Ash Wednesday
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VI, Cycle B
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 (C, E); Joel 2:12-18 (RC)
Although the main emphasis in the Old Testament is on the power of God with justice as the primary concern, love does appear from time to time as in this passage. Joel, while warning the people of dire consequences for wrongdoing, also assures them of a warm welcome home for those who return to the Lord. Then they will encounter a loving, forgiving God. ThatÍs a word we all need to hear. I doubt that any of us makes it through many days without doing or saying something or other which is hurtful and wrong. Maybe something terrible, even. One thing the Bible contends is that there are consequences for this. I noticed in Billy GrahamÍs column just this morning a letter from a woman who said her father was indicted for embezzlement and now she and her entire family are the object of ridicule in their local community. She asked GrahamÍs advice as to whether she should leave her home and find a new place to live. He replied that he couldnÍt answer that, but she certainly gave an example of the way that sinful acts always have bad consequences, not only for the wrongdoer but usually for others as well.
Joel here reminds us that if we repent „ he didnÍt use that word but he described that action „ we can be forgiven. What we must understand is that while repentance begins with remorse, it doesnÍt end there. ItÍs too easy to feel sorry about something weÍve done, yet to repeat the action under similar circumstances next time. We all know about that. Repentance requires a decision to be different, and it also requires some inward change which enables us to be different. God can see to that change, which is why repentance is not possible apart from a relationship with God.
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 5:20b„6:10 (C, E); 2 Corinthians 5:20„6:2 (RC)
My goodness, this passage is loaded with preaching possibilities. LetÍs see if we can identify them all. First, Paul writes: ñLet God change you from enemies into his friends.'' We just discussed the matter of repentance wherein it requires that God work within us. Here we have that promise. Then we could preach on the idea that Jesus, though sinless, was made to share our sin in order to be able to identify with us. ThereÍs a bit of a semantic problem here. Does Paul mean that Jesus was actually sinful? ñGod made him share our sin,'' Paul wrote. Does he mean that Jesus at least struggled with ethical issues, even though he did the right thing? After all, if Jesus was created perfect with no such problem with moral temptation, how can he identify with the likes of you and me with all those temptations we have to struggle with day after day? ThatÍs something to deal with.
ñToday is the day to be saved.'' What a great sermon title. The time is now. Each person hearing our words could be exhorted to make his decision now if it hasnÍt been made before. God has heard our calls for help, has shown us his favor. This was done in an effort on GodÍs part to win our loyalty.
Patience in the face of adversity. ThereÍs another sermon title. Paul describes some of the awful events he has had to cope with „ beaten, jailed, mobbed, overworked, gone without sleep and food „ but he and his friends have triumphed. This because of a combination of means. Paul and his friends have displayed ñpurity, knowledge, patience, and kindness.'' Thus, they have shown themselves ñto be GodÍs servants.'' How? ñBy the Holy Spirit.'' There we have the combination which enables anyone to face squarely all troubles: my qualities of character brought to bear, together with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
Still another sermon possibility is to be found in these words of Paul: ñAlthough saddened, we are always glad; we seem poor, but we have made many people rich; we seem to have nothing, yet we really possess everything.'' He seems to mean that when our prayer life is healthy, and our trust in GodÍs presence is secure, and when we always do what we know to be right, we will always be wealthy human beings in the best sense of that word no matter what worldly privations we may face.
Or, we can do an overall view of this passage. Let me first observe, though, that some of the best preachers I have heard have been people who tend to use one simple (simple in the sense of length) passage and drive that home like a hammer to a nail. But here we could point out that PaulÍs overarching message here is that the living of this life with all its trials and problems requires of us high qualities of character „ moral excellence, patience, and kindness „ and with those at hand, the Holy Spirit will add whatever may be missing to see that our lives are eminently successful in the best sense of that word. We can make this possible through faithful prayer and firm determination never to do something we know to be hurtful or wrong no matter what is at stake.
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (C, E); Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 (RC)
ñReward.'' Ah, thereÍs a problem for us right at the start. HavenÍt we all been taught that doing right, being faithful should never be motivated by selfish gain? Well, to tell the truth, a lot of my prayer life is either blatantly or at least subtly trying to get help from God for one reason or another. I have to hope that God understands that having made me with feet of clay, he isnÍt surprised at this. I also rely on the belief that since God loves me just as I love my kid, he will smile (forgive the anthropomorphism) and help out anyway. Call that a reward. So Matthew is quoting Jesus here as saying that there are two kinds of reward. One is public acclaim „ fame, high regard, pleasure at being seen as oh so righteous. Jesus assumes that the public display of religious activity is privately motivated by desire for such rewards, it is hypocrisy, and while it may succeed in the physical world, it doesnÍt fool God.
The other reward is far more profound. It is all those inner feelings of warm love, of self-confidence, of having done what we know to be right. If we quietly pray and otherwise perform whatever religious duties our particular denominational choices prescribe, doing so privately, if we are generous in our charities, never telling anyone about them, God will see to our inner life in a wonderful way. As for the Holy Spirit helping us in times of special need, count on it.
This does raise a bit of a problem in the matter of public worship, but I imagine Matthew would have clarified this by saying that corporate worship has its place. He was simply meaning that the motivation of a desire for public approval is wrong. I used to have a friend who, not liking my theology very well, would take me to a nice downtown restaurant for lunch. His obvious intention was to straighten me out. He always started with the insistence that anyone who had doubts about MaryÍs virginity wasnÍt a very good Christian. But he always preceded our discussion by saying grace at the table in a voice just a bit louder than necessary, and the prayer went on quite a while. Frankly, I was uncomfortable. I have always admired those families which one sometimes sees saying grace in a restaurant, but it isnÍt my thing. I believe as Jesus said here in the passage „ privately. Incidentally, I referred to that man as a former friend since he finally gave up and left the church. My point is that any demonstration of piety if designed to demonstrate to others how good we are, even if thereÍs only a tiny bit of such motivation, will probably qualify as hypocrisy.
For those who feel differently, though, there is the story of a farmer who was having lunch in his small-town restaurant when several unruly young men came in to eat. The elderly farmer quietly bowed his head to say grace, and one young man, thinking to make fun of the old fellow, called out so everyone could hear: ñDoes everyone do that around here?'' The farmer smiled and replied: ñNo. The pigs donÍt.''
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: ñRepentance: A New Relationship''
Text: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Theme: Given the fact that we are all sinful in one way or another, it follows that we are also in need of repentance for our sins. This is only possible when we are able to recognize those sins. Many people in our society are raised in families where the values are so disgraceful, they literally donÍt know what is right. This means one must first be convicted, that is, one must first learn the true nature of sin. It is unlovingness in all its forms. From that point, repentance has three stages.
1. Repentance begins with remorse. Until I am sorry for what I have done or left undone, the process stops dead. But when I am sorry, there is hope.
2. Repentance then requires that I determine not to do or say the things which are wrong, which hurt. An effort of the will is important. God may be able to do miracles, but God also guarantees our freedom, and that means I canÍt be forced to love. But if I choose to love, choose kindness and righteousness, then I have hope.
3. Repentance finally is complete when I am literally a different person. In the epistle passage for this Sunday we find these opening words: ñLet God change you from enemies into his friends.'' There it is. Let God change you.
Title: ñPatience In The Face Of Adversity''
Text: 2 Corinthians 5:4-6
Theme: We discussed several possible sermon themes. We pastors spend a lot of time with people during their difficult hours, do we not? Some of us have faced adversity. Others have learned by seeing our people in times of trouble, learned that God is always faithful to help. But God also expects us to do our very best as well. Peter wrote: ñOne is approved if, mindful of God, he endures....'' Paul himself assured us that suffering produces character. ItÍs certain to be part of the experience of us all sooner or later. Maybe even frequently. So this word is a needed word.
1. All of us must face adversity. Its effect is, if faced properly, to build character.
2. God has promised help in times of trouble.
3. It is the combination of our patience and kindness, together with the help which God will provide, which will enable us to triumph over all our troubles, provided we are true to our ethical beliefs.
Title: ñGod Will Reward You''
Text: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Theme: The point is clear enough; we are not to advertise our faith in blatant display. However, while this was quite normal in JesusÍ time, it isnÍt very often to be observed today. I would say that many more Christians quietly conceal their faith than display it. I know any number of fine human beings who practice their faith in many ways by the quality of their lives and their treatment of others, yet youÍd have to follow them on Sunday to learn that they actually go to church. This passage could be used in regard to charitable acts. I have always been a bit uncomfortable with hospital wings and church windows and such being named after individuals. It always seemed to me that those folks were wasting their money if they thought they were making God happy. Of course if their primary desire was for public recognition, then it probably succeeded. However, I suppose fund-raising experts would disagree.
In this sermon, I would place the emphasis on the promise of reward, but reward as Jesus used the word. He did not mean material rewards. However, all well-thinking people have had the experience of doing something for someone else, selflessly, willingly, maybe even impulsively, then experiencing the reward „ that good feeling deep down. Dr. Barclay tells of the time the poet George Herbert was on his way to a musical group performance in which he was to take part. He passed a cart in a ditch, its owner futilely trying to drag it free. Herbert laid aside his instrument and got down in the mud to help. It took a long time, but the two got the cart free. Then, covered with mud, Herbert went to the place of the musical but it was over. He explained what had delayed him, and one of the other musicians said, ñBut you missed the music.'' ñYes,'' Herbert replied, ñbut I shall have a song at midnight.''
1. Jesus promised rewards for right and faithful conduct.
2. The ñrewards'' are not in material form. They are something deep within where such conditions as happiness and joy are to be found.
3. Our motivations are important. The person who does an act of charity with the intention of receiving a reward will be disappointed. On the other hand, an act of charity given or performed in love will be rewarded, even if it is discovered. I think it was Emerson who observed that ñthe greatest joy is to be found doing a secret good.'' In other words, thereÍs nothing wrong with feeling good about something you have done. In fact, thatÍs part of the reward God gives. But it must be genuine.
4. WeÍre all human, and we all „ at least nearly all of us „ want GodÍs help in the living of life. When we pray, because we are sinful, there is frequently an element of begging for a reward of one kind or another. I think God understands and forgives this so long as we arenÍt out and out trying to fool God. What we are to do is follow our inclinations to do good for others and not worry about GodÍs part. Just remember, he loves us and wants the best for us.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
I knew a nurse who worked in the childrenÍs cancer ward in my city. She frequently complained to her roommate how terrible she found it to watch little ones suffer, to see mothers and fathers struggle to appear calm until they found their way into the hallway, there to weep inconsolably at what was happening. One day this nurse went home and killed herself.
____________
An author whose wife died during the early years of their happy marriage once made the happy discovery of this truth. He wrote the following letter, as though to his wife:
ñDearest Love:
ñIÍm sitting before the fire now where you and I shared so many perfect hours together. A crust of ice already covers the pond and the second winter since your leaving has settled over the earth. Perhaps you can forgive me for calling you back this once. As when we were together, I find myself needing one more time to share with you the deepest contents of my heart. And then, my love, I shall let you go until we meet somewhere.
ñAs you know „ for some deep instinct persuades me you have continued to sense my moods „ even as you so easily did in life „ as you know, I suffered more deeply in sorrow than I dared even let any of our friends know after your death. My grief was the profoundest pain I have ever known. Though the sun often shone in the heavens, dark clouds were ever present in my heart, and for the longest time I knew I should never know love, or peace, or joy again. So often I was tortured by the memories of your joyous laughter and your soothing touch. Each corner I turned, each drawer I opened, each time I made the bed „ our bed „ some plaguing reminder opened again the flowing wounds of my grieving heart. As I believe you also know, there were moments when in my desolation I toyed with the thought of following you in death, though you always knew me as a passionate lover of life.
ñI cannot say how it happened. Maybe youÍll be amused at what I now tell you; surely you have a right to be. It happened in a church, of all places. It was a lonely church; dark, damp, covered with vines, all in all a particularly dreary sounding place when one describes it, hardly where one would expect to encounter joy. Why I entered IÍm not sure. Perhaps it was the authentic Norman portico. Or the slightly altered Medieval nave. Whatever the reason, I was somehow drawn to its heart and there, in an awful stillness, I sat in heartbroken loneliness and prayed. Possibly that will surprise you. One of my regrets is the way I let you develop your faith with hardly more than ill-concealed tolerance. How little I knew then. But as I sat in the darkened loneliness of that deserted, ancient church, and poured out my grief against its silence, a quiet settled on my saddened heart like nothing I have ever known. It was as though someone heard, and understood, though I looked around and saw no one. You will not laugh, I know (for you never laughed at me when I was truly serious): as I wept there, arms enfolded me. Not really, I suppose. That is, I was still alone. Nothing touched me physically. And yet, I have no other way to say to you what happened: arms enfolded me, and I found myself surrounded by what I have since come to think of as the awful mercy of God. My dear, I do not understand this, but as I sat there I was healed. My heart, which will always preserve a place for you through all eternity, was restored and my grief was gone.
ñThe ice grows heavy over the earth, my love. Now is winter. But inside me is a warmth I have rarely known, except in those special moments between us. And in my heart is springtime. Good-bye, my dear. May your life be filled with the joy that is part of your world. I will not call you back anymore. I have a new life to live now; new friends to meet, who knows, maybe if it is to be, a new love to find. God go with you as, to my delighted surprise, I have learned he does with me. And I am whole once more in the awful, splendid Grace of God.''
____________
Charlie Brown announced his new philosophy of life: ñI only dread one day at a time.''
____________
Some years ago, a book on child psychology reported about a mother who brought her little boy in because she was having terrible problems with him. He was well on his way to being an antisocial human being. The psychologist told the mother there was very little he could do until the child was older with a more developed ego. Mother took the child home and the family alternated between strict discipline and permissive love. Nothing worked. One day they bought the child a puppy. A few days later, the child came rushing into the kitchen in tears. He wrapped his arms around mother and sobbed out a story of guilt, the first such display she had ever seen from her son. She finally learned what had happened. The boy was trying to teach his puppy to do tricks. The puppy, of course, didnÍt understand and finally, in exasperation, the boy kicked the pup as hard as he could. For a moment, the dog had laid there, stunned, blood on the edge of his mouth. Then recovering, the puppy had crawled over to the boy and licked his hand. That did it. To be loved after doing something so hurtful was more than the child could bear. His guilt overwhelmed him with grief. The book which recorded this transaction reported that from that moment, the boy began to change. What a remarkable evidence of the power of irresistible love to overcome.
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 51:1-17 (C) „ ñHave mercy on me, O God.''
Psalm 50 (RC) „ ñThe mighty One, God the Lord.''
Psalm 103 (E) „ ñBless the Lord, O my soul.''
Prayer Of The Day
Forgive our foolish ways, O Lord. Grant us energy and strength for this day. Show us what we are to do in order to do thy will. Keep us firm in the right. Forgive us when we fail of kindness, but make us kind. In ChristÍs name we pray. Amen.
Lesson 1: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 (C, E); Joel 2:12-18 (RC)
Although the main emphasis in the Old Testament is on the power of God with justice as the primary concern, love does appear from time to time as in this passage. Joel, while warning the people of dire consequences for wrongdoing, also assures them of a warm welcome home for those who return to the Lord. Then they will encounter a loving, forgiving God. ThatÍs a word we all need to hear. I doubt that any of us makes it through many days without doing or saying something or other which is hurtful and wrong. Maybe something terrible, even. One thing the Bible contends is that there are consequences for this. I noticed in Billy GrahamÍs column just this morning a letter from a woman who said her father was indicted for embezzlement and now she and her entire family are the object of ridicule in their local community. She asked GrahamÍs advice as to whether she should leave her home and find a new place to live. He replied that he couldnÍt answer that, but she certainly gave an example of the way that sinful acts always have bad consequences, not only for the wrongdoer but usually for others as well.
Joel here reminds us that if we repent „ he didnÍt use that word but he described that action „ we can be forgiven. What we must understand is that while repentance begins with remorse, it doesnÍt end there. ItÍs too easy to feel sorry about something weÍve done, yet to repeat the action under similar circumstances next time. We all know about that. Repentance requires a decision to be different, and it also requires some inward change which enables us to be different. God can see to that change, which is why repentance is not possible apart from a relationship with God.
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 5:20b„6:10 (C, E); 2 Corinthians 5:20„6:2 (RC)
My goodness, this passage is loaded with preaching possibilities. LetÍs see if we can identify them all. First, Paul writes: ñLet God change you from enemies into his friends.'' We just discussed the matter of repentance wherein it requires that God work within us. Here we have that promise. Then we could preach on the idea that Jesus, though sinless, was made to share our sin in order to be able to identify with us. ThereÍs a bit of a semantic problem here. Does Paul mean that Jesus was actually sinful? ñGod made him share our sin,'' Paul wrote. Does he mean that Jesus at least struggled with ethical issues, even though he did the right thing? After all, if Jesus was created perfect with no such problem with moral temptation, how can he identify with the likes of you and me with all those temptations we have to struggle with day after day? ThatÍs something to deal with.
ñToday is the day to be saved.'' What a great sermon title. The time is now. Each person hearing our words could be exhorted to make his decision now if it hasnÍt been made before. God has heard our calls for help, has shown us his favor. This was done in an effort on GodÍs part to win our loyalty.
Patience in the face of adversity. ThereÍs another sermon title. Paul describes some of the awful events he has had to cope with „ beaten, jailed, mobbed, overworked, gone without sleep and food „ but he and his friends have triumphed. This because of a combination of means. Paul and his friends have displayed ñpurity, knowledge, patience, and kindness.'' Thus, they have shown themselves ñto be GodÍs servants.'' How? ñBy the Holy Spirit.'' There we have the combination which enables anyone to face squarely all troubles: my qualities of character brought to bear, together with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
Still another sermon possibility is to be found in these words of Paul: ñAlthough saddened, we are always glad; we seem poor, but we have made many people rich; we seem to have nothing, yet we really possess everything.'' He seems to mean that when our prayer life is healthy, and our trust in GodÍs presence is secure, and when we always do what we know to be right, we will always be wealthy human beings in the best sense of that word no matter what worldly privations we may face.
Or, we can do an overall view of this passage. Let me first observe, though, that some of the best preachers I have heard have been people who tend to use one simple (simple in the sense of length) passage and drive that home like a hammer to a nail. But here we could point out that PaulÍs overarching message here is that the living of this life with all its trials and problems requires of us high qualities of character „ moral excellence, patience, and kindness „ and with those at hand, the Holy Spirit will add whatever may be missing to see that our lives are eminently successful in the best sense of that word. We can make this possible through faithful prayer and firm determination never to do something we know to be hurtful or wrong no matter what is at stake.
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (C, E); Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 (RC)
ñReward.'' Ah, thereÍs a problem for us right at the start. HavenÍt we all been taught that doing right, being faithful should never be motivated by selfish gain? Well, to tell the truth, a lot of my prayer life is either blatantly or at least subtly trying to get help from God for one reason or another. I have to hope that God understands that having made me with feet of clay, he isnÍt surprised at this. I also rely on the belief that since God loves me just as I love my kid, he will smile (forgive the anthropomorphism) and help out anyway. Call that a reward. So Matthew is quoting Jesus here as saying that there are two kinds of reward. One is public acclaim „ fame, high regard, pleasure at being seen as oh so righteous. Jesus assumes that the public display of religious activity is privately motivated by desire for such rewards, it is hypocrisy, and while it may succeed in the physical world, it doesnÍt fool God.
The other reward is far more profound. It is all those inner feelings of warm love, of self-confidence, of having done what we know to be right. If we quietly pray and otherwise perform whatever religious duties our particular denominational choices prescribe, doing so privately, if we are generous in our charities, never telling anyone about them, God will see to our inner life in a wonderful way. As for the Holy Spirit helping us in times of special need, count on it.
This does raise a bit of a problem in the matter of public worship, but I imagine Matthew would have clarified this by saying that corporate worship has its place. He was simply meaning that the motivation of a desire for public approval is wrong. I used to have a friend who, not liking my theology very well, would take me to a nice downtown restaurant for lunch. His obvious intention was to straighten me out. He always started with the insistence that anyone who had doubts about MaryÍs virginity wasnÍt a very good Christian. But he always preceded our discussion by saying grace at the table in a voice just a bit louder than necessary, and the prayer went on quite a while. Frankly, I was uncomfortable. I have always admired those families which one sometimes sees saying grace in a restaurant, but it isnÍt my thing. I believe as Jesus said here in the passage „ privately. Incidentally, I referred to that man as a former friend since he finally gave up and left the church. My point is that any demonstration of piety if designed to demonstrate to others how good we are, even if thereÍs only a tiny bit of such motivation, will probably qualify as hypocrisy.
For those who feel differently, though, there is the story of a farmer who was having lunch in his small-town restaurant when several unruly young men came in to eat. The elderly farmer quietly bowed his head to say grace, and one young man, thinking to make fun of the old fellow, called out so everyone could hear: ñDoes everyone do that around here?'' The farmer smiled and replied: ñNo. The pigs donÍt.''
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: ñRepentance: A New Relationship''
Text: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Theme: Given the fact that we are all sinful in one way or another, it follows that we are also in need of repentance for our sins. This is only possible when we are able to recognize those sins. Many people in our society are raised in families where the values are so disgraceful, they literally donÍt know what is right. This means one must first be convicted, that is, one must first learn the true nature of sin. It is unlovingness in all its forms. From that point, repentance has three stages.
1. Repentance begins with remorse. Until I am sorry for what I have done or left undone, the process stops dead. But when I am sorry, there is hope.
2. Repentance then requires that I determine not to do or say the things which are wrong, which hurt. An effort of the will is important. God may be able to do miracles, but God also guarantees our freedom, and that means I canÍt be forced to love. But if I choose to love, choose kindness and righteousness, then I have hope.
3. Repentance finally is complete when I am literally a different person. In the epistle passage for this Sunday we find these opening words: ñLet God change you from enemies into his friends.'' There it is. Let God change you.
Title: ñPatience In The Face Of Adversity''
Text: 2 Corinthians 5:4-6
Theme: We discussed several possible sermon themes. We pastors spend a lot of time with people during their difficult hours, do we not? Some of us have faced adversity. Others have learned by seeing our people in times of trouble, learned that God is always faithful to help. But God also expects us to do our very best as well. Peter wrote: ñOne is approved if, mindful of God, he endures....'' Paul himself assured us that suffering produces character. ItÍs certain to be part of the experience of us all sooner or later. Maybe even frequently. So this word is a needed word.
1. All of us must face adversity. Its effect is, if faced properly, to build character.
2. God has promised help in times of trouble.
3. It is the combination of our patience and kindness, together with the help which God will provide, which will enable us to triumph over all our troubles, provided we are true to our ethical beliefs.
Title: ñGod Will Reward You''
Text: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Theme: The point is clear enough; we are not to advertise our faith in blatant display. However, while this was quite normal in JesusÍ time, it isnÍt very often to be observed today. I would say that many more Christians quietly conceal their faith than display it. I know any number of fine human beings who practice their faith in many ways by the quality of their lives and their treatment of others, yet youÍd have to follow them on Sunday to learn that they actually go to church. This passage could be used in regard to charitable acts. I have always been a bit uncomfortable with hospital wings and church windows and such being named after individuals. It always seemed to me that those folks were wasting their money if they thought they were making God happy. Of course if their primary desire was for public recognition, then it probably succeeded. However, I suppose fund-raising experts would disagree.
In this sermon, I would place the emphasis on the promise of reward, but reward as Jesus used the word. He did not mean material rewards. However, all well-thinking people have had the experience of doing something for someone else, selflessly, willingly, maybe even impulsively, then experiencing the reward „ that good feeling deep down. Dr. Barclay tells of the time the poet George Herbert was on his way to a musical group performance in which he was to take part. He passed a cart in a ditch, its owner futilely trying to drag it free. Herbert laid aside his instrument and got down in the mud to help. It took a long time, but the two got the cart free. Then, covered with mud, Herbert went to the place of the musical but it was over. He explained what had delayed him, and one of the other musicians said, ñBut you missed the music.'' ñYes,'' Herbert replied, ñbut I shall have a song at midnight.''
1. Jesus promised rewards for right and faithful conduct.
2. The ñrewards'' are not in material form. They are something deep within where such conditions as happiness and joy are to be found.
3. Our motivations are important. The person who does an act of charity with the intention of receiving a reward will be disappointed. On the other hand, an act of charity given or performed in love will be rewarded, even if it is discovered. I think it was Emerson who observed that ñthe greatest joy is to be found doing a secret good.'' In other words, thereÍs nothing wrong with feeling good about something you have done. In fact, thatÍs part of the reward God gives. But it must be genuine.
4. WeÍre all human, and we all „ at least nearly all of us „ want GodÍs help in the living of life. When we pray, because we are sinful, there is frequently an element of begging for a reward of one kind or another. I think God understands and forgives this so long as we arenÍt out and out trying to fool God. What we are to do is follow our inclinations to do good for others and not worry about GodÍs part. Just remember, he loves us and wants the best for us.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
I knew a nurse who worked in the childrenÍs cancer ward in my city. She frequently complained to her roommate how terrible she found it to watch little ones suffer, to see mothers and fathers struggle to appear calm until they found their way into the hallway, there to weep inconsolably at what was happening. One day this nurse went home and killed herself.
____________
An author whose wife died during the early years of their happy marriage once made the happy discovery of this truth. He wrote the following letter, as though to his wife:
ñDearest Love:
ñIÍm sitting before the fire now where you and I shared so many perfect hours together. A crust of ice already covers the pond and the second winter since your leaving has settled over the earth. Perhaps you can forgive me for calling you back this once. As when we were together, I find myself needing one more time to share with you the deepest contents of my heart. And then, my love, I shall let you go until we meet somewhere.
ñAs you know „ for some deep instinct persuades me you have continued to sense my moods „ even as you so easily did in life „ as you know, I suffered more deeply in sorrow than I dared even let any of our friends know after your death. My grief was the profoundest pain I have ever known. Though the sun often shone in the heavens, dark clouds were ever present in my heart, and for the longest time I knew I should never know love, or peace, or joy again. So often I was tortured by the memories of your joyous laughter and your soothing touch. Each corner I turned, each drawer I opened, each time I made the bed „ our bed „ some plaguing reminder opened again the flowing wounds of my grieving heart. As I believe you also know, there were moments when in my desolation I toyed with the thought of following you in death, though you always knew me as a passionate lover of life.
ñI cannot say how it happened. Maybe youÍll be amused at what I now tell you; surely you have a right to be. It happened in a church, of all places. It was a lonely church; dark, damp, covered with vines, all in all a particularly dreary sounding place when one describes it, hardly where one would expect to encounter joy. Why I entered IÍm not sure. Perhaps it was the authentic Norman portico. Or the slightly altered Medieval nave. Whatever the reason, I was somehow drawn to its heart and there, in an awful stillness, I sat in heartbroken loneliness and prayed. Possibly that will surprise you. One of my regrets is the way I let you develop your faith with hardly more than ill-concealed tolerance. How little I knew then. But as I sat in the darkened loneliness of that deserted, ancient church, and poured out my grief against its silence, a quiet settled on my saddened heart like nothing I have ever known. It was as though someone heard, and understood, though I looked around and saw no one. You will not laugh, I know (for you never laughed at me when I was truly serious): as I wept there, arms enfolded me. Not really, I suppose. That is, I was still alone. Nothing touched me physically. And yet, I have no other way to say to you what happened: arms enfolded me, and I found myself surrounded by what I have since come to think of as the awful mercy of God. My dear, I do not understand this, but as I sat there I was healed. My heart, which will always preserve a place for you through all eternity, was restored and my grief was gone.
ñThe ice grows heavy over the earth, my love. Now is winter. But inside me is a warmth I have rarely known, except in those special moments between us. And in my heart is springtime. Good-bye, my dear. May your life be filled with the joy that is part of your world. I will not call you back anymore. I have a new life to live now; new friends to meet, who knows, maybe if it is to be, a new love to find. God go with you as, to my delighted surprise, I have learned he does with me. And I am whole once more in the awful, splendid Grace of God.''
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Charlie Brown announced his new philosophy of life: ñI only dread one day at a time.''
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Some years ago, a book on child psychology reported about a mother who brought her little boy in because she was having terrible problems with him. He was well on his way to being an antisocial human being. The psychologist told the mother there was very little he could do until the child was older with a more developed ego. Mother took the child home and the family alternated between strict discipline and permissive love. Nothing worked. One day they bought the child a puppy. A few days later, the child came rushing into the kitchen in tears. He wrapped his arms around mother and sobbed out a story of guilt, the first such display she had ever seen from her son. She finally learned what had happened. The boy was trying to teach his puppy to do tricks. The puppy, of course, didnÍt understand and finally, in exasperation, the boy kicked the pup as hard as he could. For a moment, the dog had laid there, stunned, blood on the edge of his mouth. Then recovering, the puppy had crawled over to the boy and licked his hand. That did it. To be loved after doing something so hurtful was more than the child could bear. His guilt overwhelmed him with grief. The book which recorded this transaction reported that from that moment, the boy began to change. What a remarkable evidence of the power of irresistible love to overcome.
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Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 51:1-17 (C) „ ñHave mercy on me, O God.''
Psalm 50 (RC) „ ñThe mighty One, God the Lord.''
Psalm 103 (E) „ ñBless the Lord, O my soul.''
Prayer Of The Day
Forgive our foolish ways, O Lord. Grant us energy and strength for this day. Show us what we are to do in order to do thy will. Keep us firm in the right. Forgive us when we fail of kindness, but make us kind. In ChristÍs name we pray. Amen.
