I’m taking a somewhat new tack this week, less reflection
and more description of the sermon (link below). Today was a day to celebrate
the promise of a new beginning and the culmination of our life passed but not
forgotten. While we know God has been with God's chosen people since the
beginning of time, and will be forevermore, it can be difficult to see that in
the present moment and when the deck appears to be stacked against us. That is
part of the story of Isaiah's 65th chapter and our discussion in Sunday school.
Readings: Isaiah 65:17-25; Canticle 9; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke 21:5-19
Today's sermon was influenced by the gospel reading (Luke
21:5-19) as that influences the second letter to the Thessalonians 3:6-13 (Do
not associate with idlers). I reflected on how the letter to the Thessalonians
seems to feed the "American Dream" - you can never have enough and
you can always work harder. Yet Jesus tells us that we won't know when the end
is near except that it is. Those scripture remind us to do God's work - which
in the perspective of the church is to change lives in a way that society does
not; by focusing on the complete and fulfilling life with God. I tried to
address how we are invited to move from the esoteric statement "to change
lives" to a means by which we practically can change lives - by sharing the
bounty we have and by sharing our relationship (warts and all) with others.
I invite your comments,
Les+Readings: Isaiah 65:17-25; Canticle 9; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke 21:5-19
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