Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled, What Does It Profit...

[Gary Rice]

As I arose this morning, I found myself reflecting on the present state of affairs in our world generally, and here in Lakewood, particularly.
It is no secret that many of us are being caught up in an ongoing maelstrom of turmoil these days. Whether in our personal lives, or in our interactions with others, or with the institutions surrounding us, anxiety and ill-will seem to be once again running rampant.
During my morning time of spiritual renewal, words came to my mind from a little bronze medal given to my father in the Second World War, by a Catholic chaplain; having the words of Jesus inscribed upon it:
"What does it profit a man to gain the whole world if he lose his own soul?"
In combination with that expression, another of Jesus' sayings also came to my mind...
"Let not your heart be troubled"
In this, our bleak mid-winter in so many ways, perhaps it would be well to reflect on these passages, as we pass through this veil of tears called life on earth.
After all, temporal matters soon pass away. Spiritual matters remain forever.
In further reflection, I realized that this is St. Titus' day in the calendar of Saints. St. Titus was a faithful assistant to St. Paul, even as I realized that I, in my own capacity as a member of the CDBG committee here in Lakewood, had been charged with providing faithful assistance to the Mayor, to Council, and to the residents of Lakewood.
If we are assistants, then we must assist...to be part of solutions and not problems.
On this day, perhaps extending an olive branch of comfort assistance might be in order.
Lately, there has been a free-for-all rush to grab figurative hammers, nails, and crosses.
Perhaps we need time to pause and reflect.
And even pray.
For those who might object to a faith-based 'Deck moment, it might be well to reflect on the value of even non-religious faith and trust, even when applied to the secular world.

For the rest of us, I would simply offer a prayer this morning.

For the Mayor, City Council, and public servants all, as they struggle with the turmoil of our times.
For those guiding the different groups and agencies that provide services to Lakewood, whether cosmetic or in-hand, that they be given inspiration and wisdom.
For those whose ideals for unity and human values founded this amazing electronic interchange that we call the 'Deck.
For those elderly, ill, or otherwise infirm, as they struggle through these times.
For those whose hearts have truly been troubled, grant them peace.
For all those who struggle with the complexities of modern life, especially in our city.

I was once told that a favorite hymn of Lutheran minister Dietrich Bonhoeffer was "God of Grace and God of Glory"
Implicated in a plot against Hitler, Bonhoeffer was said to have even sung it in his concentration camp cell before his execution.
Some prayerful lines from that hymn would seem to carry well for our times:

"Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the living of these days"

May we avoid disintegrating into an all-too predictable Tower-of-Babel, cycle as in olden times, and as in our own.

May grace and peace be ever yours.

Kumbayah.