On Earth as it is in Heaven

AM Psalm 61, 62 • PM Psalm 68: 1-20 (21-23)
Lev. 16: 20-34 • 1 Thess. 5:1-11 • Matt. 6:7-15

Today’s reading from Matthew introduces what we know as “The Lord’s Prayer”—and I commend a re-reading of those familiar verses to you; however, I chose the reading from 1 Thessalonians for my reflection this morning.

In this letter to the Thessalonians, Paul proclaims that “the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” and that we will go from “peace and security” to sudden destruction. From my vantage point of late April 2020, I would say that most of us have felt that shift from “peace and security” to sudden destruction—or at least disruption—in our lives.

But we are reminded that God does not leave his beloved people without the means to get through such trials and tribulations. Paul exhorts us to “put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet, the hope of salvation”—a description that always brings superhero imagery to my mind. “You’ve got this!” is what Paul seems to be telling his readers, which includes all of us, as well as those who are the true heroes, fighting on the frontlines against this pandemic.

It is the message in last verse of this reading that brings me the most hope for today: “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.” That is what I see happening all around—in this community and in the greater world—as every moment of self-sacrifice on our part supports the life of another. Let us keep up that faith and love and encouragement, in the name of Our Father, who art in heaven…

Written by Shannon Dillard Mitchell

Shannon is grateful for the ongoing connection to the St. Paul's community 'in absentia' and looking forward to being together again, when it is safe to do so!