Week of November 26, 2001
Lynn W.

"And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil or spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you-you of little faith?"
     Matthew 6: 27-30

These past few months were definitely not worry free from terrorist activity especially when anthrax was found too close to home. Employees did not want to distribute mail at the workplace without plastic gloves and masks. Some people were worried about when they last went to the post office. Were they exposed to the anthrax? As we hear of more sporadic cases in different areas, more concerns arise. Jesus says,"Do not worry about your life..."

My father has been in the hospital since last week, first for minor surgery followed by a heart attack. Fifteen years ago, he survived a triple by pass. He also survived liver cancer that was discovered from x-rays after a car accident. At this time we anticipate the worst, and yet we cherish the time we have with my Dad because God has added years to his life span. I tell you it was not worry that added a single hour to his life but rather prayer. Jesus said, "Consider the lilies of the field..."

Finally, the last time I saw the lilies of the valley was at Longwood Gardens with the APLC women's group. We embraced the sunshine as we passed all the beautiful unique wild flowers and the lilies of God's design. I will never forget the aroma of the flowers during our devotion time we had with God. Jesus said "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown in the oven, will he not much more clothe you -- you of little faith?"

These times may challenge our faith through the valleys of despair, fear, and worry in our lives but consider the lilies which God so designed for us. The aroma will grab you to the spiritual reality that God will clothe us fully through His Righteousness. What joy to recognize Christ the King Sunday is today and everyday! Our worship and prayer experiences show our devotion to God, reading scripture builds our faith and communion nourishes our souls to serve others. "Do not worry" is the best medicine in our Christian walk and if you can recognize the extra hour God has given to you, love not only life but each other.

Prayer of the Church
from The Lutheran Book of Prayer:
O God, because You elected from eternity
to save us from destroying ourselves;
 
We praise you
that You gave promise of salvation to Adam and his seed;
that You saved Noah and his family in the ark of faith;
that You protected and saved ancient Israel as Your people.
 
We give You thanks
that You saved mankind by the death and resurrection of our Lord, the Christ;
that You extended Your Kingdom to many tribes and nations;
that You have preserved Your Word in the Holy Scriptures.
 
We pray You,
rule in our hearts by faith;
promote unity among us by love;
seal in us the hope of the Resurrection.
Finish Your work among us through Your Word and sacraments, for Jesus' sake.
 
Amen.

Contributed by Lynn W.
Published Monday November 26, 2001
Week 53 of Liturgical Year C