Did you pay attention to that date? It feels like late August out this morning and not even a slight breeze there to mitigate that feeling. But, promised on the horizon, though yet a few days away, some lower temps and a cold front coming. Thank the Lord for this. Lest we get used to such warm weather in October, and relax our vigil and preparation for the colder weather to come, (I’m speaking here like one born in Wisconsin ).
The news seems mostly depressing. Unrest and disturbance, killings and bombings daily, robberies seem on the upswing, and evil seems to hold sway no matter where we look. The world news isn’t much better. On every front there is either an uprising, or leaders gathering to plan to stop some disturbance here or there.
And news from the Christian front reports persecution – some say our age is seeing more of this that any other. One declared this to be the worst ever. I believe Tetrtullian said it centuries ago that “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church”.
So I read St. Peter’s letters again. He wrote and said, “I think it right, as long as I am in this body to stir you up, by way of minder, since I know that putting off my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.” 2 Peter 1,11-15.
These letters are written to new Christians who struggle because they are citizens of heaven living in a sinful world. He writes that God in mercy “has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” 1,3. That brings a change, for the Holy Spirit is now living in them.
So “Prepare your mind for action, be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1,13. That results in living a life that others “think strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation”. 4,4
He is writing this to people he now calls “A chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God. . .now you are people of God.. .who have received mercy”. 2,9-10. And as such, you are also invited to “cast all your cares on Him, for He careth for you”.5,7. And because this is true, St. Peter encourages them, finally, to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2,18.
Reading such a letter should and will bring us comfort and strength for this day. Because St. Peter is writing about the same God who made us a promise. “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, will not cease.” (Gen.8,22) And each rising and setting sun reminds WHO is looking after us, loving us, and has sent His Son to die for us. May your heart find rest in that truth.
GPD 10/7/09
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