference rather than gratitude
“You keep a civil tongue in your head, Mister,” replied the Dwarf. “I don’t think we want any more kings — if you are Tirian, which you don’t look like him — no more than we want any Aslans. We’re going to look after ourselves from now on and touch our caps to nobody. See?” “That’s right,” said the other Dwarfs. “We’re on our own now. No more Aslan, no more kings, no more silly stories about other worlds. The Dwarfs are for the Dwarfs.” And they began to fall into their places and to get ready for marching back to wherever they had come from. “Little beasts!” said Eustace. “Aren’t you even going to say thank you for being saved from the salt-mines?” “Oh, we know all about that,” said Griffle over his shoulder. “You wanted to make use of us, that’s why you rescued us. You’re playing some game of your own. Come on you chaps.” And the Dwarfs struck up the queer little marching song which goes with the drumbeat, and off they tramped into the darkness.
For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 2 Tim. 3:2 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:17-19 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21
Cynicism and self-centeredness can blind people to the Truth
“We’ve been taken in once and now you expect us to be taken in again the next minute. We’ve no more use for stories about Aslan, see! Look at him! An old moke with long ears!” “By heaven, you make me mad,” said Tirian. “Which of us said that was Aslan? That is the Ape’s imitation of the real Aslan. Can’t you understand?” “And you’ve got a better imitation, I suppose!” said Griffle. “No thanks. We’ve been fooled once and we’re not going to be fooled again.” “I have not,” said Tirian angrily, “I serve the real Aslan.” “Where’s he? Who’s he? Show him to us!” said several Dwarfs. “Do you think I keep him in my wallet, fools?” said Tirian. “Who am I that I could make Aslan appear at my bidding? He’s not a tame lion.” The moment those words were out of his mouth he realised that he had made a false move. The Dwarfs at once began repeating “not a tame lion, not a tame lion,” in a jeering singsong. “That’s what the other lot kept on telling us,” said one. “Do you mean you don’t believe in the real Aslan?” said Jill. “But I’ve seen him. And he has sent us two here out of a different world.” “Ah,” said Griffle with a broad smile. “So you say. They’ve taught you your stuff all right. Saying your lessons, ain’t you?”
Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Prov. 9:7 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; Ps. 1:1 “To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’ Lk. 7:31-32 Then they said to Moses, “Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” Ex. 14:11-12 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” Heb. 12:15
The physical presence of a friend in time of trial can be a more important comfort than mere words
“They were a silent party. Puzzle felt himself to be still in disgrace, and also he didn’t really quite understand what had happened…Tirian and Jewel walked sadly together in the rear. The King had his arm on the Unicorn’s shoulder and sometimes the Unicorn nuzzled the King’s cheek with his soft nose. They did not try to comfort one another with words. It wasn’t very easy to think of anything to say that would be comforting. Tirian had never dreamed that one of the results of an Ape’s setting up a false Aslan would be to stop people from believing in the real one. He had felt quite sure that the Dwarfs would rally to his side the moment he showed them how they had been deceived. And then next night he would have led them to Stable Hill and shown Puzzle to all the creatures and everyone would have turned against the Ape and, perhaps after a scuffle with the Calormenes, the whole thing would have been over. But now, it seemed, he could count on nothing.”
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Ps. 23:4 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 2 Cor. 7:6 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. Jn. 16:22 After the Lord had spoken these words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. Job 42:7
One convert who sees the Truth can bring great joy and encouragement
“Sure enough, there was a thump-thump of small feet behind them. “Who goes there!” shouted the King. “Only me, Sire,” came a voice. “Me, Poggin the Dwarf. I’ve only just managed to get away from the others. I’m on your side, Sire: and on Aslan’s. If you can put a Dwarfish sword in my fist, I’d gladly strike a blow on the right side before all’s done.” Everyone crowded round him and welcomed him and praised him and slapped him on the back. Of course one single Dwarf could not make a very great difference, but it was somehow very cheering to have even one. The whole party brightened up.”
I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance. Luke 15:7 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. Phil. 2:20-22 Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 1 Timothy 4:9-11 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Lk. 23:39-43
Lies can take on a life of their own and become the dominant narrative, changing behavior as a result
“What tale do they tell of my escape?” “As cunning a tale, Sire, as ever was devised,” said Poggin. “It was the Cat, Ginger, who told it, and most likely made it up too. This Ginger, Sire — oh, he’s a slyboots if ever a cat was — said he was walking past the tree to which those villains bound your Majesty. And he said (saving your reverence) that you were howling and swearing and cursing Aslan: ‘language I wouldn’t like to repeat’ were the words he used, looking ever so prim and proper — you know the way a Cat can when it pleases. And then, says Ginger, Aslan himself suddenly appeared in a flash of lightning and swallowed your Majesty up at one mouthful. All the Beasts trembled at this story and some fainted right away. And of course the Ape followed it up. There, he says, see what Aslan does to those who don’t respect him. Let that be a warning to you all. And the poor creatures wailed and whined and said, it will, it will. So that in the upshot your Majesty’s escape has not set them thinking whether you still have loyal friends to aid you, but only made them more afraid and more obedient to the Ape.” “What devilish policy!” said Tirian.”
There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. Prov. 6:16-19 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Jn. 8:44 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Romans 16:18 And from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Acts 20:30 They are blind guides, and if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit. Mt. 15:14
Unbelief and self-interest lead to regarding other creatures as only means to an end
“And these two were Ginger and Rishda Tarkaan as they call him. ‘Noble Tarkaan,’ said the Cat in that silky voice of his. ‘I just wanted to know exactly what we both meant to-day about Aslan meaning no more than Tash.’ ‘Doubtless, most sagacious of cats,’ says the other, ‘you have perceived my meaning.’ ‘You mean,’ says Ginger, ‘that there’s no such person as either.’ ‘All who are enlightened know that,’ said the Tarkaan. ‘Then we can understand one another,’ purrs the Cat. ‘Do you, like me, grow a little weary of the Ape?’ ‘A stupid, greedy brute,’ says the other, ‘but we must use him for the present. Thou and I must provide for all things in secret and make the Ape do our will.’ ‘And it would be better, wouldn’t it,’ said Ginger, ‘to let some of the more enlightened Narnians into our counsels: one by one, as we find them apt. For the Beasts who really believe in Aslan may turn at any moment: and will, if the Ape’s folly betrays his secret. But those who care neither for Tash nor Aslan but have only an eye to their own profit, and such reward as the Tisroc may give them when Narnia is a Calormene province, will be firm.’ ‘Excellent Cat,’ said the Captain. ‘But choose which ones carefully.’”
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. Phil. 2:3-4 “Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Col. 4:1 Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts .James 5:4 Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.1 Pet. 5:2-3
