ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 28, 2020
Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-5
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD; and you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.
Thought for the Day: This is the beginning of the Shema, a prayer offered twice each day by faithful Jews. It would have been a prayer very much a part of Jesus’ daily life, and for that reason, these words would have shaped him in a profound way. He probably grew-up hearing Mary and Joseph speak these words, even before he was capable of speaking. In a world where there were temples for a range of Roman gods and other religious sects found everywhere, what would it have been like to be a part of a faith and family that spoke often of the oneness of God, a statement of monotheism? While many people were discussing where they were going on Tuesday, whether it would be to the temple of Mercury or Apollo, or maybe to the Emperor’s cult, you and your family continued to speak of God as one. I hear people say things like, “Well those are just words,” but such a statement clearly underestimates the power words carry in our lives, especially those we say over and over again. What are the words you repeat on a regular basis? Do they represent something of value to your faith and your family? Are they words that encourage you and others to reach beyond the shallow and self-serving attitudes that consume our culture? We need mantras, rooted in the teachings of Jesus, that roll around in our heads and hearts daily.
Prayer: Provide me a message, O Lord my God, that will continue to inspire and challenge my life. Every product on tv wants me to own and repeat its message, but the newest beverage, snack or electronic should not be allowed valuable space in my head or heart. Provide me words of substance, words that reflect and honor you. Amen.
