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

October 3, 2024 — Saint of the Day — Saint Theodora Guerin

“In 1823 she entered the Sisters of Providence. Her father was murdered and she cared for her mother and younger sister. In 1840 she was sent to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in Indiana.”

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

“The Fathers of the church particularly Clement of Alexandria, believed that the “light” in a person is his/her divine Sonship, the Word living in them. They [church Fathers] taught that the whole of the Christian life was summed up in a service of God which was not only a matter of outward worship, but of “cherishing” that which is divine in ourselves by means of unremitting charity. Clement adds that Christ teaches us “…that the whole Christian life is a course of spiritual education….through his Holy Spirit. We are supposed to be the light of the world.” (Thomas Merton, “Called Out of Darkness”, Life and Holiness, p.16)

What is holiness? What is “Divine Sonship”? Are we really supposed to be Saints? We are called by G-d to live lives of holiness—yet we also teach that this is not achievable — sainthood is outside of our “achievement”. But it is not outside G-d’s ability to give us the light, the courage and the strength to live such lives. And even if a life of holiness remains, well, elusive, we still have G-d’s unmerited Grace—an abundance of Grace. As such, our lives should be seen as opportunities for spiritual growth—building our holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Dave