for Sunday, March 12, 2017, 2nd Sunday
in Lent, Year A, Readings: Genesis
12:1-4a, Psalm 121, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17; John 3:1-17
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So Abram went, as the LORD had told him... [Genesis 12:4a]
I lift my eyes to the hills; from where is my help to come? My help comes from the LORD; the maker of heaven and earth. [Psalm 121:1-2]
Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness...For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham...through the law but through the righteousness of faith. [Romans 4:3b, 13]
If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?...For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life. [John 3:12, 16]
Just what is Faith? In secular terms it can be
defined as belief in something without evidence, confidence in something or
someone, a specific set of religious beliefs... The linguistic roots of the
word are loyalty and trust. Blind Faith is often seen as
lacking in understanding or perception, acceptance without question, even an
unwillingness to question for fear of confusion. Yet what is faith without
examination? How do I know if I have faith, enough faith, the right
kind of faith - is it enough to accept what the priest, minister,
rabbi, guru, televangelist tells me? It must have been easier for Abram who
became Abraham - God said "Go" and he went. God told Abraham (later
on) to sacrifice his son Isaac, and he prepared to do just that.
Prophets of Old and Theologians from then til now from every
type, kind, sect, or denomination of religion or personal practice with
"religious" overtones, have been doing the hard work of study
and interpretation in order that we might understand our own
level of faith when we listen to sermons, read a daily meditation, or just believe
because. Paul, in his various letters, has clarified and confounded what it
means to have faith. In the 11th chapter of his letter to the Hebrews he outlines
the meaning of faith by giving examples of the actions of those who believed.
But we know from the study of plain ol' history, that people of faith -
Christians, Jews, Muslims, or any group outside and contrary to the plans of a
ruling authority, have suffered - and continue to suffer - mind-boggling
inhuman tortures. That alone is enough to dispel, for me, the notion of a magic God
who is in complete control and relieves me of any responsibility to think or
question. But even when I'm attempting to discern the difference between faith and
superstition, myth and history, doctrine and dogma, the only thing I'm certain
of is uncertainty as to the specifics of how, when, where, why I'm here and the
planet/universes/cosmos exists - that said, I am certain that there are
forces beyond my comprehension at work. Scientific, sure; Divine, I think so
but I am wary of creating God in my own image, making it easier for me to
accept or dismiss depending upon my mood on a given day. It's been said that if I
can define God, that god is too small. I am also sure that living either
in unfailing faith or with total lack thereof is impossible for anyone who
awakens in the morning. It's hard work, this faith stuff, an epic rabbit hole. If I ask for proof am I not doubting? If I don't see it can I believe it? Ask Thomas (John
20:24-29).
So, one conclusion is that faith, at best, is a conundrum. What it may be for you is likely not what it is for me - and as one tries to explain
or merely understand, it may be described either as a box of chocolates or a can
of worms. I know what I prefer but on the other hand, chocolate makes everything taste better, especially in Lent.
LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY
Leader: ~ O LORD, our Maker and our Help, sustain us in
our flawed and uncertain attempts in faith, that we may be intentional in our
efforts and earnest in our desire to live in this life as preparation for
eternal life with You.
God
of All that is
RESPONSE: Deliver us from doubt
~
O LORD, our Maker and our Help, we implore You to guide the leaders of all
governments across this Earth, this Nation, and this Community to genuine clarity
of judgment and sincere charity of spirit. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
God
of All that is
Deliver us from doubt
~ O LORD, our Maker and our Help, we lift our eyes to You and ask
relief for those who are ailing in body, mind, or spirit, for Your encouragement
for all who will take their first breath and those who will take their last, and for respite for those who give care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in
need…
God
of All that is
Deliver us from doubt
~
O LORD, our Maker and our Help, comfort grieving hearts with a foretaste of the joy and celebration
now enfolding those who have crossed over into new life, forever abiding in You. We pray especially for:
God
of All that is
Deliver us from doubt
~
O LORD, our Maker and our Help, we pause
in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, aloud
or silently…
God
of All that is
Deliver
us from doubt
~
O LORD, our Maker and our Help, nourish all who lead Your Church with the
unchangeable Truth of Your Presence within and without, as they guide and walk
with us toward Salvation through Christ. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
God
of All that is
Deliver us from doubt
The Celebrant adds: Living and Eternal God, You
promise us life unending and love without limit for the mere price of our
enduring faith. Instill in us a willingness to examine, deepen, and expand our
faith in these reflective days of Lent and beyond in any and all lands to which
we are called. We ask this through Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, and
Your Holy Spirit, our Sanctifier, who live and reign with You, One God, now and
for evermore. Amen.
All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com
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