For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, but through love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13)
Indulge the flesh. What a crass phrase! It sounds like some bacchanalian debauchery engulfed in food, drink and revelry, sort of like...A Super Bowl Party! Yes my friends, the closest rite we have that engages us in sheer gluttony and that compares similarly to an outright orgy is our annual Super Bowl parties. More Americans call out sick the day after the Super Bowl than any other work day because we systematically shove food and beverage down our throats at an engorging rate that our standard metabolism simply cannot process. Thus we experience tummy aches and hangovers that preclude us from doing our jobs or whatever we are normally called to do the following day. This is truly an American tradition and one well worth propagating (I hope you recognize sarcasm when you read it).
So Sunday, February 7, 2016 will be a day of fat for many. And for many, it will not be. One in nine people in our world today live in extreme poverty. While we are suckin' down the last cocktail weenie with a gulp of Budweiser during the game’s final quarter, 11% of the world's population is wondering where their next meal is coming from. (For those of you who are unspecific or poor at math, that translates to millions and millions and millions of people). Although we may feel far removed, especially on the Big Game day, hunger is a very real condition on this planet and will only get worse unless we act.
A body that doesn't breathe is dead. In the same way faith that does nothing is dead. James 2:26
Do not misunderstand me: Football is a unique and stupendous thing and this diatribe is not intended to make us feel guilty. (Pause) On second thought, this diatribe is absolutely intended to make us feel guilty! Luckily, on Sunday, February 7, 2016, ELCA has given us an opportunity to do the right thing. For on that day...the very same day as the Super Bowl...the World Hunger’s "40 Days of Giving" program begins. Hopefully you have received in the mail this past week a letter containing an explanation of the Giving program and instructions for contribution. OK, I know they are asking for money and I sincerely hope you contribute but I challenge you to extend your participation beyond dollars and fight hunger over the next 40 days of Lent in whatever way you see possible. Each and every day you could be presented with a scenario where a kindness or a gift or a helping hand can be applied to those in need. It’s easy to respond if we only pray to God for guidance and inspiration.
February 7th, a day of high contrast, but if we can spend just one minute of the ballgame actually thinking of those who are so much more worse off that we are, that would be a tremendous step in the right direction. Reach out and touch someone in the name of Christ.
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8
Dear Heavenly Father, Help us to see the needs of others, not only across the world in faraway lands but all around us in daily life. Let the words of Jesus ("...as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.") echo in our minds throughout the coming 40 days. We ask this in His name. Amen.
Contributed by Donald
Monday February 8, 2016
Liturgical Year C: Week 11
Liturgical Color: white
Sunday Gospel reading: cTransfiguration
Transfiguration of Our Lord