Sunday, February 26
Read: 1 Corinthians 12:27
Years ago, as my friend’s father was dying, she learned many of his
darkest secrets. It was as if, in his hospital bed, he had no choice but to
confess, and confess he did. He told of the many times he had cheated on
her mother. He described his shady business dealings. He told of the ways
that he had ignored the needs of family and friends while indulging his
own wants. My friend was devastated --- so many secrets, so much pain,
such deep wounds. Now when she talks about that time in her life, she
talks about the pain of going to worship. She couldn’t pray; there were no
words. She couldn’t sing; there was no melody within. All she could do
was go to church and sit and cry. But in that season of life, she was carried
by the words and the faith of others. They prayed her prayers for her; they
sang her hymns; they gave voice to the creed … until she could find her
voice again. That is what Christian community does, what the Body of
Christ looks like. Sometimes, we have no words and our faith is thin, and
we get carried by others. More often, though, we get to be hope for others
and living proof of a Loving God.
Prayer:
May we always do that work in faith and with hope. Amen.
~The Rev. Nathan Kirkpatrick
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