"For there is no enduring remembrance of the wise or of fools, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How can the wise die just like fools? So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and a chasing after wind."
Ecclesiastes 2:16-17
The truth hurts! Our deeds are not likely to be remembered, so what's the point? The point, of course, is the present moment. Each one is precious, and each one can begin our eternal bliss.
It is a very, very difficult time to preach about joy of the present moment. The present moment seems to be full of tragedy. There is a saying in Tibet: Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength. We are encouraged to remember where we look for strength: our faith.
Faith is not just a security blanket. It is a force beyond all earthly foes. In today's Gospel, Jesus remarks that he could not do many deeds of power in Nazareth because there was no faith there. The implication is clear: with faith, Jesus can work miracles.
We are celebrating a Spirit-filled conclusion to our rector call process. It flowed from faith. It flowed from your collective commitment over the last 18 months to always choose faith over fear. Keep choosing faith. Keep praying. Be the seed of flowering peace for the whole world.
