Faith and Love In Action
AM Psalm 20, 21:1-7(8-14) • PM Psalm 110:1-5(6-7), 116, 117
Dan. 3:19-30 • 1 John 3:11-18 • Luke 4:1-13
“One does not live by bread alone.” These were Jesus’ wise words to Satan. After forty days fasting and praying in the wilderness, Jesus was propositioned by the Tempter. But Jesus’ love of and faith in God was far more important and precious to him than mere physical sustenance and displays of personal power. To hold something so dear and precious that one is willing to suffer for it, even to die for it, requires the very best kind of courage.
The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in today’s reading in Daniel, also speaks of such deep faith and love. King Nebuchadnezzar had created a golden statue and issued an edict that everyone who ‘hears music shall fall down and worship this golden image.’ In an act of civil disobedience, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to participate in an action that violated their belief and faith in the One True God, no matter the consequence of being thrown into a hot, fiery furnace. King Nebuchadnezzar was so intoxicated with his own need for power and control that he became completely furious that these three Jewish men refused to obey his order. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were not swayed. They followed their conscience. It takes that higher form of courage and deep faith and love to stand up for what our conscience tells us is morally and ethically right, and to take action without fear of physical harm, jail, death, being shamed or shunned. In taking the right action, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had to break a lower law in order to follow a higher law. Even if God did not deliver these three men from the furnace of blazing fire, they were not going to bow down and worship the golden image.
Today’s readings are so relevant to our world. People are taking a vocal stand against the systemic exclusion and racism, systemic violence and cruelty, and the violation of basic human rights and dignity, visible and not so visible, that have permeated our culture and have been tolerated for far too long. To me, the voices that are advocating for change express anger, frustration and grief. I think BLM, #MeToo, and other human rights campaigns in today’s climate are based in Love, love of a cause that is morally and ethically right, and faith that, together, we can create a better world.
“Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” 1 John 3:18
Written by Deborah Griffin
...who is grateful to be a member of St. Paul’s, where acts of compassion and kindness are visible and hospitality is offered to all.