deserving than another, but simply because the pattern requires it. Looked
at from underneath, from our vantage point in life, God’s pattern of reward
and punishment seems arbitrary and without design, like the underside of a
tapestry. But looked at from outside this life, from God’s vantage point, every
twist and knot is seen to have its place in a great design that adds up to a work
of art.”
That is a good image of the way providence works. The Lord sees the
“tapestry” of our lives, and His unconditional love and providence effect every
stitch in what is potentially a heavenly portrait. Especially when we understand
how His providence is in every moment of our lives – also in every event on
earth, and in every phase of the development of the Church – we should not
allow ourselves to get caught up in the knots and apparent chaos underneath
and be discouraged.
We need to use our freedom to choose wisely and cooperate with the Lord
as best we can. We need to remember that no matter what is happening around
us the Holy City New Jerusalem is still descending into a needy world. We
should live with trust and optimism – seeking the tapestry that He sees.
God be merciful unto us and bless us;
and cause His face to shine upon us;
that Thy way may be known upon earth,
Thy saving health among all nations.
(Psalm 67: 1,2)
(BMH)
new church virtues: uniting charity and faith
Faith, at its best, is like gazing at a treasure of gold shining on the sunlit sand
beneath the crystal water of a warm sea. The waters of the “sea” are the spiritual
truths gathered together in the Lord’s Word. The “gold” is Divine love and its
offshoots of human charity. This is what faith sees, and sees from: love. “Faith
is the eye of love, since it is from love through faith that the ܙ\