08-10-21

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
August 10, 2021
Scripture: Colossians 1:27-29
To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me.

Thought for the Day: We often present the saints as never having doubts or struggles or questions. Faith appears almost mechanical as it comes to them with such ease. For that reason, it is good to read Paul’s use of the words “toil and struggle,” and not in talking about other people. I think of Mother Teresa, who in an undated letter, wrote: “…my God, I have no faith. I dare not utter the words and thoughts that crowd my heart, afraid to uncover them because of the blasphemy. If there be God, please forgive me.” When I first came across those words, I found myself a bit shocked. Yet with time, there was both comfort and appreciation for such honesty… honesty that was never intended to be seen publicly. Paul is seeking to bring everyone to a mature faith, including his own. He recognizes the powerful inspiration provided by God, yet even this does not make faith easy. If you’ve come to think the goal of faith is conclusive and indisputable answers, I would suggest you might be disappointed in the end. What if faith, done in community, is helping one another find peace even when there are no readily available answers?

Prayer: On this journey of faith, may I experience your presence that is full of love and mercy. Holy One, I so often do not know what I am doing and feel as if every attempt at living the life of faith falls short. Continue to allow the deep yearnings of my heart to ask questions and continue the rewarding odyssey of exploring your mystery. Amen.

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