The Other Soft Voice

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A great deal of the discourse these days is anger, dissembling, harshness. It is a shame, but I suppose it has one advantage. No one would seriously claim it is up-building. You know whence it comes. 

Perhaps more dangerous are voices that seem unctious, quiet, sophisticated in a world-weary way. “No he didn't mean that - don't take him so seriously - you won't die - you will be enlightened... .” His menace is more hidden.

I recently read an advert of the Hemlock Society, presenters at a diocesan convention, believe it or not. “We've moved far past these primitive notions of a God ruling life - perhaps now we can see how in such cases taking life enhances quality life - and our powers to affect this may be God's will in our time - who is he anyway to command life and death - our methods are so pastoral now... .” The soft offer of half-truths to an opposite end - to learn whose soft voice that really is where spiritual safety lies.  To hear God's voice plainly as His, even in the modern hall of mirrors - what if that is the higher wisdom? To reject the soft, spiritual, skeptical voice, Girma Wormtongue's, may be the key to Christian ethics.

Peace

 +GRS

Posted by The Rt. Rev. George Sumner with

Complete the Race (II Timothy 4:17)

At the end of our vacation we find ourselves in Chicago for its Marathon weekend (the fastest, I have read this morning, perhaps because it is cool and relatively level). Marathons offer many good things. You can see world-class athletes from places like Ethiopia and Kenya. There is a feel of fiesta with signs by family members, getups by some for-fun runners, and food for sale.

But as I looked out my hotel window at 7:30 a.m., I watched the race of competitors who have lost legs or their use. Wheeling vehicles by arm for 26 miles means serious fitness and determination.

Those competitors were to me, this morning, a symbol of the Church too. For each is wounded. The larger family cheers them on. Each by grace has risen up to run the race. Ahead is the goal, the prize, the welcome home. We find the companionship of Jesus the Lord, there, and along the route too.

Amen.

GRS

 

   

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