Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Today’s text

1 Peter 1:6-7

This is a great joy to you, even though for a short time yet you must bear all sorts of trials; so that the worth of your faith, more valuable than gold, which is perishable even if it has been tested by fire, may be proved -- to your praise and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Reflection

What is the worth of our faith? What proves its value and praises you, dear Friend?

I have often seen the faith of souls who did not crumble under hardship. They kept hoping and looking for signs of your redeeming presence well beyond the limits of normal human patience.

Perhaps this is a primary proof of faith’s great value. We hope when no one and nothing else gives reason for hope. We look for the enduring presence of love when grief, loss or threat fill our senses.

Our souls lift to the future’s unseen, unknown hills, trusting that something, someone--You--will be there and we will know it, even though your nearness is not felt in the here and now.

Our faith brings with it an endurance, buoyancy, a sly wait-and-see smile that intuitively knows you are God, and you are not done.

It stands ready to break out in joy, with a heart that “knew all along” that you would answer with a love that constantly labors beyond the limits of our vision.

Today, well everyday, I need this faith, my Lord. It awakens in me a giddy joy quick to laugh and willing to wait and see what you yet will do.

That laughter is prayer of greatest praise for you, Loving Mystery. So today, let me laugh.

Pr. David L. Miller