What to DO in Lent 2013?
Is this a season to go deeper and to reflect on updating one’s theology?
Yesterday the reflection was about generosity. Today:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,
give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Do not quench the Spirit.”
1 Thessalonians 5: 16 – 19 NRSV
David Hallman asks an excellent question. He writes, ” How can we be expected to give thanksgiving in all circumstances when there is so much suffering, poverty and ecological destruction in the world?”*
Hallman’s response is that we can give thanks, and express our gratitude, for the life-enhancing gifts that God has shared among God’s children, and in God’s world. It is not simply one’s material well-being, or lack thereof.
Is it possible that we can take responsibility for our attitude?
Can an attitude of gratitude enhance our generosity as a response to God’s generosity?
Can anyone improve the spirit of the times through modelling a generosity of Spirit?
The earth has yielded its increase;
God, our God, has blessed us.
May God continue to bless us;
let all the ends of the earth revere God.
Psalm 67: 6,7
* David Hallman, Spiritual Values for Earth Community, page 35
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