The Baptism Of Our Lord
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VI, Cycle B
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Genesis 1:1-5 (C)
The creation. I met a man yesterday who was appearing on a local television show on which he told of an adventure climbing a high mountain in South America. He said to me: ñIt was a spiritual experience. You just canÍt look at the beauty which surrounds you in a place like that and think that it just happened.'' Bernhard Anderson wrote in Understanding The Old Testament that ñProperly, the book of Genesis must be regarded as a prologue to the time when the curtain rises on the scene of the oppression of Hebrews in Egypt.'' Here we have a contrast: the implication of great beauty, yet the prelude to trial and suffering.
Maybe itÍs a good idea to preach on the Creation. ItÍs a reminder that God has installed certain laws into this universe. Some are physical laws. If you eat too much you get fat. If you jump off a cliff you get hurt. But there are also certain what I think of as spiritual laws which are not quite so easily discerned. With these, there are about two ways to learn them. One is to read the Bible (or „ forgive me „ listen to the preacher). The other is to break the laws and see what happens. Unfortunately, that latter method often takes a while and for some people, the discovery of the law may come too late.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 (RC); Isaiah 42:1-9 (E)
Here we have one of the Servant Songs. The identity of the ñservant'' is never clear, whether an individual or the people of Israel, or some spiritual identity. Distilling much lengthy discussion about the identity of the servant, it appears that, as Anderson contends, God sees the people of Israel as an individual, calling them to a role in the advent of righteousness. Preaching on this passage, I would see the Church as the contemporary counterpart to this servant, called to ñestablish justice in the earth.''
Lesson 2: Acts 19:1-7 (C)
Paul seems to be emphasizing the fact that John the Baptist was of lesser importance than Jesus and that baptism in the name of Jesus is necessary for a full realization of the Holy Spirit. I am reminded of something a missionary reported from a journey among an obscure Indian community. After hearing about the love of God, and about the Holy Spirit, one old wise man replied: ñYes, we have seen him here, among the trees. We just did not know his name.'' In this passage, one could „ incorrectly, I believe „ assume that the Holy Spirit only comes to those who are baptized. I doubt that very much. Some of the most devout, power-filled people I know were only baptized after they had sensed the Spirit working in their lives. What is important is not so much the event of baptism, but the impulse within which prompts one to desire what baptism is believed to symbolize. I write as an example. After I had struggled long with my own inner warfare, and after I had been captured by the Holy Spirit, and after I had endured a year of personal decision-making, and after I had declared for the ministry, and after I had finished my first year in seminary, I asked my mother for details about my baptism. Sheepishly, she informed me that I had never been baptized. I thereupon was baptized in my home church by private baptism. So, how could I believe otherwise than as stated? As a Methodist, and thus as one who urges infant baptism, I see that as inclusion in the Christian community, but as having no efficacy as regards the Holy Spirit until it is reaffirmed by personal decision at some future time.
As for a sermon, I would place my emphasis on the fact that God wishes to become involved in every personÍs life, and uses every possible means of entry. Baptism is only a ritual in our time, with no particular assurance of oneÍs experiencing the Spirit. The Spirit was already there. To have a child baptized is to make a commitment on the part of one or both parents to make every effort to see that the child is exposed to all conditions which might open him or her up to the SpiritÍs presence.
Lesson 2: Acts 10:34-38 (RC, E)
I like this passage because it clearly affirms something which I believe many Christians misunderstand. Let me come at it this way: I had a call recently from a fine young girl, a senior in high school, who was distraught because some people in her church insisted to her that no one could ñgo to heaven'' unless they accepted Jesus Christ. She happens to be ñgoing with'' a Jewish boy at the moment and this bit of theology has devastated the young woman. In this passage, Paul quotes Peter: ñI now realize that it is true that God treats all (people) alike. Whoever fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him, no matter what race he belongs to.'' I understand this to mean that there are many paths to God besides the Christian path. But hear me, now: Jesus said, ñNo one comes to the Father except by me,'' which is important. ñThe Father'' refers to a sense of GodÍs intimate and knowing kindness. In sum, I believe that no one knows God intimately as a loving being who works in our best interests individually, as does a Christian. But God will never turn anyone away simply because he or she chose ñthe wrong'' religion „ provided that person fears him and does what is right. Jesus did not say, ñNo one comes to God.'' He said, ñto the Father.''
Gospel: Mark 1:4-11 (C); Mark 1:7-11 (RC, E)
Here again the subject is baptism. Specifically, the baptism of Jesus, followed by the descent of the dove. I must leave it to each preacherÍs theology to decide just what historical reality and what spiritual reality underlie this description. I donÍt find myself believing that had I been there I would have seen a bird fly down out of the sky. Rather, I believe there is a bit of poetry here, a hyperbole intended to convey the awe-ful moment in which a cataclysmic spiritual event has taken place. There are, as we know, debates about whether it was in this moment that Jesus was chosen as Messiah by God, or whether it was in this moment that Jesus came to think of himself in that way (or, indeed, whether he ever did). My guess is that very few, if any, of our parishioners want to get bogged down in that kind of issue. They would see it as a ñhow-many-angels-can-dance-on-the-head-of-a-pin?'' debate. In a study group, one might win interest in some of these issues. In preaching, the question must always be faced of what does this mean to the busy young woman trying to support her family alone, and the teenager tempted but not yet giving in to illicit sex, and the young executive offered a raise and a promotion if heÍll move across the country at a time when his middle school daughter has finally adapted to the seventh grade and his wife is at last finding friends in the current community. Preaching which does not somehow speak a relevant word to such people will never be filled with power.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: ñThe Law Of The Universe''
Text: Genesis 1:1-5
Theme: C. S. Lewis said it rather well in Mere Christianity. ñThese ... are the two points I wanted to make. First, that human beings, all over the earth, have this curious idea that they ought to behave in a certain way, and cannot get rid of it. Secondly, that they do not, in fact, behave in that way. They know The Law Of Nature; they break it. These two facts are the foundation of all clear thinking about ourselves and the universe we live in.''
Behind the moral and spiritual experiences we have, there are what we can call laws of the spirit. This is not the kind of ñlaw'' which Paul insists has been replaced by love. These are the laws which hold us together.
1. The moral law holds that if I take something which doesnÍt belong to me, or if I hurt someone selfishly (as opposed to, say, the surgeon whose infliction of pain is redemptive), I will experience certain consequences. They may include:
A. Guilt
B. Legal consequences
C. Rejection by society
D. GodÍs unwillingness to enable me in other parts of my life.
Only the latter, D, is sure. But if I donÍt experience A, Guilt, then I will experience a fifth consequence, call it ñE,'' which is Deadness of the soul.
2. Spiritual law. This holds that love is the purpose of my existence. The more I strive to give love, the more I will receive love, and the more God will enable me in my endeavors. I will then be like a sailing vessel sailing with sails unfurled to the prevailing wind. This law includes these provisions:
A. Be interested in other people and their feelings.
B. Be kind, recalling Bishop Fulton SheenÍs observation that ñThere are three characteristics of a good Christian: kindness, kindness, and kindness.''
C. Forgiveness. Jesus taught us to pray that God will ñforgive us our trespasses (debts) as we forgive those who trespass against us (our debtors).''
D. Acceptance of differences. IÍm mainly surrounded by people who act and talk and think more or less like I do. We have similar lifestyles and values. I must learn to accept people who live differently.
Title: ñThe Body Of Christ''
Text: Isaiah 42:4
Theme: The latter-day counterpart of the called community is, for us Christians, the Church. C. S. Lewis said it well again in his The Screwtape Letters, required reading for all preachers with a sense of humor. Most of you know this book is a series of letters by a devil named Screwtape to his devil-on-earth named Wormwood. Warning Wormwood to be careful of the Church, he referred to it this way: ñI do not mean the Church as we see her spread out through all time and space and rooted in eternity, terrible as an army with banners. That, I confess, is a spectacle which makes our boldest tempters uneasy.'' But he goes on to caricature the church in much more mundane terms, referring to not very attractive buildings, hard to understand liturgy, and ushers with squeaky shoes who often sing out of tune and donÍt have very savory reputations in the business community. Yet, of course, the Church ñwarts and all'' is the earthly manifestation of that ñrooted in eternity Church.'' Let the preacher, then, interpret how this church, this earthly manifestation of the Great Church, is to accomplish its mission.
Title: ñA Truth Self-Evident''
Text: Acts 10:34-35
Theme: A young girl recently shared with me her distress at the contention of some well-meaning but not well-informed Christians that if a person fails to accept Christ as Lord and Savior, that person ñcan never go to heaven.'' This raised several questions in my mind, not least of which is: What do you mean by Heaven? However, weÍll save that one for later and consider whether Jesus really taught that he was the only means by which one can know God. My answer is that Jesus did not say that. What he is quoted as saying is that ñno one comes to the Father but by me.'' ThatÍs different. By ñFather,'' I think Jesus meant ñno one comes to know God as a personal savior, a God who cares about me as an individual, who is interested in the events of my life and will assist me, provided I live in a certain way.'' In that I believe. But I cannot believe that God would reject a little brown-skinned boy living on the streets of Bombay, India, who thinks white cows are sacred, and who is destined to die of starvation before heÍs twelve. Nor can I believe God will reject some sensitive soul who gets dragged off to listen to a pulpit-pounding preacher teaching hellfire and brimstone religion, and who then refuses to believe that sort of thing so rejects the whole Christian religion.
1. Christ taught of a loving God.
2. Christ revealed the basis of our relationship with God.
3. Christ taught the equality of all people in GodÍs eyes.
4. Christ promised empowerment in this life and salvation in the next life.
5. Christ taught the way of accepting, non-judging love in this life.
Title: ñBaptism, And Then ...''
Text: Mark:1:4-11
Theme: There is a bit of a problem in the fact that baptism by John, a very successful evangelist of the time of Jesus, was a baptism of repentance. Jesus as a sinless person might have bypassed that process. However, we may see this as identification with the human condition. Though Jesus was sinless if sin is defined as wrongful actions or thoughts, we do know that Jesus did wrestle with temptation, and there is a possible definition of sin as the impulse to do wrong things or think wrong thoughts. Truly, we canÍt go beyond this line of thought. As regards our own baptism, however, we do stand in need of repentance. Though IÍm a good Methodist, I can see an argument for adult baptism on the grounds that for one to repent there first must be the maturity to understand what that means and why it is necessary. Otherwise, baptism must be confirmed at a later date. If we baptize a baby, itÍs obvious that the child cannot repent, in fact hasnÍt any reason to repent. If we accept the idea of ñsin'' as being inherent in human procreation, then child baptism might make sense. For those of us who donÍt, baptism must be seen as step one of a two-step process, culminating in adult decision to affirm the vows made at baptism. If baptism is in effect an act of dedication by one or both parents, then we can preach on the significance of that. Assuming it is a sacrament, that God does act in a special way, it follows that the Spirit has begun to work in that childÍs life. Still, I find baptism mainly a holding pattern until such time as an individual, examining the meaning of baptism, says, ñYes, I know what it means, I know its significance for my life, and I affirm that.''
1. It is a time of decision.
2. It is a time of repentance.
3. It is a time of commitment.
4. It is a time of renewal.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
In A.J. CroninÍs book, Keys Of The Kingdom, there are two main characters. One is a Catholic priest, the other a doctor. Gregory Peck starred in a movie version of the story, set in nineteenth century China. The priest and the doctor, good friends, have many a theological discussion, as both go about their serving ministries in different ways. The old doctor, who has commited his life to healing the Chinese, does not believe in God. As he lies dying, the old priest comes to be at his side. The doctor looks up at his longtime friend and says, ñIÍm sorry, Father, but I still donÍt believe in God.'' But the old priest, reflecting on his friendÍs faithful and selfless service, replies something like this: ñNever mind, my friend. God believes in you.''
____________
Leslie Weatherhead told of a family who suffered from the illness of the bread-winning father. When the man died, the family wasnÍt seen in church. Finally, a member went to inquire where they had been. The mother, a faithful Protestant, was apologetic, but explained that the family was now attending the Catholic church. She explained like this: ñWhen my husband went through his illness, the pastor called a couple times to inquire how we were. But several members of the Catholic church came to us and offered to help. They brought food, they stayed here when I needed to go to the store. They helped with the children. Though we werenÍt Catholics, they took care of us during our ordeal. We decided that a church like that is where we want to be, so we are now taking instructions and plan to become Catholics.''
____________
In his book Sacred Hoops, Phil Jackson, coach of the NBA champion Chicago Bulls, tells of his experience as a player on the New York Knicks. In 1972 they beat Boston in a hard-fought series, then played Los Angeles for the championship, winning easily. Jackson wrote, ñThis was the pinnacle of my sports career to that point, the moment I had been striving for with all my heart since I was a kid.'' Two days later, he went to Tavern on the Green to celebrate with family and friends. The place was crowded with celebrities like Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman. But then Jackson wrote this: ñ... the intense feeling of connection with my teammates I had experienced in L.A. seemed like a distant memory. Instead of being overwhelmed with joy, I felt empty and confused. Was this it? I kept saying to myself. Is this what was supposed to bring me happiness? Clearly the answer lay somewhere else.'' And then, JacksonÍs next line: ñWhat I was missing was spiritual direction.''
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 29 (C) „ The voice of the Lord.
Psalm 28 (RC) „ Prayer for help.
Psalm 89:1-29 (E)
Prayer Of The Day
To thee, O God of kindly love, we bring our acts of wrongful conduct and selfish thought. We confess that we have fallen short of the requirements of thy will. Forgive us, we pray, and grant us fortitude in the living of lives of increasing purity. In ChristÍs name we pray. Amen.
Lesson 1: Genesis 1:1-5 (C)
The creation. I met a man yesterday who was appearing on a local television show on which he told of an adventure climbing a high mountain in South America. He said to me: ñIt was a spiritual experience. You just canÍt look at the beauty which surrounds you in a place like that and think that it just happened.'' Bernhard Anderson wrote in Understanding The Old Testament that ñProperly, the book of Genesis must be regarded as a prologue to the time when the curtain rises on the scene of the oppression of Hebrews in Egypt.'' Here we have a contrast: the implication of great beauty, yet the prelude to trial and suffering.
Maybe itÍs a good idea to preach on the Creation. ItÍs a reminder that God has installed certain laws into this universe. Some are physical laws. If you eat too much you get fat. If you jump off a cliff you get hurt. But there are also certain what I think of as spiritual laws which are not quite so easily discerned. With these, there are about two ways to learn them. One is to read the Bible (or „ forgive me „ listen to the preacher). The other is to break the laws and see what happens. Unfortunately, that latter method often takes a while and for some people, the discovery of the law may come too late.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 (RC); Isaiah 42:1-9 (E)
Here we have one of the Servant Songs. The identity of the ñservant'' is never clear, whether an individual or the people of Israel, or some spiritual identity. Distilling much lengthy discussion about the identity of the servant, it appears that, as Anderson contends, God sees the people of Israel as an individual, calling them to a role in the advent of righteousness. Preaching on this passage, I would see the Church as the contemporary counterpart to this servant, called to ñestablish justice in the earth.''
Lesson 2: Acts 19:1-7 (C)
Paul seems to be emphasizing the fact that John the Baptist was of lesser importance than Jesus and that baptism in the name of Jesus is necessary for a full realization of the Holy Spirit. I am reminded of something a missionary reported from a journey among an obscure Indian community. After hearing about the love of God, and about the Holy Spirit, one old wise man replied: ñYes, we have seen him here, among the trees. We just did not know his name.'' In this passage, one could „ incorrectly, I believe „ assume that the Holy Spirit only comes to those who are baptized. I doubt that very much. Some of the most devout, power-filled people I know were only baptized after they had sensed the Spirit working in their lives. What is important is not so much the event of baptism, but the impulse within which prompts one to desire what baptism is believed to symbolize. I write as an example. After I had struggled long with my own inner warfare, and after I had been captured by the Holy Spirit, and after I had endured a year of personal decision-making, and after I had declared for the ministry, and after I had finished my first year in seminary, I asked my mother for details about my baptism. Sheepishly, she informed me that I had never been baptized. I thereupon was baptized in my home church by private baptism. So, how could I believe otherwise than as stated? As a Methodist, and thus as one who urges infant baptism, I see that as inclusion in the Christian community, but as having no efficacy as regards the Holy Spirit until it is reaffirmed by personal decision at some future time.
As for a sermon, I would place my emphasis on the fact that God wishes to become involved in every personÍs life, and uses every possible means of entry. Baptism is only a ritual in our time, with no particular assurance of oneÍs experiencing the Spirit. The Spirit was already there. To have a child baptized is to make a commitment on the part of one or both parents to make every effort to see that the child is exposed to all conditions which might open him or her up to the SpiritÍs presence.
Lesson 2: Acts 10:34-38 (RC, E)
I like this passage because it clearly affirms something which I believe many Christians misunderstand. Let me come at it this way: I had a call recently from a fine young girl, a senior in high school, who was distraught because some people in her church insisted to her that no one could ñgo to heaven'' unless they accepted Jesus Christ. She happens to be ñgoing with'' a Jewish boy at the moment and this bit of theology has devastated the young woman. In this passage, Paul quotes Peter: ñI now realize that it is true that God treats all (people) alike. Whoever fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him, no matter what race he belongs to.'' I understand this to mean that there are many paths to God besides the Christian path. But hear me, now: Jesus said, ñNo one comes to the Father except by me,'' which is important. ñThe Father'' refers to a sense of GodÍs intimate and knowing kindness. In sum, I believe that no one knows God intimately as a loving being who works in our best interests individually, as does a Christian. But God will never turn anyone away simply because he or she chose ñthe wrong'' religion „ provided that person fears him and does what is right. Jesus did not say, ñNo one comes to God.'' He said, ñto the Father.''
Gospel: Mark 1:4-11 (C); Mark 1:7-11 (RC, E)
Here again the subject is baptism. Specifically, the baptism of Jesus, followed by the descent of the dove. I must leave it to each preacherÍs theology to decide just what historical reality and what spiritual reality underlie this description. I donÍt find myself believing that had I been there I would have seen a bird fly down out of the sky. Rather, I believe there is a bit of poetry here, a hyperbole intended to convey the awe-ful moment in which a cataclysmic spiritual event has taken place. There are, as we know, debates about whether it was in this moment that Jesus was chosen as Messiah by God, or whether it was in this moment that Jesus came to think of himself in that way (or, indeed, whether he ever did). My guess is that very few, if any, of our parishioners want to get bogged down in that kind of issue. They would see it as a ñhow-many-angels-can-dance-on-the-head-of-a-pin?'' debate. In a study group, one might win interest in some of these issues. In preaching, the question must always be faced of what does this mean to the busy young woman trying to support her family alone, and the teenager tempted but not yet giving in to illicit sex, and the young executive offered a raise and a promotion if heÍll move across the country at a time when his middle school daughter has finally adapted to the seventh grade and his wife is at last finding friends in the current community. Preaching which does not somehow speak a relevant word to such people will never be filled with power.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: ñThe Law Of The Universe''
Text: Genesis 1:1-5
Theme: C. S. Lewis said it rather well in Mere Christianity. ñThese ... are the two points I wanted to make. First, that human beings, all over the earth, have this curious idea that they ought to behave in a certain way, and cannot get rid of it. Secondly, that they do not, in fact, behave in that way. They know The Law Of Nature; they break it. These two facts are the foundation of all clear thinking about ourselves and the universe we live in.''
Behind the moral and spiritual experiences we have, there are what we can call laws of the spirit. This is not the kind of ñlaw'' which Paul insists has been replaced by love. These are the laws which hold us together.
1. The moral law holds that if I take something which doesnÍt belong to me, or if I hurt someone selfishly (as opposed to, say, the surgeon whose infliction of pain is redemptive), I will experience certain consequences. They may include:
A. Guilt
B. Legal consequences
C. Rejection by society
D. GodÍs unwillingness to enable me in other parts of my life.
Only the latter, D, is sure. But if I donÍt experience A, Guilt, then I will experience a fifth consequence, call it ñE,'' which is Deadness of the soul.
2. Spiritual law. This holds that love is the purpose of my existence. The more I strive to give love, the more I will receive love, and the more God will enable me in my endeavors. I will then be like a sailing vessel sailing with sails unfurled to the prevailing wind. This law includes these provisions:
A. Be interested in other people and their feelings.
B. Be kind, recalling Bishop Fulton SheenÍs observation that ñThere are three characteristics of a good Christian: kindness, kindness, and kindness.''
C. Forgiveness. Jesus taught us to pray that God will ñforgive us our trespasses (debts) as we forgive those who trespass against us (our debtors).''
D. Acceptance of differences. IÍm mainly surrounded by people who act and talk and think more or less like I do. We have similar lifestyles and values. I must learn to accept people who live differently.
Title: ñThe Body Of Christ''
Text: Isaiah 42:4
Theme: The latter-day counterpart of the called community is, for us Christians, the Church. C. S. Lewis said it well again in his The Screwtape Letters, required reading for all preachers with a sense of humor. Most of you know this book is a series of letters by a devil named Screwtape to his devil-on-earth named Wormwood. Warning Wormwood to be careful of the Church, he referred to it this way: ñI do not mean the Church as we see her spread out through all time and space and rooted in eternity, terrible as an army with banners. That, I confess, is a spectacle which makes our boldest tempters uneasy.'' But he goes on to caricature the church in much more mundane terms, referring to not very attractive buildings, hard to understand liturgy, and ushers with squeaky shoes who often sing out of tune and donÍt have very savory reputations in the business community. Yet, of course, the Church ñwarts and all'' is the earthly manifestation of that ñrooted in eternity Church.'' Let the preacher, then, interpret how this church, this earthly manifestation of the Great Church, is to accomplish its mission.
Title: ñA Truth Self-Evident''
Text: Acts 10:34-35
Theme: A young girl recently shared with me her distress at the contention of some well-meaning but not well-informed Christians that if a person fails to accept Christ as Lord and Savior, that person ñcan never go to heaven.'' This raised several questions in my mind, not least of which is: What do you mean by Heaven? However, weÍll save that one for later and consider whether Jesus really taught that he was the only means by which one can know God. My answer is that Jesus did not say that. What he is quoted as saying is that ñno one comes to the Father but by me.'' ThatÍs different. By ñFather,'' I think Jesus meant ñno one comes to know God as a personal savior, a God who cares about me as an individual, who is interested in the events of my life and will assist me, provided I live in a certain way.'' In that I believe. But I cannot believe that God would reject a little brown-skinned boy living on the streets of Bombay, India, who thinks white cows are sacred, and who is destined to die of starvation before heÍs twelve. Nor can I believe God will reject some sensitive soul who gets dragged off to listen to a pulpit-pounding preacher teaching hellfire and brimstone religion, and who then refuses to believe that sort of thing so rejects the whole Christian religion.
1. Christ taught of a loving God.
2. Christ revealed the basis of our relationship with God.
3. Christ taught the equality of all people in GodÍs eyes.
4. Christ promised empowerment in this life and salvation in the next life.
5. Christ taught the way of accepting, non-judging love in this life.
Title: ñBaptism, And Then ...''
Text: Mark:1:4-11
Theme: There is a bit of a problem in the fact that baptism by John, a very successful evangelist of the time of Jesus, was a baptism of repentance. Jesus as a sinless person might have bypassed that process. However, we may see this as identification with the human condition. Though Jesus was sinless if sin is defined as wrongful actions or thoughts, we do know that Jesus did wrestle with temptation, and there is a possible definition of sin as the impulse to do wrong things or think wrong thoughts. Truly, we canÍt go beyond this line of thought. As regards our own baptism, however, we do stand in need of repentance. Though IÍm a good Methodist, I can see an argument for adult baptism on the grounds that for one to repent there first must be the maturity to understand what that means and why it is necessary. Otherwise, baptism must be confirmed at a later date. If we baptize a baby, itÍs obvious that the child cannot repent, in fact hasnÍt any reason to repent. If we accept the idea of ñsin'' as being inherent in human procreation, then child baptism might make sense. For those of us who donÍt, baptism must be seen as step one of a two-step process, culminating in adult decision to affirm the vows made at baptism. If baptism is in effect an act of dedication by one or both parents, then we can preach on the significance of that. Assuming it is a sacrament, that God does act in a special way, it follows that the Spirit has begun to work in that childÍs life. Still, I find baptism mainly a holding pattern until such time as an individual, examining the meaning of baptism, says, ñYes, I know what it means, I know its significance for my life, and I affirm that.''
1. It is a time of decision.
2. It is a time of repentance.
3. It is a time of commitment.
4. It is a time of renewal.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
In A.J. CroninÍs book, Keys Of The Kingdom, there are two main characters. One is a Catholic priest, the other a doctor. Gregory Peck starred in a movie version of the story, set in nineteenth century China. The priest and the doctor, good friends, have many a theological discussion, as both go about their serving ministries in different ways. The old doctor, who has commited his life to healing the Chinese, does not believe in God. As he lies dying, the old priest comes to be at his side. The doctor looks up at his longtime friend and says, ñIÍm sorry, Father, but I still donÍt believe in God.'' But the old priest, reflecting on his friendÍs faithful and selfless service, replies something like this: ñNever mind, my friend. God believes in you.''
____________
Leslie Weatherhead told of a family who suffered from the illness of the bread-winning father. When the man died, the family wasnÍt seen in church. Finally, a member went to inquire where they had been. The mother, a faithful Protestant, was apologetic, but explained that the family was now attending the Catholic church. She explained like this: ñWhen my husband went through his illness, the pastor called a couple times to inquire how we were. But several members of the Catholic church came to us and offered to help. They brought food, they stayed here when I needed to go to the store. They helped with the children. Though we werenÍt Catholics, they took care of us during our ordeal. We decided that a church like that is where we want to be, so we are now taking instructions and plan to become Catholics.''
____________
In his book Sacred Hoops, Phil Jackson, coach of the NBA champion Chicago Bulls, tells of his experience as a player on the New York Knicks. In 1972 they beat Boston in a hard-fought series, then played Los Angeles for the championship, winning easily. Jackson wrote, ñThis was the pinnacle of my sports career to that point, the moment I had been striving for with all my heart since I was a kid.'' Two days later, he went to Tavern on the Green to celebrate with family and friends. The place was crowded with celebrities like Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman. But then Jackson wrote this: ñ... the intense feeling of connection with my teammates I had experienced in L.A. seemed like a distant memory. Instead of being overwhelmed with joy, I felt empty and confused. Was this it? I kept saying to myself. Is this what was supposed to bring me happiness? Clearly the answer lay somewhere else.'' And then, JacksonÍs next line: ñWhat I was missing was spiritual direction.''
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 29 (C) „ The voice of the Lord.
Psalm 28 (RC) „ Prayer for help.
Psalm 89:1-29 (E)
Prayer Of The Day
To thee, O God of kindly love, we bring our acts of wrongful conduct and selfish thought. We confess that we have fallen short of the requirements of thy will. Forgive us, we pray, and grant us fortitude in the living of lives of increasing purity. In ChristÍs name we pray. Amen.
