Lent
March 1, 2018
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,
‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.’
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. –1 Corinthians 1:18-21
I had a relative who seemed destined to get into one mess or another causing his family to bail him out one time after another. My mother worried about him greatly and I know she prayed for him fervently to see the errors of his ways and repent. She also shared that message with him whenever she got the chance. It did not seem to phase him. He would just grin at her and laugh as he changed the subject or wondered out of hearing distance. Being with her during many of these conversations, I kept thinking he was one she might consider shaking the dust off her feet* and letting go. (Matthew 10:14) She never did. The last time we both saw him alive, he walked us to my car and patiently listened to her appeal. Opening the door on the passenger side of the car, he helped her in, smiled and said you have a safe trip home, Sister. (My Mom’s family nickname)
Such scenes regarding behavior that is generally considered inappropriate in society cause anguish but perhaps an even more challenging situation exists when the differences that divide us are rampant in our faith communities. How is it that we can discern the truth of God so very differently? How many precious resources of talent and time do we waste trying to one-up each other on who has a better grasp on God? Having studied the book of Amos recently and now Hosea, I came to believe that we could update the culture to the 21st century and see ourselves in almost every line of those two prophet’s words. People going through the motions of being religious were totally missing the mark.
I conclude that we must try a different tact. First, we need to let go of the things that divide us on all sides, which will be hard to do. We must identify the things on which we agree and work toward their actualization. I believe we will be surprised at how much we share, and I believe that if we worked together as the Body of Christ many of the things that divide us will take care of themselves as we love our neighbors as we love ourselves. I also think there is enough shared interest to keep us busy forever.
Prayer: Lord, guide us in finding our commonalities in faith. Help us work together to build a world powered by love. Amen.
*Matthew 10:14