Giving it up to the Lord
AM Psalm 131, 132, [133] • PM Psalm 140, 142
Exod. 7:25-8:19 • 2 Cor. 3:7-18 • Mark 10:17-31
25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. 31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
These four lines in Mark 10:17-31 have a far different and dramatic and relevant meaning to me today during this coronavirus pandemic that during any previous readings. They resonate with me that living into the life that the Lord has in mind for me is of key importance—essential.
I am one of those in most danger from coronavirus because of my past cancer treatment. I am not scared. I feel comfort that I must be more resolved and committed to becoming the person that the Lord has planned for me to become at age 76. Linda and I are in the process of downsizing. Possessions are far less important that ever. It is becoming evident to me that my focus is changing to be more focused on “giving it up to the Lord.”
Ironically and interestingly, all of my fundraising clients are faith-based groups that are helping the “least of these” be it the chronically ill, addicted, homeless or disenfranchised. Every day is a new adventure for me with challenges, opportunities and rewards. By thinking less about things and more about people I feel that I am moving closer to that person the Lord has in mind. I pray that by focusing on service I will qualify to be the last.
Written by Walt Eilers
Walt Eilers is a cradle Episcopalian. Whether a choir boy, acolyte, reader, vestry member or parishioner I have always found that the services give me comfort and a sense of belonging. Writing Reflections is a new exercise in digging down into my faith.