As the sun rises on a new day, I am inspired by those who toiled under that same sun, but lived by faith in the One who was beyond their toils, beyond the flux and turmoil of their day. They saw themselves destined for a different place, and placed their hope in a God who guided them on their way.
Lamentations
I wonder if you ever get caught up in the drama of the daily news. About a week ago, we were all excited about a local company winning a twenty-five billion dollar contract for the construction of navy ships. This victory was described by our political leaders as "winning the lottery twenty-five times". Excitement ran high over the apparent prosperity that will be coming to our area generated by this work.
Over the last few days, the breaking news is the crisis in Europe created by Greece's failure to implement the bail out arrangement agreed upon by the major countries in the European Union. At stake is the security of the banking system, not only in Greece, but in other debt-ridden European countries. Another recession is anticipated in Europe, and its effects will flow to North America.
Economic confusion already abounds, and many are raising questions as to whether our political leaders are capable of controlling the influx of economic instability.
On thinking back over the years of listening to the daily news, two questions come to mind.
When was there a time in the world when it was not experiencing this flux, confusion, change, and turmoil? The second question, where do I place my trust? Where do I place my hope?
All Saints Day and All Souls Day are times to remember our friends and loved ones who have gone before us. All Souls Day is a reminder for us to live a life that is holy, and to recognize that we are not individuals caught up in the flux of changing times, but souls destined to be with God.
The Book of Lamentations reminds us that, as souls, we can have contradictory focuses. The soul that is focused on transit and passing things, the flux and change that is part of our earthly existence, will be deprived of peace. Our afflictions, our sense of confusion and homelessness will always be before us because all that we see are the things that will eventually fail and pass away.
But the soul that places its hope in the steadfast love of God will never be bought to disappointment or despair because it places its hope and trust in that which is eternal.
Saint Paul emphasis this point when speaking to the people or Corinth. "Brothers and sisters, listen and I will tell you a mystery. You will not die, but you will experience a change." And he goes on to explain that for those who place their hope in the flux and confusion of the perishable things of the world, death will be only loss, but for those who see the victory to be found in Christ, then what appears to be loss too many, will be their gain. Death has no hold on those who see victory through Christ.
Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew speaks from the level of the soul. He speaks from a soul focused on His Father's love. He rejoices and gives thanks to the One who chooses to reveal this great truth to the humble of heart, those who place their trust and hope in God. "The truth remains hidden from the wise and the intelligent who place their hope in only what they see."
Jesus invites us to come to Him, the revealer of truth, the giver of the Spirit, to find comfort and hope in Him and His word. "Take my yoke upon you". In other words, side with Me, learn from Me. "For I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Where do I place my trust? Where do I place my hope? These are the questions that confront me on "All Souls Day".
"As the sun rises on a new day, I am inspired by those who toiled under that same sun, but lived by faith in the One who was beyond their toils, beyond the flux and turmoil of their day. They saw themselves destined for a different place, and placed their hope in a God who guided them on their way."
They are the ones of whom Jesus speaks in the Gospel, mere infants, humble of heart, seeing beyond the confusion around them, placing their hope and trust in God. How thankful we should be to be numbered among them.
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