Unmovable honesty - December 2

Today’s Readings:  AM Psalm 119:1-24; PM Psalm 12, 13, 14; Isa. 2:1-11; 1 Thess. 2:13-20; Luke 20:19-26

For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? Yes, you are our glory and joy! (1 Thess 2:19-20)

For many reasons, this is a meaningful time of year. December 1, 2019 was my first Sunday at Saint Stephen’s. I was ordained to the priesthood on this day three years ago. I started my first full-time job following graduate school around this time of year. This is a time of change and hope for me.

As I reflect on my career opening at UAB, it was an opening into much learning and growth, and not without uncertainty and struggle. I was surrounded by compassionate, funny co-workers who helped me along the way. I applied what I already knew about being a responsible hard worker; my mom (and others) helped instill this value in me. I learned about humility and servant leadership; Gail, the administrator of the office, helped instill these values in me. Gail possessed qualities much more valuable than letters signifying degrees after her name. She spoke kindly and directly. She had keen insights and offered them with humility. One day, early in my time at the Injury Center, Gail saw me delegate a menial task to a partner on a project. Later, she called me into her office. She said, “Katherine, I am going to give you some advice. If you are not willing to do a job, then think twice before you ask someone else to do it.”

Gail delivered the message in the way that I needed to hear it. I was humbled, embarrassed, and yet, not hurt. She and I did not share the long-term emotional bonds that can clutter or complicate a mother-daughter dynamic. I grew to understand that I could trust that the guidance and input Gail offered was for the bettering of us as people and partners in our efforts. And what’s more, Gail was acting out of her Christian faith as a person loving Jesus at all costs…and sharing that message of unmovable honesty.

In the excerpt from the first letter to the Thessalonians today, Paul writes in glowing appreciation, as he has learned of the transformation of the Thessalonians as they have embraced following the way of Jesus Christ. Now, as pieces of Holy Scripture often are, there are spaces in this reading that are uncomfortable, pointing to the Jews who killed Jesus and drove out the Christians, and God’s wrath being showered upon them for their sins. This does put a damper on the joy and gratitude, as I reflect on scripture – and so, I will embrace it, rather than ignore it. In truth, Jesus was put to death as an enemy of the Roman state by the Roman establishment, and it was in conjunction with tensions among Hebrew scholars and priests. There have been people across time who have not listened to prophets and sent them running out of the city.

Our faith journeys usually take us over bumpy roads. There are conflicts, and it is hard to merge and share space. And yet, we get to honor and give thanks to God for the people along our journeys who have made these adventures rich and meaningful – for these are the ones who bring us hope and joy. I pray that you will take time today to reflect and give thanks!

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection



Who is someone who has spoken a truth to you, and opened your eyes in a new way?

Can you think of a time you have done that for someone else? How was it received?

Daily Challenge

Put into words (spoken or written) an aspect of your faith in God that brings you hope. Think of people who have helped you in that piece of your faith journey – either building you up or challenging you. Sit in prayer, giving thanks to God for those people. Tell someone else a story of your gratitude, and how your faith has been shaped.