The LORD has done great things for us, and we rejoiced
Psalm 126:3 NRSV
One of the most influential theologians of the 20th century, Karl Barth, was once on a bus in Basel, the Swiss city in which he lived and taught for many years. A man happened to come and sit beside him, a tourist. Barth struck up a conversation, "You are a visitor, yes? And what do you want to see in our city?" The tourist said, "I would like to see the great theologian Karl Barth. Do you know him?" "Oh, yes," said Barth, "I shave him every morning." The man went away satisfied, telling his friends that he had met Barth's barber. (From Eugene H. Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction)
Here is a person of faith, Karl Barth, who wrote a six-million-word, seven-thousand-page, twelve-volume work of theology plus many, many other books and articles, with a chuckle under his breath and a twinkle in his eye. Abundant joy overflowed in, with, and through Karl Barth. Because of that joy, he refused to take himself too seriously and burdened neither himself nor those around him with unnecessary gloominess or heavy seriousness of pride and ambition.
Of course, joy never discounts nor skirts over the tears and toils of life. Joy is rooted in the dependability of God's promises and the fickleness of our human ways. Joy is what God bestows upon us, not what we work up. Joy is the overflowing blessing from knowing we are God's children and privileged to have profound purpose in our daily service. I believe it was Phyllis McGinley who once wrote, "I have read that during the process of canonization the Catholic Church demands proof of joy in the candidate, and although I have not been able to track down chapter and verse I like the suggestion that dourness is not a sacred attribute."
Let us pray. . .
Lord, during this day, give us supreme joy in our prayer, rest, work, conversation, and play. Rid our lives of dourness and lift our hearts with gratitude and praise. You have done great things for us, and we are glad. Amen
Contributed by Pastor Dan
Published Sunday June 26, 2005
Week 31 of Liturgical Year A