October 4, 2024 — Saint of the Day — Saint Francis of Assisi

“Prayer led Francis to a self-emptying like life of Christ—he even embraced a leper he met one day on his travels. He is the patron Saint of animals, archaeologists, ecology, merchants, and messengers.”

“I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.” Ephesians 3:7-13

“We must not glibly assume that the failure of Christians to be perfect always is due to bad will, to laziness, or to crass sinfulness. Rather it is due to confusion, blindness, weakness, and to misunderstanding. We do not really appreciate the meaning and the greatness of our vocation. We do not know how to value the “unfathomable riches of Christ.” The mystery of God…is generally nebulous and unreal even to “people of faith”. Hence we do not have the courage or the strength to respond to our vocation in all its depth.”  (Thomas Merton, “An Imperfect Ideal”, Life and Holiness, p.18)

Gustaf Wingren’s book “Luther on Vocation” helps us understand Luther’s understanding of vocation. Accordingly, vocation “belongs to our situation between baptism and the final resurrection”. In this “situation” we live within two kingdoms (heaven and earth) – between G-d and the Devil. As Christians we are constantly pulled in this ongoing struggle. Vocation is our calling in life through which we are able to serve G-d as “co-laborers” of G-d’s creative work. Every day, through our situation in life, a person of faith must choose sides. This does not have only an earthly component, but a heavenly one as well—one we strive for and have our faith in—the new Kingdom in Heaven and on Earth. Therefore, vocation is our occupation—but it is even more—the “whole theater of personal, communal and historical relationships” in which each one of us lives. Every day is a choice to live as people of G-d. No matter how we respond to that choice–we strive as “co-laborers” of G-d’s creative work.

Pastor Dave