There is Hope

Psalm 55 • Psalm 138, 139:1-17 (18-23)
Eccles. 5:8-20 • Gal. 3:23-4:11 • Matt. 15:1-20

The Coronavirus has disrupted our lives, livelihoods and worship for the past three months.

Our “new normal” will be an opportunity, adventure and a test. We will need faith to prevail. Our readings give us hope that as those baptized in Christ, we have a special connection that gives us hope and assurance of support.

Psalm 55 assures us that, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

Psalm 138 confirms that, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.”

Galatians reaffirms that, “And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

Matthew reminds us that, “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”

Today, Saturday June 6th, is the 76th Anniversary of D-Day. Linda and I had the honor of attending the 70th Anniversary with her father, Earl. He landed in Normandy on June 7th and spent the next 186 days in combat. He told us that he had faith that he would be safe and that the good guys would prevail. We experienced the positives and negatives of that time from him. Most impressive were the young and old Europeans who came up to Earl to “thank him for saving their liberty.” That told the whole story.

If Earl were alive during this pandemic, he would assure us to live in our faith and take one step forward at a time.

Written by Bob McMath

Walt enjoys the 8:45 online Morning Prayer. It is well-done and feels personal. He looks forward to returning to the 7:30 Service when in-person church is an option.