From Where I Sit...

It's been quite a week.

Not just for me but for anyone who happens to be paying attention. Such conflicting emotions, such a test of ethical constructs, such a challenge to anything I preach that I believe. Ugh.

As I normally do, I turned to some writers to find some guidance and direction.

There is a stable of authors and thinkers I keep at hand when I need help or consolation. John Wesley, as a young man, used the words of Thomas Aquinas and declared himself to be an “homo unis libri” - a man of one book. Later on in his life he changed his mind and quietly found help and inspiration from a number of thinkers. Like I do.

Finally I was sent to 1 Timothy 1:18-20 (NRSVUE)

This charge I commit to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies made earlier about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, having faith and a good conscience. By rejecting conscience, certain persons have suffered shipwreck in the faith; among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have turned over to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.

Or, in other words, “Hang in there. You know what to do - keep doing it. There are some who have lost sight of their faith and have crashed and burned. Let God take care of them.”

Yeah, it has been a tough few days, weeks, months, years - or more. Anyone with any understanding has to cry with the psalmist, “How long, oh Lord?” But that’s not a question that will ever be answered. We are, blessedly, not called to be successful in our work and ministry but simply to be faithful. That doesn’t mean we don’t work like the dickens for peace and justice and God’s love. It does mean that there are some forces outside of our control. We must do the best we can - and then sleep at night as best we can.

This time, though, I turned to the Bible. Using the lectionary (a schedule of Bible readings), I looked for comfort. I was directed first to a couple of psalms - both of which talked about God or about God directing someone else to beat the bejeebers out of someone. No help. Then I was sent to Jeremiah and Amos, two of God’s prophets that were always looking for someone they could smack, all in the name of the Holy. Nope, no help there, either.

You know what to do - keep doing it. Love God. Love one another.

With prayers for peace and HOPE,

Rev. Wally