JASON'S REFLECTIONS
I remember a few weeks before the election seeing political ads about not believing the polls and not getting lulled into a false sense of irrelevance because you think that one vote, your vote, will make a difference. No doubt, I can't say that I've never felt that way, that sense that what I do doesn't matter or won't ever make a significant difference in the grand scheme of things.
But one of the lessons that I think a general election can reinforce is the fact that when individuals united and galvanized by a common cause come together, they can achieve something greater than the sum of their parts. We saw it in the 2016 election, and we see it now in 2020.
St. Paul's earnest encouragement to the Thessalonians in this week's New Testament reading is predicated on what I think is his belief that a community of motivated individuals held together by their shared belief in the mercy and love of God and by the encouragement they give one another can have relevance and significance in whatever context they are in. And thus he reminds them to not quit; to not let up in their commitment to individual righteousness and holiness; and not to forget how important it is to care for and love others.
Below, you will find that stewardship letter that I've talked so much about over the last few weeks. It's not too late to print it out, fill it out, (both sides! - because this stewardship letter isn't just about pledging money) and turn it in. Because your time, your talent, your treasure, but most importantly you matter to this community, to this neighborhood, and to God (no exceptions).
A prayer for the day:
Holy One, you planted us by living water, that we might be rooted in righteousness. You call us to be holy as you are holy. Assured of your love, help us cast aside all fear, so that we may love our neighbors as ourselves. Amen.