Easy to say, much harder to do

AM Psalm 30, 32 • PM Psalm 42, 43
Deut. 5:22-33 • 2 Cor. 4:13-5:10 • Luke 16:19-31

One of the verses for this day – “for we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7) – calls out what I consider the most difficult aspect of being a Christian. Most days it seems much easier to witness agony and despair than to observe the miracles around us. A global pandemic has killed millions of people, and the social and economic repercussions will be felt for years. There is a war being fought in Israel. Our own country is so politically divided that on the worst days, the future of our democracy looks to be in serious peril. How can we be confident and faithful?

We can start by acknowledging the advancement in medicine which has produced a vaccine in record time, saving countless lives. We can look to the compassion and generosity that has been present in our communities and marvel at the willingness to help people in trouble. We thank our healthcare professionals, our food banks and our churches.

We can build our own faith and possibly inspire others by “making it our aim to please Him” (2 Cor 5:9). Doing the good deeds on earth will not only help us make our case come judgement day, but it will also make our current home a better place to live. In today’s gospel reading about the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), this realization comes too late for the rich man. We are by all measures rich and privileged people ourselves; let’s not make the same mistake.

Written by Tara Elzer

Tara is a server of sherry and other fine libations, the second Sunday of each month at St. Paul's. A service that has been on pause, but will resume this Sunday, May 30th.