new church life: jan uary/february 2017
times that we really make any difference. Sometimes it might feel like we have
to figure out how to carry the whole world. But as the teachings for the New
Church say, every moment of our lives has a series of consequences stretching
to eternity. (Arcana Coelestia 854) There really is no limit to the hearts that
can be touched around the world by our daily choices, our daily gestures of
fairness and faithfulness.
I’ll close this morning with words of the prophet Isaiah:
Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo
the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it
not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor
who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself
from your own flesh?
Then shall your light break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth
speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall
be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer . . . “Here I am.”
(Isaiah 58:6-9)
Amen.
The Rev. Dr. Thane P. Glenn is Assistant Professor of Religion
and English and the Chaplain in Bryn Athyn College. He
and his wife, Joralyn (Echols), live in Huntingdon Valley,
Pennsylvania. Contact: [email protected]
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