Framing Words in Love – November 4

Today’s Readings:  AM Psalm 72; PM Psalm 119:73-96; Ecclus. 43:23-33; Rev. 16:1-11; Luke 13:10-17

More than ten years ago, I was given a huge Emily Post book called Etiquette, with hundreds of pages of guidance for manners and interactions in every form. What to wear, decorum while sharing a meal, and, writing letters, notes, and communiques for any possible situation. I’ll admit that I have not leafed through the entirety of that Emily Post book, yet it still sits on my shelf at home. When I cracked it open today, I found this inscription of wisdom: "Use this and your Bible for the answer to life's questions." I wonder if there is a section about how to conduct oneself on the day after a presidential election.

In 1922 as the first edition of Emily Post's book of social protocols was published, she could not imagine technological platforms connecting us and spinning our words and images through fiber optic innovations, so that someone in Trenton, New Jersey instantaneously could read the musings of someone in Albuquerque, New Mexico. And not just that: responses could be issued back and forth, with others chiming in with their own perspectives. Whether slinging insults and political invectives or finding common ground and inspiration through Marvel Comic superhero plot lines, all can happen among complete strangers or immediate family members. Emily Post could not have prepared herself, or us, for that.

So, what about guidance to conduct oneself on the day after a presidential election? What I found was this: on page 1 in the chapter "Guidelines for Living", the foundational principles for manners and social interaction are respect, consideration, and honesty. (I'll report on the other 846 pages of wisdom later.)

Resources I visit much more regularly than Emily Post's Etiquette are the Bible and the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. The BCP holds prayers for every occasion under the sun. There are prayers for when I no longer have words. There are prayers when I need inspiration. There are prayers that bring me peace. How about you? Are there places and pages in the BCP that you have marked? 

If you are without words today, or searching for common ground, I commend this prayer to you:

Almighty God our heavenly Father, you declare your glory and show forth your handiwork in the heavens and in the earth: Deliver us in our various occupations from the service of self alone, that we may do the work you give us to do in truth and beauty and for the common good; for the sake of him who came among us as one who serves, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP 261)

It is a collect for vocation in daily work…or said in a different manner, a prayer for the roles we fill and the work we do to be refocused through the lens of serving God and God’s world. As humble followers, we ask God to use and overwhelm our hands, so that we may connect with others, rather than solely considering our own lives. As we are called to live in common life – in community with others – we keep praying these and other prayers that re-center us...not just to be respectful, considerate and honest human beings, but also to find our foundation in the glory and love of God.

It is God’s divine law we are called to follow first. May we find our day enlivened by the hope of God’s faithfulness. Let us set our hearts toward God in prayer; a portion of Psalm 119 is a lovely place to begin:

Let your loving-kindness be my comfort,

as you have promised to your servant.

Let your compassion come to me, that I may live,

for your law is my delight. (vv. 76-77)

Let us pray that we frame our words and interactions upon the scaffold of God’s commandments from Holy Scripture: love God, love one another. We will move forward upon that sure foundation, regardless of the outcome of the 2020 election returns.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

Who in your life needs to hear of God's love and compassion today? Consider sharing the prayer or psalm in this reflection.

In what spaces in your work can you refocus your eyes upon the common good, and away from your own interests?

Daily Challenge

 Set aside ten minutes today to write a letter to a loved one. Use paper and pen. Share a story of God's hope you've experienced, and pass along that delight as you mail it!