Today’s Readings: Psalm 19; Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Matthew 21:33-46; Philippians 3:4b-14
Today marks the 72nd observance of World Communion Sunday (although it was originally called World-wide Communion Sunday when it first began in what we know today as the Presbyterian Church USA in 1936). The purpose of the event as described on the National Council of Churches USA website is to “celebrate our oneness in Christ, the Prince of Peace, in the midst of the world we are called to serve”. What I’ve noticed is a particular bias in the way we observe the event. Most of us focus solely on the first half of the description – the “celebrate our ones in Christ” piece – that puts the emphasis on humanity. What we often leave out is the second half of the description – the part that locates our celebration “in the midst of the world we are called to serve”. The second half of the statement of purpose can be interpreted to speak more to the ecological aspect of our faith. I was thinking of this particularly in light of today’s Psalm that begins with words that point us powerfully in this direction: “God’s glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon. Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening” (Psalm 19:1-2 from The Message). The psalmist’s words got me to wondering about two things. First, what do the wonders and beauties of our natural world teach you about God? Second, how can you incorporate environmentally-friendly practices into your daily routine so they aren’t simply acts of self-preservation or self-interest but rather are passionate expressions of your spiritual beliefs? Til next time…
Today marks the 72nd observance of World Communion Sunday (although it was originally called World-wide Communion Sunday when it first began in what we know today as the Presbyterian Church USA in 1936). The purpose of the event as described on the National Council of Churches USA website is to “celebrate our oneness in Christ, the Prince of Peace, in the midst of the world we are called to serve”. What I’ve noticed is a particular bias in the way we observe the event. Most of us focus solely on the first half of the description – the “celebrate our ones in Christ” piece – that puts the emphasis on humanity. What we often leave out is the second half of the description – the part that locates our celebration “in the midst of the world we are called to serve”. The second half of the statement of purpose can be interpreted to speak more to the ecological aspect of our faith. I was thinking of this particularly in light of today’s Psalm that begins with words that point us powerfully in this direction: “God’s glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon. Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening” (Psalm 19:1-2 from The Message). The psalmist’s words got me to wondering about two things. First, what do the wonders and beauties of our natural world teach you about God? Second, how can you incorporate environmentally-friendly practices into your daily routine so they aren’t simply acts of self-preservation or self-interest but rather are passionate expressions of your spiritual beliefs? Til next time…
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