Take us, Renew us, Remake us - November 4
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm [70], 71; PM Psalm 74; Ezra 7:(1-10)11-26; Rev. 14:1-13; Matt. 14:1-12
Since a few of my last reflections have taken you back thirty years or so, I thought I would keep up the trend! Thirty years ago, or so, I was in 4th grade, Mrs. Gray’s class to be specific. One of my classmates showed up to school with the latest and greatest hairstyle, a giant perm. Our class wasn’t too kind. I don’t remember laughing, and I don’t remember saying anything specifically, but I do remember the principal sitting with our class and talking about how upset he was that we had allowed each other to say mean things. I do remember some students being upset because they felt, it was really only the actions of a few, and everyone was being blamed.
In our Celtic service of Holy Eucharist, the confession that we have been saying lately comes from one of the Episcopal supplemental resources. The words we say together are:
God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf. Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve only your will. Amen.
When I first read this prayer, I struggled some with saying such a strong word as evil and the connection to our own lives. But as I have continued to offer that prayer, it has been helpful for me to acknowledge “evil done on our behalf.” By being human we are a part of broken systems, in need of God’s redemption. I tend to believe that the vast majority of people have really good intentions almost all of the time, and yet that doesn’t mean that we aren’t entangled in something in need of God’s redemption and grace.
Today’s Gospel reading from Matthew recalls Herod’s action of the beheading of John the Baptist. Herod makes a promise to his niece, the daughter of Herodias and Philip. In other Scriptures, it is evident that Herod is trying to claim that he has no choice, but has to keep his promise. When I read the story, it seems to me that the whole family is caught up in something pretty nefarious. It makes me wonder sometimes how hard it is to distance ourselves from the actions of others, even when we don’t think we have done something wrong.
I’ve also been drawn lately to the post-communion prayer of the Celtic service. One of the primary reasons for us gathering on Sundays is to be reminded that God is renewing our lives, and even taking the things we have done and left undone, and still sending us forward renewed and restored. It never ends with our part in the story, but with where God is leading us into. No matter what, we entrust our lives to God and the actions of the past do not get to be our defining moments. At the conclusion of the Celtic Service, we offer this post-communion prayer. And it’s my prayer for all of us today.
Lord Jesus Christ,
you have put your life into our hands;
now we put our lives into yours.
Take us, renew us and remake us.
What we have been is past;
what we shall be, through you, still awaits us. Lead us on. Take us with you. Amen.
John+
Questions for Self-Reflection: What are your thoughts about participating in evil? What are some examples? When you offer the confession at church do you mostly focus on your own actions or the actions of others? How can a broader view be helpful to you?
Daily Challenge: Write down the post-communion prayer written above. Try offering this prayer throughout the day as a reminder of God’s work in our lives.