Living My Reflection Challenge

AM Psalm 20, 21:1-7(8-14) • PM Psalm 110:1-5(6-7), 116, 117
2 Kings 25:8-12,22-26 • 1 Cor. 15:12-29 • Matt. 11:7-15

Each new Reflection assignment is another challenge wrapped in an opportunity. Studying the readings both challenges and deepens my 77 years of Episcopal learning and practice. Each month, new insight presents an enhanced and real growth in my thinking and practice. With five years of writing Reflections, I am in an enlightened place with my faith. I hope that these daily reading are having the same effect on you, our readers. Practice makes better.

Today, Psalm 20, 21:1-7, a poem of David, shares his wonder at the grace that God provides him as he faces distress; and we should consider how it also helps us.

May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.

2 Kings provides a sense of history as it records the 11-year reign of Zedekiah, his rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar. We learn of the Babylonian (now Iraq) destruction of Jerusalem and deportation of its people to Egypt.

1 Corinthians was written at Ephesus by St. Paul to his Christian parish in Corinth. He addresses rampant disagreements about the resurrection. Paul provides a clear instruction in the importance of the resurrection to our Christian history and our present faith.

He tells the Corinthians that the resurrection is the bedrock of our faith and promise. His message resonates with me as a powerful reminder of the primary tenant of my faith.

And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. (1 Corinthians 15:14-49)

Finally, in Matthew 11:7-15, we learn the role and importance of John the Baptist. It refreshes my understanding that John is preparing the way for Christ and as such is a prophet.

For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Whoever has ears, let them hear. (Matthew 11:13-15)

I am all ears at these Biblical stories even as I was as a child. I trust that you are similarly challenged and reinforced in your faith.

Written by Walt Eilers

Walt Eilers continues to explore and enhance his faith in study and practice.

Today is World Food Day. More than 150 countries unite to raise awareness of the issues surrounding poverty and hunger. According to World Hunger statistics, 785 million people across the globe do not have enough food to sustain a healthy lifestyle.

As one of the five tenants of our faith we should all consider how to help relieve this global challenge.